I put the stuffed animal in my pocket and headed for the dining hall at five, something that has become a rarity these past weeks. They all hushed as I entered, and I took my original seat at the head of the table. I was surprised to find Michael in one of the many chairs at the table, newly bandaged and this time with a shirt on. He didn’t look at me and I was not surprised, but it still hurt in a way, like a stab to my soul. I tried to ignore it, knowing I deserved it, yet I felt bitter about it. But it did warm me and make me feel welcomed when Eli greeted me with a nod and a smile through his eyes.
He leaned over to me and murmured. “Welcome back, Eleanor. I’m glad to see our leader has her senses back to her.”
I smiled, a first true smile to him and returned his nod.
“Someone on my
