It took most of the day to move
through the underground ruins that was once a working subway system in the city
of Philadelphia, with the majority of time spent climbing over the wreckage from
the bombing. Scouter carried the child known as little bit on his shoulders,
while Edward held the hand of a boy who had to be about six years old.
“I’m hungry,” the boy told Edward.
“So am I, Peter,” Edward replied.
He picked the boy up into his arms and hurried his steps until he reached
Bradley. “We’ve been walking all day…these kids need a break.”
“Let me check with Tzaddik. Here, watch
him,” Bradley replied before handing over an older child to Edward.
Edward was exhausted, but he
managed a smile as he asked the boy, “What’s your name.” But, the child never
replied, only stared off into space.
“He saw a monster and now he don’t
talk,” the six year old explained.
Edward wondered what type of
monster this kid had seen and was it scarier than the zombies that they had
fought, earlier. Whatever happened to the boy, it must have been bad.
“We’re taking a 15 minute break,” Bradley
said as he handed Edward a package of crackers and a bottle of water to share
with Peter. While everyone took advantage of the meager meal and needed break,
Bradley whispered to Edward “We have to make it to the museum before nightfall.”
Edward knew why.
