Phoebe Hinkle > Status Update

Carefully, I roll off my cot and step outside for some fresh air. The night air is still plenty warm, but not as stuffy as the tent. I stand out in the darkness for a few minutes, watching the stars and a lone firefly that lazily drifts between the rows of tents.

Finally I turn to go back inside. Reentering the tent, I look around to make sure that I didn’t disturb anyone. Everybody seems to be sleeping soundly.

Kelly has his hand on his cross necklace, as if he fell asleep in prayer – which wouldn’t surprise me at all. From the next bunk, Casey, hands clasped behind his head, fills the tent with the deep, honest snores of a hardworking man. Newton too is lying on his back, the dog tags resting on his bare chest gently rising and falling with each breath he takes. He looks different – younger – without his glasses.

Bush’s face has for once relaxed its scowl, and his head is lolling at a very uncomfortable-looking angle. Piper, lying halfway on his side, has his mouth partly open, with a little dribble of drool running down his chin. Reg’s hair is splayed out on his pillow, and even in sleep he has a bit of a smirk on his face. Perhaps it’s because of the loud, nasal snore he’s emitting.

Rory is the only one whose sleep seems troubled. His face twitches a few times, and a half-sigh escapes his lips. His eyelids flicker again, and he rolls over with his arm thrown out, his tattoo in sharp contrast against his light skin. Maybe he too is having a nightmare.

Petey is untroubled by Rory’s restlessness. He sleeps curled up and halfway under the blanket, his face completely peaceful and looking far too young for eighteen. Sometimes I wonder about him.

Inwardly, I chuckle at myself – I’m being like an overprotective mom, checking on all her sleeping kids. But in a very real sense, these men are a family, and even though several of them are older than me, I’m the one responsible for them.

“Mother hen,” I tell myself. “You’re worse than Sergeant Saunders.”

(For context Parker was having a nightmare, also Sgt Saunders is a character from an old TV show)

Lollll I can’t wait to read this! Also the descriptions? Peak 🔥🔥🔥

Aww tysm Casserole!!! 🥰🥰 You made my day 💕

“I suppose I had better go help Verity find those baskets,” Maje said after standing for a moment twisting the knot of her apron in her hands. She released it, wishing she could so easily take care of the raveled knot of doubt in the pit of her stomach which rarely left her in peace.

“If you can catch up with her,” Grandmother’s eyes twinkled. “A small whirlwind, that one. But I know she’d appreciate the help and the company.”

“Never one for being alone when she can find someone else to pass the time with, that’s Verity for you,” Alana bustled past them to put the bowls and spoons to soak.

“Right. Well, I’d better hurry then,” Maje said, untying the knot in her apron at last. “Thank you for letting me help.”

“Of course, dear. You run along now,” Grandmother swished her apron at Maje as though she was a little girl. Maje’s grin sparkled as she hurried off in search of their redheaded whirlwind. Behind her, she heard the familiar pat of Rafiq’s feet. He walked at her side, nosing her and looking up at her with pleading eyes as if to say, 'Why would you leave that place? It was warm and smelled good. But if you want to go somewhere else, I’m coming with you.'

Sydney wrote: "“I suppose I had better go help Verity find those baskets,” Maje said after standing for a moment twisting the knot of her apron in her hands. She released it, wishing she could so easily take care..."

Ooh, I like it! A good family rep gets me every time 😊🫶

This is so good I NEED MORE!!!!!! AWESOME JOB Miss Phoebe!! 😍😍

Thisbe wrote: "This is so good I NEED MORE!!!!!! AWESOME JOB Miss Phoebe!! 😍😍"

Aww thanks Thisbe!! 😍