CHAPTER 11

When the sun finally rose, we were ready to go. We have a two and a half day walk to get through, and we had to get going. All the mobs were dying of sunlight and trying to kill us but it really didn't work. We just walked on by, collecting Rotten Flesh, bones, arrows, the sorts.

I let my mind drift. I thought about Rachel and Dave, and how they were doing... and if they were both still OK. It seems so long since I first saw them, even though it was only 3 days ago. I thought about my babysitting, and if any of the moms were wondering where I was. Probably not. I thought about Spawner, and if we're too late. Hopefully not. And I thought about what Chad tried to say last night. He obviously still knew what he wanted to say, but he decided not to say it. But what was it?

I was so caught up in my thoughts, I didn't notice the cave entrance hole in front of me and fell in. I wasn't hurt, but it did snap me back to reality.

"You didn't notice the hole either?" I said to Chad.

"Nope," he said, while trying to help me back up, "just... have a lot on my mind."

You too, huh?

I didn't really think too much after that. I didn't want another cave entrance incident, and because I was too tired by then t think. I just put my eyes forward and set my mind on reaching Spawner.

After awhile, I heard Chad mumbling. But it would keep going for a little bit, then stop, then keep going. Like he was having an argument with himself. It was really soft, though, and I wondered how I was able to hear it, even if I couldn't pick up the words. I was about to ask what he was doing, but I realized it was really just his thoughts escaping through his mouth. And if I asked, it would be like asking what he was thinking about. So I didn't.

We just kept walking and walking, not saying a word to each other. Probably because we had nothing to say. The problem was, it was getting boring and I kept getting more and more tired without something to do.

"I need a distraction." I finally said.

"You need a what?"

"A distraction. Something to talk about. Without that, I'm probably going to pass out again."

"Are you sure? That sounds a bit extreme..."

"Yes I'm sure! Without talking, I have nothing better to do except think about how tired I am. Now help make a conversation!"

"OK... Um... just keep... going?"

"That's not a conversation. That's an encouragement."

"Well, what am I supposed to say?"

"I don't know. You have to come up with it!"

"How about this? What do YOU want to talk about?"

I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about, but if Chad did was a completely different story. I risked it. "What were you going to say last night, before you said you forgot?" He stopped walking.

"Oh, you know, I still can't remember." he started walking again.

"Oh really?" I said.

"Yeah, it's a shame. Well, what else do you want to talk about?" He was definitely eager to change the subject. I pushed it even further.

"Oh please. I know you're lying. Of course you remember. What was it?"

"What makes you think I'm lying?"

"I don't know. It's just...obvious."

"Well, I'm sorry. I just can't tell you."

"Why not?"

"I just can't. I'm incapable of doing it."

"Well, if you can't tell me this one thing, then I guess... I guess we weren't ever friends then!" And with that, I stormed off in the direction of Spawner.