"I'm not the same person, I was. She might not." He rubbed the heel of his hand against his chest as he felt it tighten once again.
"She always has."
Daniel glanced back towards the hut. "We should probably get going. The kids'll get restless."
Honey nodded and offered him a smile. "I might be wrong, she might be fine."
"I hope so." He considered how he was and found himself doubting the words as soon as they formed. He ducked back inside to collect their things.
Honey waited shifting the dirt with her heels.
Daniel followed the kids back out. Each ten-year old carrying their own backpack once more and Daniel had the large duffel and second smaller bag thrown over his shoulder.
He felt a little better with them. He didn't like leaving the bags out of his sight and together with the coat he felt less exposed.
"You guys wanna meet the other kids?" Honey asked as the two children
"There are other kids?" Jessie asked tentatively, both children unconsciously moving closer to Daniel.
"Mmm a few people came with family, the ones born here are too little yet," Honey replied
The two children glanced each other, shrugged and then shook their heads. "We'd rather just see Angel," Jessie muttered.
"Once you've got used to seeing Sh...Angel," Honey replied
Both children nodded. "Where are we going now?" Dylan asked.
"To Angel's now, then to a proper home."
"We're not staying with Angel?" Jessie asked, looking at her father.
"We've only just arrived, sweetie. Things take time."
"You can see her soon," Honey soothed
Jessie sighed but nodded before both children lapsed back into silence, sticking close to Daniel, waiting to be led to their destination.
"How many people live her?" Daniel asked after a moment.
"Right now about 50"
Daniel nodded slowly, his brow knitting together. The last time they had ventured into a large community, it hadn't gone smoothly.
"You don't want to deal, run now, don't hurt her more," Honey muttered
"I... we travelled all this way for her. I figured there would be people here. It..." He swallowed. "It just hasn't been an easy journey."
"For anyone"
"I know that."
"Dove was there, when she lost it, and Topher, not me. We all thought we'd lost her right there."
Daniel didn't know who these people were but he was glad that someone was there for her. "She's the reason we're here."