I was strict however when I saw Al made a move to go wake them. They had had little or no sleep since they arrived here and I would let them rest until they came out on their own to join us.

I wondered then for the first time what would have happened if they had not suffered the tragedy that they had. Their lives would have undoubtedly been better but would we all have met and grown together the way we had. The thought I had shocked me but I was sure that every one out here felt the same. Through their tragedy our lives had been enriched with new love and passion and all that came with it. I would never wish what they had been through on anyone but was glad it had sent them into our paths when it did.

———–Rachel———

I woke to the sound of laughter from the yard and immediately felt at ease. It was amazing how quickly that had happened after over a year of being so on edge that I could not rest. I rolled over and found my wife looking at me. She had a look on her face that at one point I had all but given up on ever seeing again.

She looked content and it suited her. She leaned down and laid a tender kiss on my lips.

“Good morning, I didn’t want to wake you. You looked peaceful.”

There was no doubt that this woman held my heart in her hand and I knew that she had finally realised that and I felt safe again like when we were first starting out before we fell apart.

“Come on if we don’t get up now then I will want to stay in bed all day and everyone is just outside I don’t think I want to be caught in the buff for a fourth time.”

With that she hopped up and began to change into her bikini. I watched on thinking it over before I too began to dress in similar attire. As she turned and saw what I was doing it was not pity or concern I saw as she looked at my scarred body but pride and love. I knew it was time for the world to see me, as I was imperfect but a survivor. Well my new friends at least the world might have to wait just a while.