Janette took a seat at the end of the make-shift bed. The sheets were tattered, and the pillows were flat. But it was the best they could do. Alex turned her gaze to the side. Her hand slid over her wrapped abdomen. She hated being seen like this, weak.
Janette didn’t seem to mind the silence. Then again, she tolerated Alex better than anyone here. Rummaging through her backpack, Janette took out an apple. It was bright red. She wiped off the specks of dirt and held it out towards Alex.
“Here,” she said.
Alex grimaced. She didn’t want pity, especially from someone young enough to be her kid.
“I’m not hungry,” Alex muttered. Janette took back the apple momentarily and looked back at Mary. Mary had bandaged Alex up since she had the most medical experience out of the handful of them.
“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” Janette said, holding out the apple once more. She shot Alex a smile. Alex raised her hand to her mouth, coughing to cover a laugh.
“You’re too smart for your own good,” Alex said and took a bite of the fruit.
“Maybe,” Janette said, “But I think you like it.”