Traveling through the unknown landscape of the land and feeling a tickle in my throat that only water could fix. I looked over to Alla and asked her to give me a cup of water from the old worn out barrel resting in the back. In a blink of an eye, she was in the back scrambling like a chicken with its head cut off, until she reached down for the old metal cup, scooping half a cup of water she hands it to me. Slowly, not wanting to spill a precious drop I finish the water and thank her kindly. Not thinking anything of it, she found the dress I bought for her laying on top of the pile of dried goods I recently purchased. She feels the fabric with her fingers and she lets out a sign so loud I was able to hear it from my seat. "Where did you get the dress?" She asked. "Well now, I noticed all you had were the clothes on your back. I figured a lady like you needs to have something nice on rather than what you have now. No offense ma'am, if you are connected to it forgive me then." "No, no, not at all." "Try it on. You deserve it with all that has happened to yeah over the days." I replied. "No peeking now." She said. I give off a chuckle and ensure her that I never would cross that line. Minutes pass as she gets changed and stepped out to her sot on the bench. She looked as if she belonged from a group on the higher end of society. Her face was as red like that of a rose, she couldn't believe at the good generosity that had fallen upon her path. I didn't want to say anything about it as her expression was all I needed. I had the feeling that with her beauty and how she carried herself that the attention of most men was always something she attracted. So much so it probably became an annoyance to her and her daily routine. The Preacher gives off a whistle and compliments Alla on her lovely new dress. "You sure look pretty enough for Church in that dress ma'am." He says as he tipped his hat. All smiles and gave off a laugh as she thanks him for his response. While we made our way through the dust world that we allowed ourselves to become tangled in. As the hours dragged on, we were all growing hungry with every inch we took and soon the general discussion turned towards what was on the menu. Now, this was nothing generally new to be speaking of, though we had our supplies, and could live a week on them until he would have to hunt or gather, My finances were on the lighter side. At this point potatoes and bread maybe all we have to eat until we reach the coast. Though I would consider myself a pretty good shot and the thought of gutting an animal would fall on someone else as I didn't wish to stain my clothes. A general agreement was made that Alla would prepare us a fine meal with limited supplies. Though she said she wanted to cook for myself and the Godly Preacher, we both agreed that we found the perfect spot to stop for the time being near a few lively trees dancing in the gentle breeze. "I'm so hungry I could eat a shoe." The Preacher said with a chuckle. "I couldn't agree more with yeah," I said. "You boys are going to love what I'm going to make." "Really?" I said with a grin. "My Pa loved it when I would make this for him back when he was working on the farm. Give me some time and you'll all be happy." The Preacher and I leave her alone for a little bit, while she prepared the fire and began setting up her area. She worked like a mad woman, moving so fast one would think she was possessed by a demon. Not even breaking a sweat she sliced some eat and was already frying it over the small fire. The aroma of the meat cooking was something to make one drool over. While I decided to take a little walk around the area in the hope to stretch my legs and to be alone with my thoughts. I walked around the rough and dusty terrain, looking at the world around me void of a town, a ranch, or even a single sign of human presence. The silence that filled my soul and being with such a cluster of emotions is now void and empty. I could wander around here like Moses in the desert, but what would the point be? Eternal peace? Not having to deal with loss? I can't honestly say, but I feel like there is a part of me that wants nothing but the silence of death to take hold of me. That's why I do what I do, I don't care if I live or die, but what I do care about are those two misfits over there. One being a woman who was a punching bag for some unworthy man and a Preacher, who loves his drink and could do no wrong with God on his side. Then there's me, someone who lost everything he's worked for within a month. Thirty days, that's all it took to bring down my world and here I am. Funny how quickly one's life could crumble into a pile of sand in no time. My mind slowly began to race and while I was being flooded with all sorts of memories, the world began to grow dark and soon I found myself sitting at the kitchen table. A roast chicken sitting on the table, three plates set, and the chairs are pulled out. I sit in the silence looking around and soon discover everyone's gone, except for me. In the distance upstairs I can hear coughing from the kids. Everything slowly fades to black and soon I find myself standing in my kid's room that they shared. Void of life, not a single sign of anyone living here in quite some time. I stand perfectly still and soon I find myself standing in the middle of nowhere. In a matter of a second, I've traveled across this nation. "Lunch is ready," Alla shouted. Without a moment to spare I made my way back to our temporary homestead. The aroma of bacon was a beacon of hope for my stomach, it made me feel alive for the first time and I knew the moment I took my seat and dug in, that for a single moment the world would be right. That's what happens when you eat such small portions but it's worth it in the long run. Being able to survive and being able to live to see another day is all someone like me wants. Alla gave me my plate with some fried bacon and a cup of water, it's not much but its honestly one of the finest meals I've had on this forsaken journey. While in a few bites I was finished and soon as the meal was digesting, I began to wander through my mind. This is something I try my hardest to withhold these moments from happening. But ever since I bought the dress for Alla, I can't seem to help myself, and so without trying too hard, I found that I was back home.