“IT’S ALL RIGHT,” RODDIE said, his voice breaking.
There was a long, sullen, heart-stopping stare. Then the soldier turned and walked away.
Ida’s grip loosened, and he could feel her sag behind him. Roddie turned and held her. With eyes closed, she pressed cold blue lips to his. He grimaced and turned away his head.
Ida’s response was quick. “Forgive me,” she breathed, and slipped from his arms, but she held herself erect. “I was so scared. And then we’ve had no sleep, no food or water.”
Roddie was familiar with these signs of weakness, proud of appearing to deny his own humiliating needs.
“I guess you’re not as strong as me,” he said smugly. “I’ll take care of you. Of course we can’t sleep now, but I’ll get food and water.”
Leaving her to follow, he turned left to the ruins of a sup
