Peyton is carrying me back towards the camp. He has his hunting rifle strapped across his back along with his water container. I was making it more difficult for him to get back to camp so he could leave with the Watchers.

“Just put me down and run. You can’t be late and I’m just holding you back.”

He looked down at me and let out an exasperated sigh.

“In what world do you think I would do that, Maya?”

I frown at him. The stinging in my right foot grows worse and I wince as the pain radiates.

“You can hardly stand properly. There’s no chance of you walking right now.”

I keep quiet as he walks through the thick forest. A path was designated so that we could trade and have a way of escape if needed. We reach the part of the trail where the camp becomes visible. Ahead I can see the wall of our camp, its wooden beams covered in moss. The trees of the forest become farther apart, and the sun hits us harder. I let the warmth of it comfort me even though my damaged foot still burns and causes me to bite my lip.

We reach the entrance of the camp. Two large doors, which were crafted by the king’s son, help provide a safe haven for the people inside. Peyton uses his water canteen to knock the appropriate amount of times and in the correct pattern. A man above the wall appears and smiles.

“Peyton! Finally, you’re back.”

Peyton chuckles. “It hasn’t been that long. You’re just impatient!”

The man laughs and signals below for the guards to let us in. Slowly the tall metal doors open, revealing the bustling streets and lively community.

I attempt to wiggle out of his arms as he walks in.

“Put me down. Now.”

“Is your foot suddenly back to normal? No more unbearable pain and swelling?”

I glare at him. Of course my foot is still very much swollen and painful but I’m trying to hide my discomfort the best I can.

“The infirmary isn’t too far. I can manage.”

“Exactly, it isn’t too far. Just shut up and be patient please.”

As Peyton heads towards the infirmary, people passing by give strange looks to us and to each other. It isn’t normal for Watchers to be seen carrying anyone.

“Well, this is certainly a surprise.” Dr. Manning says when we come through the curtain separating the healing area from the recovery space.

“I found her by the well, lying down alone. Her right foot-“.

I lower my left leg in an attempt to free myself. Peyton relents and lets me stand on my own, although he keeps my right arm over his shoulders.

“My right foot, well, just take a look will you, doc?”

He nods and walks over to an empty cot. I lie down as he directs, and pull up my pant leg. The redness of my foot is spreading up towards my calf. Dr. Manning leans over to look while sitting on the nearby cot.

“My goodness. This thing is swollen beyond belief. Is it alright if I touch it?”

I nod and he begins to examine my foot. I clench my teeth as the sharp pain increases in intensity.

“Doc, is there anything you can do? Give me some sort of medicine? I have to go with Leo to the meeting today.”

He leans back and sighs. “Do you really expect to go to that meeting in this condition? The journey is two days long and is physically demanding. You can’t be serious.”

Peyton nods his head in agreement. “That’s what I’m saying. Maya-“. He looks at me sympathetically now, which only infuriates me more. “Leo will find someone else to accompany him. You’ll have to sit this one out.”

I hug my arms across my chest. I don’t look at Peyton because of the impatience building up inside of me. “Doc, what do you think this is? I mean I stepped on a sharp rock but I don’t see how this could happen.”

Suddenly Dr. Manning is curious. “You stepped on a rock? When was this? Did it puncture your foot?”

“I think so. Yesterday while Karen and I were gathering supplies in the barn, I stepped on something sharp and hard. I remember taking off my sock and seeing blood.”

He nods slowly as if understanding something. “It’s clearly infected Maya. You don’t need to be a doctor to see it. I’ll prepare a treatment that should relieve the swelling and pain, but it’s going to take a few days.”

I nod, feeling tired and guilty. I had told Leo that I was going to go with him to the meeting with the new people.

“You get some rest now, you hear me?” Dr. Manning orders. “I’m going to go speak with Nurse Jane.”

He walks out of the tent, leaving me alone with Peyton.

“I’ve got to go, I’m already a couple of minutes late and the guys are going to be pissed.”

I nod in understanding. “Go. Tell Martin that you were assisting an injured girl who desperately needed help.” He grins slightly. “Alright, he says. “I’ll check in when we get back.”

“You don’t have to.” I say, but he’s already walking out of the tent.

I remember suddenly that the water I had obtained from the well was still at the well. I groan in pain as well as frustration. I’m not used to doing nothing.