Page 74 of Night of the Living Manny
“Lunch is ready, Brenden!” Britt called down. “Come and get it!”
“Coming!” Wow, Britt had left the couch. To help with lunch.
Peter and Britt had warmed up chicken noodle soup, had even put out saltines with it. Impressive.
“Wow, thanks, guys.” He washed up again at the main sink, the water still running well. “Thank you. Where’s Susanna?”
“She’s walking Moose.”
“Oh, cool.” He wanted to go check on her, but she was a big girl, and she needed to know he believed in her. “Thanks for lunch.”
“You’re welcome.” Britt looked… cheery.
“Is everyone okay?” He just needed to know what Susanna had told them.
“Uh-huh. Good. Daddy emailed. He says things are going good.”
“Oh, excellent.” That was the best news. “Yay!”
“Yeah. Susanna says so.”
Peter rolled his eyes, but he seemed pleased enough.
“I’m done in the basement too. Maybe we can watch a movie or play a game.”
“I’m going to play outside with Moosey after lunch. Maybe we can play ball?”
“I think that’s a good idea.” Moose would hate having to be on the leash to play, but he would do it.
Brenden couldn’t stand it anymore. He stood so he could go peek out the back door to look for Susanna.
She was walking the fence line, looking out toward the trees.
Brenden made his way outside. “Susanna? Is something wrong?”
“I don’t know. I heard something.” She looked worried.
“Did Moose bark?” He watched Moose, searching for signs of a stranger.
“No. No, I just…. Daddy emailed, did you hear?”
“I did.” He peered into the woods, trying to see into the density.
“Cool.” She frowned and shook her head. “Paranoia, I guess.”
“We’ll keep an eye out. Britt wants to come out and play later, but for now she and Peter have made lunch.”
“Yeah, she even let me walk the dog in her place.”
“I know!” He laughed, and Moose bounced right over to him. “Come on, kiddo. Let’s go eat.”
They headed inside, both chuckling, but Brenden locked the kitchen door. Just in case.
Susanna wasn’t a stupid little girl. She had this. They were going to have a good lunch, though. They deserved it.
Peter was waving them in, looking almost engaged.
Everyone needed hope.
