Anna was good with kids. He couldn't picture her being so good with children, but here she was playing with the young kids to improve their moods. After telling Charles about the updates, it was like a fire got lit under him, and he instructed everyone to inventory everything they had brought besides what they were wearing and weapons. So Anna started to play with the children. At first, she occupied Zane because Charles had left to find those he trusted with children. Then other younger kids joined in. She was like a beacon of hope for others. Adults were looking at her as if trying to figure out how she could bring such happiness to the eyes of children who had lost so much. Then she played with the kids, making jokes, doing little games, and always doing something to keep the kids entertained. There were only ten surviving children, and only two had one or both of their parents still alive with them. Everyone seemed dead on their feet, but watching children laugh and play was better than watching a town on fire slowly become cinders alone.
Anna had decided to play with Zane to keep him occupied. Yet somehow she is now playing with multiple children. Part of herself wanted to hide. Doing something like this was mentally draining. If she had done this before, she probably would have locked herself in her apartment for a week afterwards to unwind. Not that she could play with kids back then. She was crippled up till a few days ago.
When Charles returned, Anna wanted to laugh. He had a shocked expression, having learned that there was more than just one child that survived and had no living guardian. Yeah, Anna didn't feel bad about giving the man more work. He honestly should have discussed with others and made a plan to take care of any surviving children in some way if there were no living guardians.
"Someone spotted your friends returning with three more survivors. We will be headed out soon." (Charles)
Charles tilted his head to the kids, and a few adults split the children into groups, walking away with them, speaking calmly and caringly. However, Anna can tell from the bags under their eyes that they haven't been getting any proper rest.
"Thank you for telling us." (Greyson)
Charles nodded.
"Would you and your group be willing to help us escort the civilians to where we are headed?" (Charles)
Greyson looked at Anna as if she knew what to say. Not that she does.
"We would have to talk to the others when they arrive. We don't know if they want to travel with us either way." (Anna)
"Come talk to me when you make a decision."
"OKAY PEOPLE START PACKING UP WE WILL BE HEADED OUT IN THIRTY MINUTES MAKE SURE TO HAVE ANYTHING HEAVY IN THE INVITORY ONLY HAVE WEAPONS ON HAND TO DEFEND YOURSELF WHILE WE TRAVEL REMEMBER KEEP TOGETHER AND FOLLOW THE OFFICERS INSTRUCTIONS WHILE WE TRAVEL IF ALL GOES WELL WE WILL BE AT YATES FARM IN AN HOUR BEFORE DARK!!!" (Charles)
Charles caught the survivor's attention like a sergeant, and everyone started moving. Anna leaned to Greyson, whispering.
"Was he a soldier or something?" (Anna)
"I think he was a Drill sergeant for a few years. Last I knew, he worked as an officer before early retirement." (Greyson)
"Guess that means he is out of retirement now." (Anna)
"I don't envy him." (Greyson)
"Same." (Anna)