Chapter 3

By sunset, I finally found a sheltered location where we could escape the rain.

I looked around to ensure the surroundings were safe. Then, I secured Aimee there and went off alone to look for food.

I found some fruit and happily brought them back to our shelter. However, what I saw there enraged me.

The cave had been taken over by Kacey and Saddler.

Aimee had been forced to the mouth of the cave, and she was so cold that she was shivering violently.

When she saw me returning, Aimee tearfully threw herself into my arms.

“You’re finally back, Dad!”

My heart shattered.

“What’s the meaning of this, Kacey?!” I yelled.

Saddler walked out wearing a disdainful look on his face.

“No particular meaning. It’s a miracle we all survived, so we should all work together, shouldn’t we? Don’t be so petty, Jared. Are you going to watch your wife freeze to death?”

I was ready to punch him for his shamelessness.

Before I could, Kacey raced over and shielded him behind her.

I forced myself to stop and looked at her in bafflement.

“Why?” I asked, although I knew what she wanted.

Kacey was shocked by the determination and fire in my eyes.

She looked torn as she lowered her arms where she had them braced against my attack. She bent down and hugged Aimee.

“Come give me a hug, Aimee. It was all my fault for not noticing you out here. I thought you were outside waiting for your dad.”

Wrapped in Kacey’s arms, Aimee seemed to be lost in memories of the past. She could not help but hug Kacey back.

Kacey took it as acceptance and smiled.

“Don’t be mad, Jared. I’ll make sure Aimee won’t suffer any hardship from now on. It’s a miracle that we survived, so let’s not talk about all these irrelevant things. We should work to survive and get saved.”

I scowled at Saddler, still standing behind Kacey and looking displeased.

Then, I looked at Aimee, still in Kacey’s embrace.

No matter how resentful I felt, I could only push it down for that moment.

Kacey was right. We had to survive this.

That whole night, Kacey took great care of Aimee, who had been through such an ordeal in the day.

When I saw that, I could not tell if she really loved Aimee or if she was simply putting on a show.

When dawn broke the next morning, I decided to find a source of fresh water.

However, I hesitated when I saw Aimee.

Since I did not know where this source of water could be, it would be even more challenging to bring Aimee along with me. But I would worry even more if I left Aimee here.

Kacey could see me working through my indecision and said warmly, “Don’t worry so much and go. I’ll take good care of Aimee.”

I was almost convinced, but then I recalled their earlier discussion. My feet remained planted on the ground.

But then Aimee went ahead and hugged Kacey.

“Go and find water, Dad. I’ll wait with Mom for you to come back.”

I could only resign myself to going to find water alone.

Luckily, I found water and also something to carry it in.

I filled my makeshift container with water and rushed back.

From afar, I saw Kacey scolding Aimee and striking her by the sea.

My heart clenched. I put down the water and rushed over.

Kacey grabbed Aimee tightly and scolded her. “You useless girl, so what if I asked you to wash some clothes?!”

Half in the sea and with her arm in Kacey’s vise grip, Aimee could not help but cry.

“I don’t know how…” she sobbed out. “Why should I wash his clothes?”

When Kacey heard that, she lost her temper.

“Why should you wash his clothes? Well, he’s your actual father!”