Seventy One

ELLEN

The eerie silence was as resounding as a metal gong. We all sat there staring into each other's faces, with no words on our lips.

I couldn't tell how long we had been this way, but it felt long enough. Even Sam who was always out to say one derogatory remark or the other, was unusually quiet.

I watched Robb rise quietly to his feet, as he busied himself about around the room. I stood up quietly, and trudged after him. He seemed like the best person to relate to at that point.

Cole was gone, although I didn't yet understand what that was supposed to mean. But, Big Joe was clearly a mess, and I could tell that he had done what had to be done.

"You wanna help?" Robb buzzed, turning slightly towards me.

I nodded, and increased my pace. "Of course, I want to. What are we doing?"

"Well, Ellen if I'm to be frank, I don't know what we're doing here. I mean, I just needed a distraction, and cooking seemed like one."

"You don't have to go through the str