'Don't even try, Wanda.' Mel said disapprovingly. She took the heavy box of soup cans away from me.

'Melanie I can handle carrying that. I'm not so weak. Please let me help!' I begged.

'Were nearly done anyway. There's just that left.' She shrugged her shoulder to indicate the second box of soup.

'Fine.' I didn't move. I'd try to carry the box back when she would go.

She smiled 'Sorry Wanda but its just hard to let you do any work at all in that tiny body. Feels so…cruel.' She walked away into the steep pathway, into the caves.

I sighed as I watched her go. This was stupid. I was perfectly capable to carry that box. And I would prove it to them all. I took a deep breath before picking up the big box. It was pretty heavy. But I could do it. I would do it.

I started down the pathway after Mel. The walk seemed to last forever, carrying that bulk.

I heard someone walking my way. Was it Mel?

'Wanda?' I heard his voice.

'Ian!' I cried loudly. He hadn't come on the raid. Having hurt his leg he wasn't supposed to strain himself. Of course he hadn't been very happy about it. He said he felt uncomfortable when he wasn't there with me.

It was too dark to see where he was.

'Ian?' I called out uncertainly.

'Right here' he whispered right next to me. I jumped slightly in surprise. His arms snaked around my waist.

'Why are you holding that?' his voice was disapproving too. This was beginning to….annoy me.

'Because I can.' I said stubbornly.

'Come on Wanda hand it over.' I felt the box being gently tugged away from me. No! No, I could do it myself. I wanted to carry the box without any help!

I held the box tightly as though my life depended on it. I heard him laugh softly. I felt a smile creep onto my face. I'd been craving for the sound for so many days. I needed Ian, I knew that. I'd missed him terribly.

'Wanda' he whispered. Then I felt the warm pressure of his lips against mine. And I lost my train of thought. He kissed me softly and long. I couldn't think, not one bit.

I didn't even realize when he easily took the box from me. My arms were around his neck, the box long forgotten.

I was disappointed when he drew away from me.

He began to walk away from me, down into the caves. And then I realized me arms were empty, not holding Ian or the box of canned soup.

'That's not fair Ian! Why wont you let me try? I can do it!' I tried to sound angry. And afcourse failed terribly. My high voice just didn't permit me to sound angry.

'I love you too, baby.' He chuckled lightly.

I sighed.

'I love you too' I whispered, too low for him to hear.