Survivors

Chapter 11

The next morning, Jack, Rose and Cora were all up and about shortly after eight o'clock. By the time breakfast was eaten and the dishes cleared, Jack looked ready to go back to bed. He was in obvious pain from the long work week. Though he badly needed the rest on his days off, he didn't want to break the promise he'd made. Therefore, the trio set off on their short walk to the beach before nine.

Cora followed behind Jack and Rose until they had reached the waters edge. The construction of the new pier wasn't very far along, but with the large crew that was on the job, Jack assured it wouldn't take long to rebuild. When Jack fell silent, Cora stepped forward and took his hand, leaning against his side.

"Do you have to be in the water all day? I wouldn't like that."

"Not all the time. And it isn't cold. It doesn't hurt me, I promise."

Cora bent down and began to unlace her shoes. In moments, she had them both off. Taking off her long stockings was too much trouble, but the little girl was hesitant to get them wet. Cora eyed the water hesitantly until Jack took her hand to walk the couple of steps into the water with her.

"It tickles, but it is warm." Cora said with surprise. Her voice then dropped to a whisper, to the point that even Jack could barely hear her. "Daddy got me to a boat as fast as he could, I didn't get really wet. The water was too cold."

"I know." Jack whispered, his voice hollow. "I'm sorry you felt it too." Jack lifted Cora into his arms, as Rose reached down to fetch Cora's shoes. They all stepped back onto the dry sand, enjoying the gentle ocean breeze and sunshine. They lingered longer than any of them had expected, finding they relished the early morning quiet.

Eventually, though, Jack's fatigue caught up with him, and the three of them needed to go home. Cora put her shoes back on before they took the walk back. When they reached home, Jack immediately went to his and Rose's room and closed the door. Rose watched him go, clearly worried. She was concerned enough to follow Jack to the bedroom, where he already lay on the bed with his eyes closed. Rose spoke softly.

"Jack, maybe you should go to a doctor. It might help."

Jack shook his head, taking a moment to open his eyes. "Nah. The pain is so deep, I don't think there's anything they can do. Besides, we can't spare the money. Don't worry, I'll manage."

Rose frowned, but knew Jack was right about the money. They needed their own home sooner than later, and a good one of the size they needed wouldn't come cheap. Rose gave Jack a gentle kiss before she left the bedroom to leave Jack to his nap. Rose returned to the kitchen where Cora sat quietly at the table. Seeing the worried look on the child's face, Rose hastened to reassure her.

"Jack will be okay, Cora. He just needs some good rest. I should go out looking for the house for us. Jack will be sleeping, so you should come along with me."

"Okay. Do you think we'll find it before Nana comes to visit?"

"We really have to, sweetheart. Try not to worry. We have time."

Cora nodded, and tried to look on the bright side. "Maybe I'll have my own room like I did at home. That will be nice."

Moments later, Rose and Cora left the house to walk around town on their search. Rose visited one particular house for the second time, deciding it would suit them very well. Through word of mouth around town, Rose knew who to speak to about making the initial payment on the property. First, Jack needed to see the property for himself. Rose hoped Jack wouldn't sleep too late and they could come back later in the day.

When the pair returned home, Jack was soundly sleeping. Rather than waking him to go on their errand, Rose decided to wait and see when Jack woke up on his own. In the meantime, Cora sat at the kitchen table and finished her homework for Monday. By then, it was lunchtime. Rose quickly made some sandwiches. Jack got up in time to join them. Rose hesitantly brought up going out to see the house. Knowing there was no time to waste, Jack agreed. However, when they got ready to leave, Jack suddenly went shockingly pale and passed out.