Isolation , Jones, Nathan [top 20 books to read TXT] 📗

“There can be a lot of negative feelings, when life doesn't go our way,” he continued. “Some people turn that energy outward, hating the world or other people, blaming them for everything that's going wrong. That's not healthy for those people, and doesn't help make their lives any better either. Usually the opposite.”

“Are you saying that's what I'm doing?” Ricky demanded, a bit defensive.

“No, not really,” Nick said. “But you might be holding those negative feelings inside instead, and that's not healthy either. I've noticed you've been a bit more glum than usual these last few months.”

“Maybe.” His son pulled his knees up to his chest, looking miserable. “But what else can I do when everything is so crazy? When so many people have died, and we're living in dirt houses in someone's backyard.” His voice raised. “And now you're being punished for trying to help people, and you have to leave us for a really long time.”

“All of that's true,” Nick said slowly. “But when life doesn't go our way, instead of getting mad and bitter about it, we need to try extra hard to change things.” Ricky looked dubious, and Nick reached out and rested a hand on his shoulder. “And you know, you've been doing that most of the time. You've really been great through all this . . . we couldn't have made it without you.”

His son looked up slowly. “Really?”

“Really. You did more than I ever thought you'd be able to. Especially when we had to be separated, and you did such a great job taking care of yourself and Tallie.” He looked up at his daughter, directing Ricky's eyes that way as well. “And I'm counting on you to keep on doing a great job looking out for your sister, and helping your mom, while I'm gone. Can you do that?”

Ricky nodded, looking suddenly determined.

“Good.” Nick pulled him into a hug, feeling his voice catch. “I love you.” He looked up at Tallie. “Both of you. You'll always be in my thoughts.”

His son hugged him back tightly. “I'm going to miss you, Dad,” he said, voice thick.

“You too, buddy.” Nick pulled back so he could look into Ricky's tear-filled eyes. “But we've gotten through worse than this. We'll get through this, too.”

Around them the hubbub of farewells between volunteers and those staying behind began to gradually die down, and Nick looked up to see people turning in the direction of the relief workers' dismantled camp. He straightened, a hand on Ricky's shoulder, and turned to see Gorstrom approaching, flanked by her aides and a handful of soldiers.

An expectant silence settled as she made her way to the front of the group of prisoners and lifted a bullhorn. “Listen up, all those entering the work program,” she boomed, then paused and turned towards the larger crowd of volunteers, including Nick, Gen, and Billy. “And the rest of you should pay attention too, because it'll be good for you to hear.”

With a bit of bitter amusement, Nick wondered if that was her indirect way of saying she was also talking to him, Denny, Starr, and the others who'd been allowed to stay with the volunteers rather than being separated out.

Wouldn't surprise him.

Gorstrom slipped her phone out of her pocket and checked it, then tucked it away again and jotted something on the clipboard she held before raising the megaphone again. “As of now, your work sentences officially begin. I now transfer you to the care of Lieutenant Tullis, who will ensure your safe and orderly transit to the Gulf Coast, where you will be delivered to your respective work programs.”

She paused, expression stern but not unkind. “I don't want you to think of this as punishment, but as an opportunity. You'll be doing important work for the rebuilding of our great country, helping us to return to the prosperity we once enjoyed. And more importantly, you'll be benefitting yourselves as well, although it may be hard to see that now.”

The administrator paused to wave vaguely southwards. “This is a fresh start for you. Whatever chaos you may have been involved in during the pandemic, it's now over, and you can begin as changed men and women living honest, honorable lives. As well, you can expect good accommodations, plentiful food, and reasonable work hours in our work programs.”

She smiled grimly. “In fact, I'm confident you'll find the programs so reasonable that it wouldn't surprise me if many of you elect to stay on and work for generous wages once you've paid your debt to society. An option that will be open to you . . . all forms of labor are in high demand, and resources are plentiful, so you'll never want for gainful employment. It's a chance to work towards a better future for yourselves and your loved ones, doing useful service to the rebuilding effort.”

Nick suppressed a bitter snort at that. Gorstrom might be telling the truth, but considering the way she'd strong-armed a bunch of good people into this work program of hers, nobody was going to be eating up the rosy picture she was painting for them.

Apparently done with her little speech, the relief administrator turned to the soldier standing beside her, a new face Nick hadn't seen before; he'd probably arrived today to take charge of the prisoners. “Lieutenant, they're all yours,” she said, offering him the bullhorn.

Lieutenant Tullis accepted it with a polite nod. “Thank you, Administrator.” He turned towards the prisoners. “This will be a straightforward trip, folks. We'll load you onto your transportation, drive you south for half a day or so, then install you in your new accommodations to prepare to begin your new work programs bright and early in the morning.”

He held up three fingers. “I have only three rules for this trip, simple and easy to follow. One, you stay where you're put unless told to move. Two, you may talk, but I'll have no disturbances. Keep the noise level down, and no arguments. Three, keep