Chapter 268 Gather a Group
"Yes..." Daniel said, briefly looking up from his paperwork. "Gather a group that's not something I will compromise on." He suggested, "The group that left earlier this morning should be back soon, so until then, you can do whatever you like." Daniel stated.
"Alright," Aleshia agreed, "I'll be making food for me and the kids. When the food's done, you two should come," Aleshia planned.
With that sorted, Aleshia left the two of them alone and walked toward the kitchen, eager to pass the time and feed the children. She dug into her bag and pulled out a few fish, but noticed that her supply was running low. "Hey, Lucia, can you remind me while we're out that we need to restock our food supplies. It looks like we don't have much fish left," Aleshia retrieved blocks of frozen fish and thawed them in heated pots and pans, making sure there would be enough fish for everyone at the camp.
When the fish finished cooking, a swarm of children burst into the room like waves on a beach. They seemed more orderly than last time, patiently waiting to get their food. Aleshia handed out the fish along with utensils. As they ate, she overheard snippets of conversation. One child said, "Isn't it great that Daniel has someone to talk to again?" Another replied, "He was alone for so long, and taking care of us must have kept him so busy that he couldn't find someone to be with, so yeah."
"Oh, is that gossip?" Lucia exclaimed, her curiosity piqued. "No way, I have to keep listening." With that, Lucia quietly left Aleshia's side and hopped toward the group that was conversing secretly, stealthily stalking up to them. Meanwhile, Aleshia continued cooking and serving fish to the children who kept arriving. Eventually, she heard the camp door open, and her spirits lifted.
Amid the noise, she could faintly hear someone say, "What's that smell? Is that the smell of fish?" Another voice replied, "Oh, right! A few days ago, didn't that girl cook some fish for the camp?" "I'm starving and can't wait for some food, so let's hurry before it runs out!" a girl said eagerly as she sprinted toward the kitchen, her footsteps quickening.
Aleshia anticipated the girls' enthusiasm for the food and began plating a fish for her and her group, knowing they were hungry from their exclamations. Just a few seconds after she finished plating the fish, the girl arrived, followed shortly by the rest of the group.