Army of True Salvation

They were all now in the dining room to eat dinner. Two big rectangular dining tables were connected together so everyone could eat as one big group. They were eating a simple meal of rice and meatloaf for dinner and it was enough for them.

Dannie's father was seated by the edge of the dining table, overlooking everyone. On the other end, opposite him, was his daughter. Clearly they follow the old tradition of Filipinos wherein whoever owns the house or whoever has the highest position in the house, he or she gets to seat at the end of the dining table so the others would be the ones to surround the table.

"I'm happy that despite the situation, we get to gather here like a big family," Dannie's father commented and everyone looked at him and gave him a smile.

What he said was right. Despite all the bad things that have happened, they still ate together. It did sadden them when they remembered the people who were not around anymore but still, it was better this way than everyone be gone in a heartbeat.

Sheloah could not help but think that this may be the last time they may eat as one big group. She can't help but think that once they leave the place, some may die—one by one.

She shook her head when she noticed that her negative thoughts were taking toll of her emotions. She wanted to hope for the best. She wanted for everyone to survive…

But how?

After an hour, everyone finished eating. They started roaming around the area to catch some air or to relax with the people they know. The other parents went to their rooms already. The other students stayed in the lobby to play spin the bottle. The others went to the garden to do some stargazing.

Sheloah was walking in the garden when suddenly, someone called her attention.

"Sheloah!"

Sheloah looked back and she saw that Dannie was running towards her. Dannie stopped the moment she had caught up with her.

"Can we talk," Dannie asked and Sheloah nodded, answering her question.

The wind blew, making the two girls hold on to their hair as it flew. They could hear the leaves of the tree rustling, and they saw how the leaves flew with the wind. It was a beautiful sight to behold since this kind of scenery was not present in the city where they grew up.

"Sheloah, I'm sorry," Dannie suddenly said and it took Sheloah's attention.

"Why are you saying sorry?"

Dannie looked at the ground, feeling ashamed when Sheloah asked her that question.

"You don't need to ask about it. I know you guys are angry at me because Josh sacrificed himself for my safety," she answered and this made Sheloah sigh.

"It's okay. At first, there was indeed anger but then I still understood why Josh decided to do so. He was my friend. Knowing him, he would really sacrifice his life for you. He loved you dearly," Sheloah said and this made Dannie smile bitterly, not knowing what to say.

She looked at the sky as she talked to Josh's bestfriend. "To be honest, I felt guilty, y'know? Before he died… I actually left camp," Dannie said and this made Sheloah frown.

"So it was your fault," Sheloah said and Dannie looked at her, with sadness and guilt in her eyes. She was about to cry.

Because of her, Josh no longer lived.