It gives us life and it gives us joy

Was the price too much to pay? Indeed money had no value in this world, but swapping medical supplies for a pear tree? It just didn't add up.

"What's up with you lately" Amy said sharply, her hands on her hips. Her gaze straight and piercing

"Must we talk of this again?" Graham responded calmly. His voice was no more than a whisper. He did not look up from the book he was reading. It was old, very old. The front cover was fading drastically and the binding was coming apart. The title 'Of mice and men' is barely readable.

"Supplies are running drastically low, you know that?" Amy continued

"I do understand that" Graham acknowledged the question, but still he did not stop reading his book. He was a wise man and that was why they all chose him to be their leader. It was a non-contest. He had led them well enough so far. Year after year they had survived. They had continued. Even though their numbers dropped it was still healthy enough. Amy was beginning to get frustrated with the situation. Frustrated with Graham. It wouldn't be the first or the last time that they locked heads.

Amy considered continuing with the conversation, but she thought better of it. With the mood Graham was in it was better to leave it than have the conversation go nowhere. Amy was busy after all. She was the 'town' doctor after all. Leaving Graham to his book she left the room. She walked hastily back to her quarters. Her red hair flowing and swishing in front of her eyes. so, as she walked she tied her hair up.

She set her about her rounds the same as she always did. Working hard throughout the day and barely eating lunch. She checked Jane's blood pressure and tended to Eric with his injured leg. Out of all of her patients, she felt most sorry for Molly. A sweet young thing. Full of sorrow. Despite all her best efforts, Amy couldn't cure Molly's afflictions. There is no cure for a loss like that. To lose everyone you know and love there was nothing like that. Even in this harsh world that they lived in this was exceptional cruelty. Amy didn't know any method to try and treat her. The only thing she could do for Molly was to be her friend.

The day was done at last and the day had turned to night. Amy could finally turn her attention to herself. It was to time to eat and to see Harry. They always meet in secret not because the relationship wasn't allowed here, but more because they were both so invested in their respective commitments it didn't feel like their love could coincide. Could love really exist in a world like this?

"Have you eaten yet?" Harry asked with a friendly smile on his face

"Not yet" Amy responded before they embraced and kissed. Harry was on the gathering side operations. He was frequently sent on a mission to bring back supplies and when he wasn't away he spent long periods keeping watch over the settlement. Although naturally, their community had natural protection because it was situated in a massive white building. Although it was falling apart they repaired it the best they could. The immediate area outside was dangerous. The top-level balcony was being used as a vantage point for sharpshooters and look-outs. For now, he had slipped away from watch and he was all Amys.

"I found this on our last expedition" Harry said with pride as he showed her the foil packet. Amy was puzzled at first. She hadn't seen anything like that in a long time.

"Is this even safe to eat ?" Amy asked her voice full of amazement

"I'm not sure" Harry said frankly

The sweet treat was edible, but it did not taste as good as it could have. In fact, it didn't taste very nice at all, but it did remind Amy of her younger self and of happier times. A long time ago, before all this. They enjoyed the evening together like they always did when they could. It was nice for a few hours to pretends that things might be different. Not now, but one day.

The night grew deep and darker, but they were comfortable in each other's arms so they didn't pay too much attention to it. Time drifted by and they let it.

"Do you think Graham has lost the plot" Amy spoke softly and James stroked her hair. Running his fingers through the red mess gently.

"No, not at all! Why do you think that?" he responded with genuine surprise. Amy stared up at him wide-eyed and dreamy.

"Trading important supplies for a pear tree! I just don't understand it" she admitted

"I've been out there a lot and I've seen what's out there. That might be the only fruit tree I've ever seen. Dam thing is rare. Sometimes you've got to makes sacrifices in the present to prepare for the future"