Crap sleep. Couldn’t help thinking about those kids. I say ‘kids’ but they probably weren’t a lot younger than me. Jessica and Eama were the youngest, the most talkative, but anytime they touched on something that hinted at their lives, the boy would glare at them. He didn’t give his name, but I had a fair idea. He said they wanted to go south, avoiding any settlements. So I escorted them for a way, before heading back. Was a good 6 hours walking. Seems easy enough, but do it for that long straight, and your hips’ll know about it, ninja or no. Maybe you’re wondering why I didn’t try harder to keep them with us. I know. I woulda been like that too. But it isn’t always happy endings and group hugs. Sometimes people gotta do what they gotta do. And I believe I have told you about how well strangers go around here.

Anyway. Even though Rachael is a righteous cow I have also been thinking about what she’s been saying. Am I too gung ho? Do I think am I better than everyone cos of what I can and do, do? I mean, I am not gonna think less of myself cos she doesn’t like it, but I guess there is something to be said about a little humility. I have put down to do some runs with dad (Yay – bonding! Welcome to the secret life of Jay!) but I also have been thinking I should do some more work in the kitchen, agriculture, and supplies. Get a bit more well-rounded. I told dad. He grinned fit to split. He didn’t say it, but I know he wants Dep and I to step up around here, later. Dude, I tell him, (dude, cos he hates it) this is a democracy, not a monarchy. Then he tells me that nepotism goes a long way, and then I have to go get the dictionary.

So I dunno how much kick-ass excitement I will have for you, for a while. Although I will be able to tell you how I cooked an industrial sized-vat of soup, or fertilized some carrots. Shit – do you even fertilize carrots? Yup. Perhaps Rachael is on to something.