Chapter Text
Tabitha was back. That meant they could go home. But it also meant they could get stuck here again. The thought churned in Kenny’s stomach. This place needed to burn before they left—burn to ashes—to make sure it never pulled them back again.
Kenny snapped out of his musings when Boyd’s voice cut through his thoughts.
“...seeing that you have an RV, I’m not sure where you’d like to stay. It’s either the town or Colony House. I’d strongly advise against staying in the RV—it gets bitterly cold sometimes. The houses have unlimited electricity, for reasons we still don’t understand.”
Monica nodded thoughtfully. “Alright. I guess we’ll stay in town. I’m not sure what Colony House is all about anyway.”
Donna took that as her cue to chime in. Sliding into a seat next to Monica, she began, “Alright, let me lay it out for you—the differences between the town and Colony House…”
But Kenny had already checked out of the conversation, his mind drifting where it shouldn’t. Sarah. Thoughts of her always came unbidden, prickling at the edges of his consciousness. There was something between them, tangled and complicated, and it gnawed at him every time he let it linger.
Before long, he was walking with Monica back to the diner to collect her kids.
“So, Kenny…”
He blinked and turned to her. “Uh, yes. Sorry, I was just... thinking.”
“It’s alright,” Monica said with a small smile. “I only just called you.”
“Do you have any questions you didn’t get to ask? Maybe something I can help with?” Kenny offered.
“Ah, I suppose. I think I’ll be staying with the Matthews, but... I’m not sure if they have enough space.”
Monica rubbed her hands together as a biting wind swept through the street. Kenny glanced at her, then looked forward again.
“I understand your concern. I used to live there—me and my mom—before she…” His voice faltered. He clenched his jaw, trying to stave off the sting in his eyes. “But yeah, it can get a little crowded sometimes.”
Monica stayed quiet, her own thoughts swirling too deeply to offer much comfort.
“They’re not bad people to live with, though,” Kenny added quickly. “If that’s what you’re worried about.” He climbed the few steps leading to the diner and held the door open for her.
Monica stepped inside, Kenny stepped in, and the warm rush of air was immediately replaced by the noise—a jumble of voices all talking over each other. People crowded around Tabitha, their questions rapid-fire and overlapping.
“When did you get out?”
“Did you tell anyone that we are stuck here”
“Will anyone come find us?”
Tabitha’s face was tight, her hands gripping Ethan and Julie like anchors. Jim hovered protectively nearby, trying to tell them to leave Tabitha alone, but it was clear the situation was overwhelming.
Kenny frowned. This wasn’t helping anyone. He weaved his way through the crowd toward Monica, who stood off to the side with her kids. “Stay here,” he said, his tone firmer than he intended.
Monica raised an eyebrow but nodded, pulling Imani and Jackson closer to her side.
Kenny turned and headed back out into the cold, his breath visible in short bursts as he marched toward the sheriff’s station.
Boyd was still studying the map when Kenny stormed in. He barely looked up. “Back so soon?”
“We’ve got a situation,” Kenny said without preamble. “Tabitha’s surrounded by people at the diner—they’re all asking questions, and it’s getting out of hand. Jim can’t keep them back.”
Boyd sighed heavily, standing up and adjusting his jacket. “Alright. Let’s go.”
Kenny led the way back to the diner, his pace brisk. “You’d think people would be more considerate, given everything we deal with,” he muttered.
Boyd grunted. “They’re scared, Kenny. Scared people do stupid things.”
As they approached the diner, Boyd’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the crowd spilling out the door. He stepped inside, his presence commanding immediate attention.
“Alright, that’s enough!” Boyd barked, his voice cutting through the chaos like a knife.
The room fell silent, all eyes turning to him.
“Give Tabitha some space. She just got back. Let her breathe,” Boyd continued, his tone firm but calm.
Reluctantly, the crowd began to disperse, people mumbling apologies as they backed away. Boyd stayed rooted, his gaze sharp, until the last of them had left the diner.
Jim exhaled in relief, pulling Tabitha into a side hug. “Thanks,” he muttered to Boyd.
Kenny stayed near the door, watching as the tension in the room began to ease. Boyd turned to him and gave a small nod of approval.
“Kenny, walk with me,” Boyd said as he exited the diner, motioning for him to follow.
Kenny fell into step beside him, the chill in the air biting at his skin. “What’s up?” he asked cautiously, sensing the weight behind Boyd’s silence.
Boyd exhaled deeply, his breath clouding in the cold. “What’s your take on them? The new group.”
Kenny hesitated, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Monica seems sharp. Guarded, but... I think she’s been through something. Her kids? Quiet. Too quiet.”
“Yeah,” Boyd muttered, his brow furrowed. “The woman’s got an edge to her. She’s not just scared—she’s observant. Reminds me of someone who’s seen a fight before and knows to stay on high alert.”
Kenny nodded. “I thought that too. And Tabitha showing up with them? That’s not nothing.”
Boyd stopped, turning to face Kenny. “It’s not. Tabitha’s return is going to set off more than just curiosity. People are already on edge. Some are going to see her as a sign of hope. Others? They’re going to think it’s a bad omen.”
Kenny frowned. “And the new family could make things worse. We’ve seen it before—new arrivals shake up the balance.”
“Exactly.” Boyd’s tone was firm. “That’s why we need to get ahead of it. Keep an eye on Monica. If she’s got any secrets, we need to know before they cause trouble. And the kids... I’m worried about how they’ll handle this place.”
Kenny nodded, the weight of Boyd’s words settling over him. “You think Monica knows more than she’s letting on?”
“I do.” Boyd’s gaze was sharp. “And we’re going to find out what.”