JOURNAL OF DEREK RAYNE14 April - Monday
This morning I very nearly couldn’t climb to my feet. I don’t know how long it took me to actually stand - perhaps as much as an hour. How shall I ever do it again in the morning?
Have been on the road more than a week. If only I could know how far I’ve gone. My food is gone. I should have brought more, but common sense tells me I couldn’t have carried more. I’ve managed to replace the water - thank God I thought to bring the water purification tablets.
I can recall little of any single day - only an unending monotony of steps. As I stumble along, I am very nearly in a trance. I don’t know how my feet and legs continue to move. My knees - all my joints - feel arthritic.
Lincoln was shot today in 1865. I don’t get much US history at school, but Father insists that I study it on my own. He likes to quiz me on dates, names, and battle strategies. I’m always ready for him at that. It’s a good game.
What did I just write? For a moment I forgot he was dead. How could I forget that my father is dead?
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