Will this War ever end? (Falling Skies/ Ben Mason Fanfic)

The Things we go Through (Part 2) (Chapter 27)

"I've been everywhere, man.

I've been everywhere, man.

Crossed the deserts bare, man.

I've breathed the mountain air, man.

Of travel I've had my share, man.

I've been everywhere."

Hunter sang cheerfully as she and Tom walked along the railroad tracks. Tom kept glancing over his shoulder and shaking his head in amusement as the young girl tried balancing on the metal frame of the tracks as she walked. This was a side of her he'd never seen before. After everything that's happened, it was easy to forget that she was still a child – she'd had to grow up so fast.

"I've been to:

Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana,

Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana,

Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa,

Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa,

Tennessee to Tennesse Chicopee, Spirit Lake,

Grand Lake, Devils Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake."

Even though her singing was awful, Tom couldn't help but smile as he bopped his head along to the song. It was nice to have someone else along with him as he made his way back to Boston. The trip back was difficult, but he imagined it would be a lot more difficult if he was to travel alone. He was tired and hungry. His blistered feet screamed for relief, but he forced himself to keep walking. He couldn't quit now. Not only were his sons waiting for him, but Hunter was relying on him to get them back...or was she? Tom quickly glanced at Hunter, who was very carefully focusing on her footing as she tried to remain balanced, and couldn't help but think that she could easily find her way back by herself. The poor girl looked exhausted, and he's heard her stomach growl more than once, but never once did she complain since they started walking three days ago. He had suggested they rest for the night but Hunter refused. He recalled her saying 'the longer we walk, the sooner we get there. No stopping unless it's absolutely necessary'. The girl was a fighter, just like her Dad.

"I've been everywhere, man

I've been everywhere...man...."

Hunter trailed off, a shiver running down her spine. She looked to her left, her blue eyes scanning the dense forest for any signs of movement. Tom turned back when he no longer heard her singing to find her staring at the forest beside them.

"What's the matter, Hunter?"

Hunter never tore her eyes away from the trees as she answered, "I got this strange feeling like we're being followed."

Tom followed her gaze, giving the trees a quick scan of his own. The two of them waited, hearing and seeing nothing.

"You're exhausted," Tom said as he switched his backpack to his other shoulder and rubbed his aching shoulder blade. "We both are. I think we need to stop for today and get some rest."

"But-"

"No buts," he said firmly, cutting her off. "We're going to set up camp here, and at least try get some sleep. We'll start moving again first thing in the morning."

Hunter sighed, knowing there was no way of persuading him. "Alright, but can we not stop here? I don't like being out in the open like this."

Tom nodded in agreement and the two started walking again. Hunter continuously looked behind her, the feeling of being watched keeping her on high alert. Knowing that there was only one gun and Tom had it made her feel even more anxious.