Jared Howe [The Host]'s Journal

Jared has waited for hours for Melanie to come back. He would have feared she left him if it wasn't for her brother Jamie still with him. She was a tough girl and had gone out on her own many times for food. He had to be patient, she'd be fine. Even as he felt an ache in his chest and dread.

He fitfully went to sleep that night, if sleep is what you could call it. Jamie slept peacefully content with his bliss that his sister would come back. Jared had to to worry as the next morning turned into the next night and there was still nothing. She wouldn't be gone this long, she'd of turned back if she found nothing. He went out looking for her and came back empty.

He repeated this for a few days until he feared the worse, and he knew he had to take Jamie and go. He knew if they got Melanie they'd be looking for them, and he had people to warn. When it was all done, he'd find a place and mourn the loss of the woman he had grown to love. He would keep her brother safe to honor her.