Mattie seemed to be just as anxious and fearful as he was, but she wasn't showing it as much. Nicholas hated that he so easily exhibited his emotions. It wasn't something that he could help, but it was something that could get him killed in the current situation if portrayed to the wrong people.

The handshake was brief and a bit awkward. Then, Mattie asked if his sister was alone. His first instinct was no answer no, because his mother was technically with her, but his mother was extremely ill. Alissa may as well have been alone. He nodded his head, appearing to be in a bit of a daze before he snapped out of it. "Yeah. Yeah, we need to get back to her." He gripped the shovel with both hands again and turned, heading out the door. "It's right down the road," he said. "Just follow me."