Dear journal,

       I've just finished day 3 with the nomads, and I'm starting to feel more at home. However, something odd happened today. Let me tell you about it.

       The day started like any other. Me, Melanie, Sophia, Simon, and Nicholas were walking and talking together when Nicholas started to cough. Melanie was extremely concerned, and was asking him if he was alright, when, as suddenly as it had started, the coughing stopped.

       He brushed off the attention, saying that he was fine, but later in the day, he pulled me aside to talk to me.

       "Jacob, I don't know if I'm going to make it to DC," he said. "I know that I'm sick, and I think that it's pretty serious."

       "I'm sure you'll be okay Nicholas," I told him, though I wasn't at all sure.

       "Look, you like Melanie, right?" when I started to sputter, trying to deny it, he continued. "I know you do, man. I can tell."

       "Yes, I like Melanie. It's not my fault, I just do."

      "Good. Because if I die before we get to DC, I'm trusting you to keep her safe. Got it?" I nodded. "Good."

       Then he left, leaving me alone with my whirling mind. He trusted me to keep her safe? Safe from what? Was the life of a nomad really that dangerous? Would I ever see my brother again?

        I shook the questions out of my head. Nicholas wasn't going to die. He would live and look out for Melanie. She didn't need me.

       But journal, as I walked along with the nomads for the rest of the day, I found some part of myself, a part that I'd never known I had, wishing that Nicholas would die. Then I could take care of Melanie.

      Still, I suppose I'll never know if Melanie likes me back, because I don't think Nicholas is going to die. What I'm more worried about is that being with the nomads is changing me. If I went back home, I don't think my brother would recognize my personality and that scares me.

       I suppose that's it for today journal, we're only 2 and a half days of walking away from DC. Talk to you soon.

       Jacob Crowley