= If we had left them where they were they would have been cause/source of horror not only for us but also for all those who would have passed there/beyond. I was sorry that Vanessa had left/was gone; she was the only one (of the group) that would have helped me/could help me.

Enid and Vera felt sick only/just by looking at the corpses; May had to turn herself as she was horrified/upset and, even though/although Vail, white as a washed cloth, wanted to help me, I couldn’t let a thirteen’s child do what three older/adult women weren’t be able to do.

As/since it was better/best they did something useful while I was focused on/devoted myself to that/this sad activity/business, I sent her to scour the surrounding area.

When they were far/moved away, I put off my jacket and I began to fix the radio with which I was hoping (to manage) to get in contact/in touch with the outside world. We were in the heart of the desert and the sun beat down on the sand dazzling me with its light.