Willa Mansi

The Pathway to ??

I went into the living room and climbed over the giant fallen tree. I stumbled through three feet of leaves and vines. Tall weeds and grass surrounded the tree and its limbs. I found the street and looked around.

It was deserted, quiet and I was alone. The other houses where in the same shape as mine. Rusted cars lined the street and some collapsed in their driveways. Tree limbs, leaves and tall grass was everywhere I looked. Concrete had broken open and nature came up...reclaiming.

I sighed. I was alone.

I went to the next house and kicked the door open. My toe screamed with pain. "Yep. Should've wrapped it," I mumbled and went into the house.

This house was in better shape than mine, but it was still covered with dust and cobwebs. At least spiders had survived whatever had happened to us.

I searched shelves and drawers in the living room and found the kitchen. The back half of the house had been crunched by a tree.

"What's with the trees around here?" I laughed. I looked into cabinets. It was all rusted cans and dusty bread wrappers with mold growing inside them. I looked over at the fridge and dared not open it.

I went back to the living room and looked up the stairway. What was up there? I took two steps up and my foot broke through the board. My toe screamed with pain and I closed my eyes tight, gripping the banister. I panted softly and shook my head. Whatever was upstairs, nature could have. I turned and limped out of the house.

I walked down the street, passing dozens of houses and vehicles. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew I couldn't stay here. I needed to get to a city. I mean, I was in a city, but it wasn't a live one. I needed to find people. If there was people to find, that is.

I limped along. Crossing vaguely familiar streets, allowing a deep part of my memory to lead me. I had no idea where I was going but instinct lead me away from Fallen Down Trees street.

On the corner, was a gas station. I made my way there and went inside. "Hello?" I called out. "Anybody here?" I waited. The Silence mocked me.

"Of course," I mumbled to myself and limped around the counter. Old, dusty candy bars where in the glass case, along with Chapstick and other lip balms, key chains and window scrapers. I grabbed a scraper and opened a lip balm. I smelled it and tentatively tasted it. Seemed alright, so I put it on. I dropped it in my bag and grabbed a handful, putting them inside my bag too. I picked up one more scraper and put my bag on my shoulder. I went over to the shelf against the wall and looked at the small grocery section.

Everything would be expired and taste terrible. I was starving. I grabbed a jar of peanut butter and twisted the lid. I ripped off the cardboard protective cover and dropped it. It looked a little greasy but fine. I looked for an expiration date.

12/03/2025

What year was it though?

I tore open a pack of plastic spoons. I stirred the peanut butter and hoped for the best. I took out the spoon and the smell of roasted nuts made my stomach seize up. God! I was hungry! I took a small lick. 👅 It was good!! Wait a minute, it was good. I dropped my bag. I tore open a bread loaf. MOLD. Nope. Not good. Cracker? I opened a box. Took a bite. Soft, but good. I sat down on the floor and ate.