THEM

Chapter 20

After everyone had sorted and went through the supplies we had all collected I think we all felt a little better about our current situation.

We had enough clothes, food, and water to last us for a few weeks if we rationed correctly.

What we didn't have enough of though, was weapons.

There was no way we could fight those things with a can of a soup and a couple of socks and expect to survive. We still had the gun and the single box of bullets that we were able to get from the truck but that would only last us for so long.

Seeming to read everyone's minds, Marco spoke up.
"We're going to need stuff to defend ourselves with."

"And where do you suggest we get them from?" Cory asked. "It's not like they have a Weapons "R" Us in here."

Marco shrugged. "We'll have to leave the mall to get them." He suggested the idea like it was no big deal. Like there weren't giant decomposing wolves ready to rip our throats out the second we stepped foot outside and let our guard down.

Cory nodded towards the gated door. "Go ahead and take one for the team then."

Marco glanced at the door and then back at the rest of the group, meeting everyone's eyes before landing back on Cory.

He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. "I guess the weapons can wait for now."

Cory simply hummed in response before addressing the entire group. "So, we have enough supplies to last us for a little while. The only issue is what to do next. Do we just stay camped out here and wait it out until it's safe again?"

It was a good question.

Would it ever really be safe again? Would they really be able to get rid of all of those things for good or would this be our new way of life now?

Once again my mind drifted back to my mom and sister. The image of my mom's blank stare as she lunged at me with the intent to kill was as clear an image in my mind as if she were standing in front of me right now. Could I live in a world where everyone's family and friends either died or turned into mindless empty shells who knew only bloodlust?

A shiver ran up my spine at the thought and I tried rubbing my hands up and down my arms to get rid of the chill I was suddenly feeling.

"Do we really have a choice?" Arden's voice broke me from my thoughts and I glanced over at her and watched as she lifted her hand to bite her nails nervously.

"I mean it's not like we can really do anything else while those things are still out there can we?" She continued. "Our only real option is to wait it out and try and survive."

Well...that sounded promising.

All eyes landed on Marco again as he made a show of leaning back on his hands and sighing heavily.

"Well that's easier said than done now isn't it love?" He asked as he arched an eyebrow at Arden.

"It doesn't matter how much we want it or how hard we try. If those things decide they want to have us for dinner, it's going to take a lot more than hoping and wishing to save our asses."

And on that encouraging note, Marco grabbed his sleeping bag before standing and heading to a corner of the store to plop down.

Marie cleared her throat nervously. Gaining everyone's attention, which was probably a good thing if the look Cory was shooting Marco right now was anything to go by.

"Well, I guess we should all call it a night then?" She suggested.

"Yeah, I think we could all use some rest at this point." I offered, finally drawing Cory's attention from Marco as I stood with my own sleeping bag.