Zuflucht

32

Fiona

We were now halfway through the bridge, still going at it moving different vehicles. We'd only moved maybe four more since the first two, but it felt like more than that.

I couldn't help but gulp as I looked across at the moon lit river running for what seemed like forever. The way the small ripples glistened look beautiful, but me being scared of heights didn't change the fact that anxiety was rippling through me.
Since we didn't wanna leave the truck behind, we moved the truck at the same time we moved through the barricading vehicles, not trying to risk anything or anyone. I myself was going to complain.

We had just finished moving a jeep when Milly's prominent barks started going off inside of the pickup. Alerted, I looked over at Curt who was already looking at me knowingly.

Ah hell...

I looked in all different directions, only seeing the many abandoned cars that littered the empty bridge.
Milly's barks now turn into a mix of growling, not helping the growing tension that was rising increasingly.

"Curt..." I called out, surprising myself in the process. I wanted to tell myself I did because he was the strongest and best chance we have at surviving, but another part of me told myself different.

His dark orbs met mine, and for a second it's like he didn't need to use words. They swirled with an emotion that I couldn't describe physically, but it made my anxiety ease considerably.

"Everyone get close, and make your way slowly back to the truck." Curt commanded while looking in multiple directions. He looked weary, but you could tell he was holding it together. We grouped up close together. So close I could feel the heat radiating off of Curt's chest. I didn't notice how incredibly tall he was compared to me, and I'm not short for a woman.

"C'mon." He pushed gently, looking around as he ushered us away from the headlights of our truck that made us a dead give away.

It was odd. There were no overdramatic cricket noises, or sounds of bones cracking. Everything was too calm and quiet. It made me uneasy. In that moment all I wanted to do was hold Ashanti just to make sure she was safe and okay.

As we were arm length distance away, a loud pop went off and the area around us was completely lit up by a large spotlight further down the bridge. I squinted my eyes as I was blinded momentarily, hearing Milly go buck wild inside of the pickup. I could only imagine how scared Ash looked right now.
"What the hell?" Richard whispered to himself, holding up one of his hands to block out some of the light. I heard the sound of a gun click and looked over to see Curt locked and loaded, looking directly at the spot light. Him doing that only made me want to with my own revolver, which I did. I'm assuming the third click I heard was Richard making sure he was good on ammo himself.

"Hey..." I felt Curt's hand find mine as he gave it a gentle squeeze to get my attention. My eyes moved in his direction, but I didn't move my head.
His lips were so close to my ear I could feel each breath he took.

"Go ahead and make your way to the truck and check on your daughter. Whatever you do don't let Milly out unless we're in danger." I almost started to leave until I felt him grab my hand with a firm grip, placing a small hard object into my palm. I nodded, suddenly feeling anxious and worried about what could happen.

With shakey knees, I began for the truck, opening the door as soft as ever and hoping I didn't get blown up, shot, or ate in the process. As soon as I opened the door Milly tried to run for it. It was almost like taking down a grown man as she tried with all her might to make it out the door, until she eventually failed.

"Mom, what's happening?" Ash asked with panicked eyes. Even though I knew she was safe, I couldn't but help internally let go of the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"I-I don't know honey. Just keep your head down." She obeyed and leaned back far into her seat, knowing I was completely serious. Now was not the time to make a mistake.

I hadn't even noticed that I was gripping my gun until I felt my fingers tingle with numbness as I watch Richard and Curt talk amongst themselves. The spotlight dimmed for a moment, and the silhouette of individuals walking around became apparent in the distance.

Milly started growling and I could hear Ash flinch in the backseat, but keep her head down nonetheless.

"What's happening?" She whispered on full alert. Although she couldn't see much, it was obvious something was going on.
In the distance a voice called out, way too muffled for me to decipher. Curt immediately reacted and drew his gun forward in attack stance, ready to shoot at any second. I felt my own finger twitch around my gun, my hand itching to grab the door handle.

"Whatever happens..." I trailed, glancing as Richard had his hand wrapped around his own gun, mimicking Curt.

"Don't get out of the truck. Stay down, and stay quiet." Ash didn't speak, but I knew she knew what I meant. She's a smart girl.

Another sound echoed throughout the air, and this time I was able to make out what sounded like a holler. Not a casual kind, or one of familiarity, but one that sounded psycho-ish. One that made chills run down your spine.

My chest spiked with adrenaline, and my heart beating vigorously was the only thing I heard for what felt like forever.