Apodidraskinda

A Silent Morning

Not much happened at the mall. We picked up canned goods, and, this time, took a can opener with us. Last time we were left to pry and poke each can open, leaving our fingers bloodied messes by the end. I eyed Willow who was at the edge of my sight. Every so often I paid a little more attention to ensure no zombie would take us by surprise. 

I may seem obsessive but Willow truly means more to me than my own life. Willow was there when I was at my lowest, witnessing my crumbling and rebuilding. Our lives depend on each other, like a planet orbiting the sun.

I've been considering cutting my hair short. Usually I would've tied it up but my last band broke a week ago. What would Willow think? My hands tremble with both excitement and nervousness at the possibilities. Would she think I look nice? Would she hate the style?

"Are you ready to leave?" Willow pauses and stares at me. I hadn't realized I was zoning out, mostly looking at her lovely face.

"Oh yeah, of course," I respond, a little too shallowly, a bit too slow.

"You sure? We can stay around another hour before we have to leave." Willow gives me a concerned look. 

I sigh and smile, lifting my heavy basket and gesturing towards the door. Willow returns my smile and we make our way back to our camp.

Nothing much else really happened that day. Willow helped me learn to prepare meat as a reciprocation to me teaching her to filter water. We ate a mediocre meal and slept.

It was awfully silent when we woke up. Usually we'd hear the groaning of zombies and occasionally a building collapse in the distance, or maybe the soft crackling of a faraway fire. Yet today was quiet. I quite enjoyed the peace; it felt good to hear the rustling of the tree leaves in the wind, the skittering of nearby animals. 

My enjoyment was short-lived.