How Annoying

Chapter 2: Crybaby

~ you're still here 😊

Chills slither up my spine, an unwelcome sensation as I continue to stare into her intense eyes. It feels like the wrong move could trigger something akin to a rabid dog. She tilts her head, her unsettling smile unwavering. "Come on, what are you waiting for? I can't wait to meet your friends." Her hand waves impatiently, a silent demand to hurry up.

I don't bother correcting her about the 'friends' part; it's easier to go along. With a casual shrug, I continue my slow unhurried walk, just a step away from her. She starts reaching for my arm, never breaking eye contact.

*BANG*

I instinctively sidestep her towards the railing, my eyes widen slightly glancing down at the bottom floor. A voice booms out reverberating off the walls "everyone get to the parking lot!".

I look towards the entrance and see two extremely large beings smashing through the front entrance. It didn't take them long, after one last single punch, they come in running off balance wreaking havoc on what's left of the supermarket. They have three sharp fingers on each hand leaving deep claw marks across the walls and a body that's both slim and muscular.

I see the boy running with a face full of tears and snot, gross, tripping over his own feat wailing for help, "Ahhh help!". Gunshots suddenly pierce the air, breaking through the chaos with a sharp and jarring rhythm. "Leo! Quickly get over here!" so that's his name. A woman's voice, firm and urgent, cuts through the turmoil. My gaze shifts towards her – a determined figure standing next to a massive camping bag. It becomes clear that she's the source of the gunfire, a desperate attempt to fend off the colossal threat. With Leo's cries echoing and gunshots ringing out, the unfolding events paint a harrowing picture, leaving us with no choice but to confront the unknown force that now menaces our very survival.

No longer feeling the gaze of my 'auntie', I nonchalantly shift my gaze to the left without turning my head. As expected, she's not there. I take it as a cue to look around, glancing down the aisle to my left and right. I should probably be concerned, but my curiosity takes a back seat to my lazy disposition. Before I can muster the energy to actively search for my 'auntie,' a sudden, glass-shattering, girly squeak pierces the air. It's swiftly followed by a slamming sound that shakes the aisles.

With a half-hearted sigh, I muster the effort to peel myself from the spot. My eyes lazily scan the surroundings, not expecting much. The supermarket, now a chaotic scene, feels both eerie and intriguing. I drag my feet toward the source of the commotion, my relaxed demeanour in stark contrast to the unfolding events.

I remain a passive observer, my passiveness allows be to absorb the peculiar spectacle without much emotional investment. The supermarket, now a stage for this peculiar drama, unfolds in a series of oddities that, for the moment, keep me comfortably disengaged from the imminent chaos.

I pick up on the sound of elephant stomps and shoe squeaks, I hear the boy dramatically say "I'm going to die" he takes in a deep ragged breath "This is my end".  His face, a canvas of tears and snot, strangely catches the light, creating an odd, sparkling effect. The boy clings desperately to the woman's baggy clothes, his grip resembling that of a baby clinging to its favourite blanket "eugh I'm going to throw up", he whimpers, the woman lets out an annoyed sigh as she runs to the side dragging the crybaby along with her, dodging the on coming threat. Their movements, avoiding the imminent threat, showcase a bizarre yet strangely coordinated attempt at evasion.

Contrary to my amusement, I decide it's time to move and join the escape. Descending the escalator quickly, my hands instinctively move to secure the snacks stashed in my hoodie. With my hoodie now safeguarding the snacks, creating a makeshift barrier. I near the duo on the bottom floor. Casually adjusting my course to align with the woman and the crybaby. Matching their pace as we navigate the aisles, I continue to run alongside the woman and the boy, our collective steps echoing the urgency of the escape.

At every turn, the monster with no sense of balance continues to either run straight into the walls creating a large dents or take sometime to slow down before chasing us again. The woman seems to have noticed way its weakness in being unable to make quick turns, way before I did. I suddenly want to know what she did before. As I think to myself and not having a significant feeling of urgency while running. I begin to lag behind, another crash sounds behind me making the floor vibrate. Upon hearing this, I slightly turn to see what happened. That was when a claw the size of three heads comes out of the rubble pulling itself out head first, which caused me to make eyes contact with neon yellowish-green eyes.

Finding a curious thrill in the unexpected turn of events. As I briskly catch up, a subtle smile plays on my lips. The surreal nature of the situation, brings about an odd sense of amusement amid the chaos. I notice the woman's annoyance etched on her face. However, her protective instincts are unmistakable; she silently orchestrates our zigzagging journey through the wreckage, shielding the whimpering boy from the impending threat.

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I find it fun writing Leo's character 🤣