Infection - Part I

Chapter 8.

The night that followed was peaceful, which was unexpected on behalf of the whole of Artull. The morning came and Valerie woke up just after 10.

She got up, freshened up, got dressed and rushed down to the kitchen where she cooked up something very quickly. Eggs on toast.

With her filled, she remembered the list that Ms Johnson gave her. Since she was going to the shops next, she looked into the pair of jeans she wore yesterday and fished out the piece of paper.

Getting her keys from her car, she checked her phone to see if she received any messages from her boss in correlation with Tim. However, nothing. She got an email from Blazer, a well-known clothing brand, about how they were changing their terms and conditions, something she didn't care about.

As she unlocked the door, the morning greeted her with sunshine, there were a few clouds in the sky. Compared to yesterday morning, with the cold temperatures, it seemed like that was months ago.

Unlocking her car and getting into it, she turned on the engine and backed out of her driveway. The closest shop was a mere five-minute drive from her home. Parking in the parking lot of the store, Valerie expected there to be more people. 

Getting herself a cart, she walked into the shop and from aisle to aisle, she looked at what both she and Ms Johnson needed. Eggs, milk, cereal, flour, onions, you name it, Valerie got it. Feeling like she got everything, she made her way to the till where the cashier scanned and packed everything for Valerie. After paying, she got all her groceries before making her way back to her car. 

She had to make her way back home since the cashier packed the groceries she bought for both Ms Johnson and herself altogether. So separating the things she bought for Ms Johnson, she made her way to their front door.

Knocking, it took a few seconds for Ms Johnson to open. A smile grew on her face when she saw Valerie. "Thank you so much, sweetheart.".

"Do you want me to drop off the groceries for you in the kitchen, Ms Johnson?" Valerie asked.

"If you don't mind, that would help me a lot.".

"Of course.". And with that, Valerie walked into the Johnson home. 

Walking past the living room, Valerie looked into the room and immediately, her eyes landed on Mr Johnson. He seemed in bad shape, with him lying on the couch and two blankets over him. "Good morning, Mr Johnson," Valerie greeted him, keeping her voice low. She saw he acknowledged her, however, all he could do was merely raise his hand in response. Either way, it was enough for Valerie. She continued walking and reached the kitchen. 

Walking to an empty countertop, Valerie placed the grocery bag on it for Ms Johnson to unpack.

Behind her, the door opened and Ms Johnson walked in with a few notes of money in her hands. "How much was it, dear?".

"Don't worry about it, Ms Johnson," Valerie spoke out as she began her way toward the door. However, the older woman blocked her path, handing out a note of 50 Veursian Dollars. Valerie widened her eyes, it was nearly twice the value of the groceries she got for the Johnsons.

"Take it," Ms Johnson said.

"Ms Johnson, that's too much... I can't take that.".

"Take it, you'll need it... I don't want to argue with you.".

Valerie felt as though her hands were tied. She knew Ms Johnson wouldn't budge if she didn't take the money. "Ms Johnson...".

"Take it. Take the money, Child.". She paused. "At least use it for the fuel, I hear how the prices jumped in the last few months.".