Tainted Love: It's a Wasteland, darlin'

I'd Love to Lay Ya Down

The sun was just beginning to rise over the wasteland as Cooper, Babydoll, and little Cooper Jr. set out on their scavenging trip. The air was cool and crisp, and the sky was painted with hues of orange and pink, promising a clear day ahead.

They had packed light, with Cooper carrying a sturdy pack for supplies, Babydoll holding Cooper Jr. in a makeshift sling across her chest, and a small bag slung over her shoulder for the items she hoped to find.

"Let's see if we can find anything useful today," Babydoll said, her voice filled with determination and a hint of excitement. "Books, toys, anything to make our home feel more like a home."

Cooper nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "We'll start with the old library. Might be somethin' there worth taking back."

They walked through the deserted streets, the remnants of civilization crumbling around them. The silence was broken only by the occasional rustle of wind through the broken windows and the distant call of a scavenger bird. Cooper led the way, his hand resting on the grip of his gun, ever vigilant for any signs of danger.

As they approached the old library, Babydoll's eyes lit up. The building was still mostly intact, its stone façade weathered but standing strong. Cooper pushed open the heavy wooden door, which creaked loudly in protest, and they stepped inside.

The interior was dimly lit by the morning light filtering through the dusty windows. Shelves lined the walls, many of them toppled over and covered in debris.

Babydoll set Cooper Jr. down on a blanket in a safe corner, surrounding him with a makeshift play area from the items they had brought along.

"Stay here, sweetheart," she said softly, kissing the top of his head. "Mama and Papa are going to look for some treasures."

Cooper Jr. gurgled happily, his big eyes watching his parents with curiosity.

"Alright, let's get to it," Cooper said, flashing Babydoll a reassuring smile.

They split up, each taking a section of the library. Babydoll sifted through the remains of the bookshelves, carefully picking out any books that were still intact.

She found a few children's books, their pages slightly yellowed but still readable. She smiled, imagining reading them to Cooper Jr. before bedtime.

Meanwhile, Cooper focused on finding any supplies that could be useful. He discovered a stash of candles and a few lanterns, which he carefully packed away.

In a back room, he found a locked cabinet and, using his knife, managed to pry it open. Inside, he discovered an old map and a few survival guides, which he knew would be invaluable.

"Babydoll, look at this," he called out, holding up the map. "Might help us find other places to scavenge."

She walked over, dusting off her hands. "That's great, Coop. This place has more than I hoped for." She showed him the books she had found, her eyes shining with excitement. "These will be perfect for Cooper Jr."

He smiled, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "You did good, Babydoll."

They continued their search, finding a few more items – some blankets, a couple of toys for Cooper Jr., and even an old board game that brought a nostalgic smile to Babydoll's face.

As they packed up their finds, Cooper Jr. started to fuss. Babydoll scooped him up, gently rocking him back and forth. "Shh, it's okay, baby. We're almost done."

Cooper joined them, his pack now filled with their discoveries. "Ready to head back?"

Babydoll nodded, adjusting Cooper Jr. in the sling. "Yeah, I think we've got everything we need."