The Dead Among Us

17. Commissary

Fabia's POV 

The car ride is awkward. It started rough, his freakin' truck wouldn't start, and he was losing his mind. I've been curled in a ball on the passenger seat since, trying to keep my weight off my sore ass.

Eventually, we pulled into a small lot in front of a building.

As he maneuvers the truck into a parking spot and shuts off the engine, he turns to me and says, "Alright, come on," before hopping out.

I gather my strength, grab the door handle, and slowly emerge from the vehicle, holding onto myself for comfort.

Stepping inside, I take in the sight of various items neatly displayed on racks and shelves, giving the place the feel of a quaint store. A few people are leisurely browsing, and I notice a long table with neatly stacked boxes.

Behind the table sits a kind-looking older black woman, her face lighting up as soon as she sees us approaching. 

"Sabin, sweetheart," she warmly greets, waddling out from behind the table with her soft, flabby arms open wide. She's dressed in a long, flowing blue dress decorated with scattered flowers. A knitted old grey shawl drapes over her shoulders, and comfortable black flats complete her ensemble.

Sabin reciprocates the warm smile, the beautiful one he loves to hide. He hugs her back, and she adores every second of it. It's pretty cute, in truth. She looks like a grandma absorbing every inch of a cherished grandchild.

"What can I get you, baby?" she asks sweetly after releasing the embrace and looking up at him.

Sabin pulls a list from his back pocket and hands it over, answering, "Papi wants chicken and fish instead of pork this time. And he said some more veggies if possible. Oh, but before all that, I need to add my...um... this is... F-Fa... my... s-she... I need to add her to our rations..."

...Wow...

She puts a hand on his shoulder, shutting him up—thank God; that was painful to watch. 

She reaches for a manila folder sitting on the white plastic table, her eyes scanning the pages for their family name. I observe as she places a plus sign next to Sabin's name before briefly meeting my gaze.

"What's your name, doll?"

"Fabia," I answer.

She says to Sabin next, "I assume you need some extra provisions? You have 25 credits."

At that point, he grabs one of the burlap sacks off the table, hands it to me, and says, "If you need anything, like a toothbrush or, I don't know, pads, or whatever, go grab it."

"Foreal?"

"Yes... hurry up..."

Shiiit don't have to tell me twice.

I scamper away to the rows, searching through what they have. I only grab things I need, trying not to take advantage, but also, there is a little here anyway.

After browsing for a while, I managed to find a well-crafted oak hairbrush, some essential feminine products, deodorant, and a much-needed pack of new panties and socks. Thankfully, I already have a toothbrush, and I know that there's toothpaste and soap available back at the house.

What I'm really in need of are some clothes. I left almost all of my outfits at the cabin and only have a few pairs in my bag. Disappointingly, I can't find any clothes except for the undergarments.

—"Fabia?"

At my name being called, I turn my head to the left to see Eliza. My heart skips a beat at the sight of her, leaving me momentarily speechless. I can't find the right words, not even a simple hello; I stand there like a weirdo, feeling a bit silly.