The Light That Shines From Above

Chapter 41

The drive to the store was a quiet one. My mother spend most of the time curled up in her seat watching the scenery go by. I watched for signs of breakage, any strange twitch or hitch in her breathing. I didn't notice any but I considered it might be internalized.

"If anything becomes too much let me know. I'll turn around and we can go home," I said as the small-town buildings became visible.

"I will." Her voice was quiet. "Just don't park too close to the entrance. People will stare."

I nodded. "Yeah no problem."

I could only imagine the things people would say upon seeing either of us. I wasn't worried for myself. Most of them I would ignore.

I pulled the car into the tiny parking lot in front of the market. Sliding my purse up on my shoulder I turned to my mother as I shut off the car.

"I'll only be a minute."

"I'll be fine here. They don't take people in broad daylight."

"Mom they won't take you. Even when you're alone. They can't," I reassured her again.

She forced a nod, her eyes flickering to the people who were walking into the store. Instead of pushing it I got out of the car. There was only so much reassuring I could do. The rest would have to be on her part. Time was what she needed. She was always better after some time had passed before.

As I figured I received a lot of strange looks walking into the store. My mother and I's behavior over the past few months had definitely left an impression. I wasn't worried at all. I would be leaving the planet while my mother could move anywhere she wanted now. None of these people would be in our lives anymore so what would it matter.

Most of the food I grabbed was things that wouldn't be hard to cook or spoil easily. It was a lot of grains and vegetables. I picked up some fruits but not as many. The meat was even less. My mother cooked when she felt good enough. I wasn't sure when that would be. I didn't like picking up premade freezer meals but I had to be realistic too. She might pick this over anything else.

I grabbed a few supplies for the bathroom then headed to the front. The cashier didn't try to make small talk. In fact a lot of people avoided me in the store, crazy looks followed by slowly leaving the aisle. It was ridiculous to me but after the third person I started to find some humor in it. It made me wonder what they must be thinking.

Ikzo would know. Then again, if Ikzo was here they would probably be much more reactive. His camouflage was good but if you looked long enough you'd know something was off.

I slid the bags on my arms and walked quickly back to the car. Through the windshield I could see my mother sitting in the passenger seat. She appeared calm though I think she was talking to herself. I could see her lips moving a bit. They stopped when she saw me.

As she straightened in her seat I began loading the bags into the backseat. I glanced to the sun setting behind me. We would definitely make it back before the sun was fully set. I closed the back door then opened my own.

"You okay?" I asked as I shut the door behind me.

"Yes." Her voice was still soft.

I started the car and allowed it to warm up. It hadn't lost a lot of its heat when I went into the store. I don't think she would have felt the difference if it did anyway. She had several layers on.

I placed my hand on the shift then paused when she spoke again, "Can we sit here for a second?"

"Yes." I removed my hand from the gear.

I wondered if this had to do with Ikzo being at home. I didn't have to wonder too long as she started the conversation.

"I just would like to speak, well ask questions I guess, without him here."