Ravers

Chapter 6

At the cabin they unloaded everything Mia found her mom and Nick listening to a hand held radio. Nick ran over and hugged her Mom, I'm glad your back Mia hugged him tight and said Me too

So how is it out there? Greg looked at Mia Well we saw some crazy people with that sickness.

Mia's mother shot up Did you come in contact with them the last report said you would have to come in direct contact they call it ravers disease

That makes sense Greg said obnoxiously.

No Mom, we didn't come in contact

Well the van did. Greg said

Mia shot him a look and he put his hands up feigning innocence.

They all helped to organize the supplies and after dinner Mia and Greg went to talk to Mr. Davis their only neighbor in walking distance he lived at his cabin all year long his kids made the trek even through a terrible blizzard one year so he could live there he was happiest at the cabin since his wife passed away they were married 48 years and Mia always hoped Jackson and her would stay married for a long time now she was defiantly not feeling warm feelings towards him now as usual she needed him and he wasn't around but she stopped the negative thoughts Now with the shot gun loaded Mia walked up the drive way to Mr. Davis s cabin knocking at the door Mr. Davis had yelled who is it?

Hi Mr. Davis its Mia

Who??

Mia, your next door neighbor

he unchained the door and looked puzzled who'd ya say your name was? Mia, MR. DAVIS your neighbor she pointed towards her cabin.

Oh yea, well no need to shout

Sorry, I didn't realize I was shouting, we just came to check on you and to let you know that somethings happened and you are probably better off coming with us.

No, no my daughter will be up tomorrow with my supplies I'm fine

Well that's just it the towns been evacuated.

he shook his head and said Im not leaving

Mia felt a bead of sweat at her temple and her fist was clenched breathing out she said Mr. Davis I think you should consider coming with us there is no way of knowing when your daughter will get up here.

What are you talking about them reports on the radio bout them Ravers those folks have some sickness i haven't heard anymore reports on this here radio, my daughters a survivor she suppose to bring me my supplies every Saturday tomorrow is Saturday she will be here and I'm not leaving

Stubborn old fool Greg said as he crossed his arms in front of himself.

Please Mia said holding her hand up.

Look I don't think she is coming and your gonna run out of supplies.

Young lady don't you worry about me I got supplies and my rifle I can handle myself thank you but no thank you and with that Mr. Davis went inside and closed the door.

Mia stood there until he was done clicking all the locks then she looked at Greg who was about to say something.

Mia just rolled her eyes and said Don't.

Walking back to the cabin Mia was thinking of Mr. Davis well one less person to worry about and of course felt guilty the moment the thought crossed her mind.

The next day starting at first light after a restless sleep they started sorting everything and began packing. Around noon everyone was hungry and Rose finally felt useful she couldn't really carry any of the heavy things and even walking back and forth took a toll but cooking was what she loved and felt comfortable doing no matter what the situation. She used the last of the burger that was frozen and had prepared stuffed peppers, rice and and mini cornbread muffins Nick was thrilled wow grandma it looks yummy i could smell it as soon as i walked in he sat down at the table and rose smiled Aren't you forgetting something? Oh yeah, I have to wash my hands. reluctantly Nick pushed his chair back and went to the bathroom it was nestled in the hallway and as Greg was about to sit she said You too Greg nodded. Mia was laughing it was so normal how they always interacted when they were all together and Mia thought of Jackson silently praying and struggling with her inner monologue I want a divorce but I still need him to be okay especially for nick.

When everyone sat down they all ate pretty much in silence as Rose started gathering the dishes

Mia thought now is the best time to talk she had been tossing and turning last night about the best way to explain what she and Greg saw yesterday while they were in town it was easy to avoid the topic after unloading the van because they made there way over to see Mr. Davis

But now that they were leaving the safety of the cabin well the seclusion that the cabin has provided thus far she needed to get real with them she didn't want them going out there unawares.

Mom Mia said a little louder then she intended just leave the dishes for a minute I need to talk to you guys Nick sat up and was focused Rose turned the sink off and sat down also giving Mia her full attention.

Mia began, Yesterday you asked what we had seen I've been thinking how to tell you and decided to be as blunt as possible it was scary there were a few bodies on the ground when we got into town the ones we saw up close had been shot and showed signs of infection but we only ran into two people who were walking around infected the thing you should know is that these people who are infected have changed they are aggressive and dangerous so its very important that no matter what you stay away from them.

Nick shook his head Rose said of course and did the sign of the cross

Now the other thing is in town we didn't see any normal people the only explanation uncle Greg and I came up with is that the town was evacuated.

Nick said They just left us?

Rose shook her head Why would they not check every home?

We don't know but we do know that the exit to the highway is clear we could get on the highway and if we run into traffic we can take another route but at least we might see signs pointing us in the right direction.

Greg grabbed two gas tanks and filled the van. Thank God your dad is always prepared

Nick nodded I know.

Mia found herself rolling her eyes she wouldn't say a word because she liked that Nick looked up to his father but she had been the one to nag him about getting gas.

Leaving the cabin the last thing Mia did was leave a note for Jackson telling him they were headed south.