Broken Wings

Chapter Four

I wake up with a start. Someone is outside. Oh no.

I get up slowly. And as quiet as I can. Then I look around to make sure everything is bolted. It is.

I hid behind the pew,  And then I hear them.

"Man there's nothing here. We should have left a long time ago."

I can't see them but I don't need to.

"We should. Maybe the mainland."

" Maybe. I think you might be right. Ok there's nothing here."

I hear them very clearly which means they are right outside the door.

"Let's try this one then we'll go."

"It's just an old church man. Trust me there is nothing in there."

"I smell candles."

"You're delusional."

"Yeah you're right let's go."

I wait for what seems like hours. Then I move. I have to find supplies. And soon.

After what most have been at least an hour, I finally opened the door.

Outside is chilly but not cold. I make my way through the streets the only place I haven't hit was a gas station slash convenience store. It might be empty but it's worth a try.

I walk for almost an hour. Then I see it. It looks like it's seen better days. The door is open which is a bad sign.

Being very careful I walk inside. The shelves are dusty and almost bear. I can't waste time so I hurry through the aisles.

As I'm walking towards the back I notice a door marked store room. When I open it a little it creaks, so I slowly open it.

It's dark inside so I take a minute to let my eyes adjust. When they do I have to blink to make sure I'm seeing what I'm seeing.

Shelves and shelves for food on one side cases of water on the other. This can't be right.

I reach out to touch it. It's real sweet Jesus it's real. I can't carry everything I need so I pack the bag as full as I can. Then I look for something to block the door. I can't move anything so I have to pray no one finds it.

Its takes a while to can't back but I make it. I put my things on the first pew and quickly grab a water. Downing half of it.

"Thank you Father God. I knew you would help me." I finish my prayer and find something to eat
Making sure to check the dates. I settle on two cans of fruit.

When I'm done I settle in to read my Bible.

It's getting colder and that means winter is coming. Winter on Long Beach Island is not fun. Maybe I could try to move to a warmer climate. I saw a motor cycle in front of the store. I could try it.

I laugh out loud. That is not happening. It's getting dark so I go to the back room to settle in. I don't light the candles out front in case someone wanders by.

The night drags on unmercifully I'm in desperate need of something to do.

I know I'll start a garden. Right in here. I have plenty of space in the basement. I'll look tomorrow.

I say my prayers and try to sleep. I plan on being very busy tomorrow. I wonder how long it would take to walk to the mainland.