Foolish Heart //Danger Days//

27. New Year, New Shit

Unfortunately, children of the Zones aren't meant to have nice things, and it wasn't long before things spiraled out of control.

Korse had increased the number of patrols, and I spent New Years hiding away in a locked basement, praying that they wouldn't find us.

"Happy 2021, everybody." Ghoul tried to lighten up the situation. The reality was that we all hadn't eaten in two days, due to the fact that the Dracs were swarming. All seven of us had found refuge in the small children's room, locked away from any light. I remember falling asleep, clinging to Party for dear life. They had found the diner, and we couldn't let them know that it was inhabited. I was so scared, and I was convinced that they'd find us.

It's a miracle we were still alive.

"I'm sorry we have to be in this situation. It's never been this bad." Party was lying on the ground, using his arms as a pillow.

"It's okay, I just wish they'd go away." I responded, staring up at the dark ceiling.

"I'm hungry." Missile pouted.

"I know, kiddo. I promise, once we know it's safe, we'll get food." Jet tried to reassure the little girl.

I missed seeing my friends. I missed riding to Dr. D's radio shack and letting Psycho record little clips of songs I wrote.

"I can't believe it's a whole new year." I sighed.

"New year, new shit to deal with." Kobra yawned.

I felt my stomach rumble, and my mouth was dry. I needed water desperately.

"We're gonna die here." Dylan groaned.

"Don't say that." I shushed him.

But I started to believe that maybe, he was right.

---

So, we didn't die. Three days in the basement later, and we reckoned that it was safe to leave. The outside was still in chaos, but at least we could eat. I had never been so happy to scarf down a can of Power Pup in my life.

"Oh, sweet dog food, how I've missed you." Ghoul shoved his face with spoonfuls of the crap.

"I'll never call you gross again." Jet promised, savoring every bite.

"I need to make sure that my friends are doing okay. Can I go out?" I asked.

"Not a chance." Party told me. I sighed in frustration.

"Please? I just want to be sure that they're all alive. I'll bring my gun, and I'll keep hidden. I promise." I pleaded with the man, who seemed uncertain.

"Okay, but stay safe. Be back before dark, because they can sneak up on you easier at night." Party instructed. I nodded vigorously.

"Thank you so much. I won't be gone long, I swear." I took one more bite of food, and finished my bottle of water.

---

I made it to the church in one piece. I was careful to hide from any suspicious cars, and barely avoided a shoot-out.

"Atomic, you're insane! What on earth are you doing out here?" Volume scolded me, yanking my arm inside.

"I wanted to check in on you guys." I explained.

"We were gonna check up on you, but none of us had the balls." Toxic confessed.