Dead Rising: The Run Aways

Chapter Three

I wait until just before night fall to start heading out.

I kneel down so I’m eye level with Grace. When I do this, she usually knows I’m serious. “Grace, if I’m not back by tomorrow that means something went wrong. Now, if that does happen, don’t come looking for me. I mean it. If I’m not back, I need you to leave camp. Make sure you pack up everything though okay? You’re going to have to look for someone, anyone. Now, I think you’re old enough and smart enough to be able to do this alright? Swear to me right now.” I tell her, sticking out my pinky like I did the night before.

“But that won’t happen.” She says, twining our pinkies together. “I know you’ll come back.” Grace smiles.

I push her hair behind her ears and smile back at her. “Let’s hope so.” I hug her tight.

“I love you Dylan.”

This makes me hold onto her even tighter. “I love you too Gracie Bear.”

I force myself to release my hold on her. I kiss her on the forehead and pick up the bag I had emptied of the few supplies we had left. I look back at my little sister one more time. She’s waving and a grin is plastered on her face.

“See ya tomorrow Grace.” I say, turning to the north, beginning my way back to the place I used to call home.

***

Surprisingly, the more I walk, the more fearless I feel. It’s only a couple miles back to civilization, but for the three weeks I’ve been away from it, it feels like an entire different country.

            It’s been an hour or so since I left Grace alone, and my mind is making me worry. Was this the right decision? Is Grace really safer there, alone, without me? I shake my head, trying to rid of these thoughts.

            Up ahead I see the lake where mom used to take me and Grace. It was a popular attraction in my town. Everyone used it. But now, staring at it, it looks icy cold and almost scary. Like, if I were to step into it, something would take me down, and swallow me whole. The now setting sun didn’t help with the mood it gave off either.

            I jump, trying to avoid the rocks down below me, and slide in mud.

            “Just my damn luck.”

            I get up slowly, almost slipping and falling yet again, but step onto a large rock that is right beside me. The lake is a couple feet down now.

            I examine my possible routes.

            I could get off the rock, and make my way down to the edge of the lake and walk around it, or I could simply jump off this rock, land in the lake, and swim my way to shore.

It’d take way too long to walk around it, so, feeling invincible, I dive. It feels like I hang in the air for seconds until I finally plunge into the lake, almost hitting the rocky bottom. I open my eyes under the water, but all I see is blackness. I push off the lake’s floor and make my way up to the surface.

            I gasp for air and wipe my bangs on my head, away from my eyes. Then, I do a backstroke towards the shore. My legs start aching half way, but I keep moving.  By the time I get to edge of the water, the sun has set, and is now replaced by a glimmering, full moon.

            I feel ten times heavier because of my drenched clothes. I wring out my shirt and jeans, trying to get all the excess water out of them, I definitely don’t need the extra weight to slow me down.

I scan the horizon, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Whatever ordinary is anymore that is.

My first stop is to the corner store. Hopefully, there’ll be something there we could use.

I cross the dimly lit street, and go behind a little mini van, making sure that it’s safe to move forward.

I don’t hear or see anything, so I continue cautiously. I stay on the sidewalk near buildings and cars, so that if I need to, I can easily hide or make a quick escape.

I make it to the corner store safely. It looks older. The sign is missing the O in corner and the T and E in store. The familiar red paint of the building is faded and chipping. The gas pumps are torn to shreds and there are a couple cars with flat tires and hundreds of bullet holes on the sides.

The CDC men were here.

I can’t tell exactly how long ago, but I know for sure they were. I hold onto one of the bag’s straps and open the entrance door. The bell jingles as it swings open and closes. Something that used to signal a customer was here.

To my surprise, the store still has some stock left. I walk over to the snack section and grab what was left of some kind of nuts. Then, I go to the broken freezers, open one of the doors, and grab five water bottles and one thing of cheap wine for me.

“Might as well.” I say, sticking it into the bag next to the water and nuts.

I skip to the counter, feeling weightless, and grab the whole box of lighters. I test one out, making sure they’re full of fluid. I press the button, and a flame appears from the top of it, shining on my face. I smile, close it, and toss it in the bag along with the others.

I walk behind the counter and open the cash register.

It’s got a couple twenties and pennies. I’d take it, but money doesn’t really matter anymore.

I’m going through drawers on a desk located behind the counter when I hear the bell jingle.

I freeze.

The door shuts silently, the bell jingles again, and footsteps ascend down on of the aisles.

I sink down on the floor. I swear my heart’s beating out of my chest.

“Is anyone here?” a voice says. It sounds like a man.

The CDC? They’ve already been here though, why come back?

I don’t answer the voice. I creep closer to the counter.

“Look, I know someone is here. I’m not going to hurt you.”

Does he really think I’m that stupid?

I go on my knees and peek an inch above the counter.

All I see is the back of a man. He’s not wearing a suit, and from what I can see, he doesn’t have a gun. His body is slim, but his arms show he has some muscle. He’s wearing a t shirt of some kind and dirty, light washed jeans.

I risk it.

I get up from my knees, and stand tall.

“My name is Dylan Bennett.”