D E A D H E A D

Chapter 9

Violet had a roll of red admit one tickets and she was putting everyone's name on it.

"Only one of us can go outside and look for help," Zora announced.

"We're drawing names," Violet said while putting the last ticket in the bowl. "Everyone except Madelynn." Violet put the bowl in front of Madelynn.

"No, I don't want to be treated differently," Madelynn said.

"In your state, you'll be at a distinct disadvantage if you go out there," Peter informed. Madelynn put her hand in the bowl and started to shuffle the tickets around. She grabbed one and read who it was aloud.

"Jason," Madelynn said.

"That alright," Jason sighed.

"Let's see if we need to make any adjustments," Peter said while he handed the mask to Jason. Jason hesitated to put it on.

"Is something wrong?" Zora asked.

"Just give me a minute, I don't like feeling closed in," Jason explained.

"You're claustrophobic?" Madelynn questioned.

"No, I'll be fine." Jason stood up and paced back and forth. The last thing he wanted to do was to put the mask on. But, he did. He started to walk back and forth faster now and he started to hyperventilate because of the anxiety attack has was having.

"He can't go out there," Peter informed.

Jason ripped off the mask. "Look, I can do this alright." Jason threw the mask on the table and walked off to a corner in the cafeteria.

"Back to the lottery," Violet said. Peter walked over to the bowl and drew a ticket. He pulled Violet's name.

"Taylor," Peter said. Zora saw the ticket. She was confused on why Peter said Taylor when pulled Violet's ticket. Violet was scared for Taylor, she didn't want him to get hurt.

"I'll be alright," Taylor said.

Later...

Violet got Taylor rubber gloves, rain jacket, and two big clear trash bags, one for each leg and she taped it all on him.

"Are you sure this is going to protect me?" Taylor asked.

"It should," Violet replied.

"Thank our school security guard for keeping his walkie-talkies in his locker," Zora said while handing him one.

"You're primary goal is to get to the fire station, if it's still there it will be the most likely place to find people. But, if not then there should be a communication system you can use to call for help. If none of that work then just try and bring us back some water," Peter said.

"Okay got it," Taylor said.

"Do you have your phone?" Violet asked.

"Yes," Taylor replied.

"Is it fully charged?" Violet asked.

"Close enough," Taylor said.

"You always say that but then it's almost dead."

"I have it charged."

"Maybe you should make sure and check."

"It's unlikely he'll drain his battery," Peter said.

"But, what if you find a signal and your phone dies. You need to go out there with it fully charged." Taylor gave Violet a hug in hopes to calm her down.

"I'll be okay." Taylor kissed her. "I'm coming back, I promise."

"You can't promise that you don't know."