Dead Days

Chapter 22

Matt and I stood right outside of the rain, looking into the street through the door of the library. Our goal was to run out and find a map. None of us were from this area or at least familiar with it, so we had no idea where anything was; we didn't want to wander around outside in the rain. We couldn't risk getting sick at a time like this.

We were looking for a good place to hide, but it seemed we wouldn't be needing to. The lurkers seem to not be able to smell us that well in the rain. There have been two standing in the street, trying to figure out which way to go. I guess that was one thing movies got right; water can wash away your smell.

I looked over to Matt, We went to a grocery store to get the other stuff, maybe they'd have a map?"

He continued to watch the lurkers, "Good idea. If not, we could always just run along until we find a store we need."

I didn't look away from him, "What was the whole point of not wanting to stay in the rain too long to get sick on this mission do you not understand?"

He remained silent for a moment. "Let's go check out that grocery store. You remember how to get there?"

I nodded and leaned outside a bit more. It was a bit harder to see with the rain coming down so hard and fast that I could barely see across the street. "We go down a couple of shops and then cross the street at the crosswalk. It's on the corner."

He nodded, taking up the information. He pulled up his hood on his sweatshirt before stepping outside. The Roamers didn't notice him. I followed suit, pulling up my hood before stepping outside. The rain made it feel like I was being poked by a ton of little needles, and the cold and wind weren't making it any better.

I quickly ran and caught up with Matt, crossing my arms in hopes of warmth, "We should figure out what time of year it is!"

He looked back at me, having to yell over the storm as well, "Yea! That could explain future weather patterns and whether we should head north or south!"

I just nodded, not wanting to yell anymore than we had to, not wanting to attract any unwanted attention. We continued down the street, eventually stopping when the street was about to turn into pavement for cars. Matt turned and walked across the street to our right and I quickly followed him back into more sidewalk. I pointed him to the left, and he seemed to understand as he crossed another road. We were finally in the parking lot. I led him straight through, doing our best not to run into cars, shopping carts, or lurkers. We finally reached the broken front doors.

We stepped over the broken glass littering the ground and into the building before fishing flashlights out. I shined mine around the large room, "This place looks more spooky and ominous in the dark."

Matt ignored me as he headed to the counter and vaulted over it. I stood there awkwardly, knowing there wasn't enough room back there for the both of us to look. So I decided to look at the remains of candy and gum on the customer side of the counter. At seeing some that survived the looters, I quickly stuffed some into my bag. Matt gave me a look as I shrugged back. 

He continued looking, coming back onto my side of the counter after a few minutes, holding up a few pamphlets that advertised maps and the local area. He smirked in triumph, looking confident in his find. 

I just rolled my eyes at him, "While we're here, we could probably get some more supplies. Yea?" 

He nodded, "Then let's get some. Just look through the piles of stuff left?" 

I nodded and joined him by the fallen shelves and started to put more stuff into my bag.