"I think i preffered the town" said Thomas. They had been walking another hour and what welcomed them at the end well, it wasn't exactly safe looking. As they walked through the rough creepy estate of the next town, they could feel eyes beaming on them through the tight narrow streets and paths.
"Just be quiet, don't draw any attention" said Walter calmly to Thomas. This was not the kind of area you wanted to cause trouble. At the end of the dark path they noticed an open door. Knowing that Thomas was in pain, Walter cautiously went inside.
"I don't think this a good idea, it could be a trap" said Thomas with clear worry on his face.
"Please, please i can't move" whispered a voice from the living room of the flat. Walter stopped dead on his tracks.
"I told you it was a trap" said Thomas. Ignoring the young boys advice, Walter creeped slowly to the door of the front room.
As he peered in, he saw a large overweight woman. Her face red and covered with tears, bed bound it seemed. The house was wet and damp , her sheets soaked in her own urine.
"Please can you help me get out of here" said the woman whilst crying.
"I, I can't i'm sorry" said Walter with hesistation. Then suddenly Thomas heard a click behind his head, the distinct sound of a gun.
"Everything you have, give it to me" said a voice behind them. Walter turned round and put Thomas on the floor.
"I don't want any trouble" said Walter whilst putting up his hands. The man was dirty and unwashed, wearing a torn jacket and cap. Any other day he would just be a common criminal, but today he is Walters worst nightmare.
"I want everything you have right now or i'll shoot!" The man said getting more and more furious. The woman was laughing, it was clear she was in on the trap. Remembering his army training Walter dropped both food bags. With one swift movement Walter disarmed the man, without a thought he put 4 bullets into the mans chest. He turned and pointed the gun at the woman, in fear she covered her head with her arms. Knowing he had no reason to shoot her he lowered the gun.
"Lets go son" said Walter still staring at the frightened woman. As she screamed for help they both walked away. They had learned not to trust anyone in the new and changing world, all morals had been deserted.
"My legs really hurt Walter, i really need some pain killers" said Thomas gasping in pain.
"I'm looking but..." Walter said stopping his sentence. An over turned pharmacutical wagon was staring straight at them in the road. Luck was turning for the pair. Walter put Thomas down and began to pull at the back of the van, but it was stiff. Eventually he pryed it open and in the corner, stacks upon stacks of painkillers. He dragged Thomas into the back of the van and shut the door. Walter wanted to rest before continuing, the end of the journey was close. However, was it close enough to save them...
YOU ARE READING
SAFEZONE B
Short StoryRetired paratrooper Walter Smith looks back on the years he missed with his recently deceased son. His quiet retirement is cut short, with the threat of nuclear war thrusting the streets of London into mayhem. His only hope of survival is to reach S...
