Cry to Me

3.

It was dark when the door handle started to fidget. As the door slowly creaked open, a large outline of a figure emerged holding a small hand gun at the ready. After quickly surveying the area, the figure waved and three more shadowy figures - though smaller - cautiously made their way through the door.

David: Looks okay. We'll set up here for now. Let's get started.

Like a well-oiled machine, the four of them began blocking the doors and windows with everything they could find, followed by a thorough rummaging through the pantry. They threw small items into their backpacks, preparing for any rapid and unexpected departures out of the house. Taylor and David were the first to regroup, followed by an Asian girl with long black hair and a nose piercing. The last to join them was a young skinny guy with short brown hair and dark rimmed glasses.

David: I'll take first watch. The rest of you should get some sleep.

Charlotte: I call the master!

She looked over at the young guy and indicated to him.

Charlotte: I saw a little girl's room upstairs, maybe you can take that!

David: Hey, HEY! That's enough of that. I don't care where you guys sleep but if we're going to get through this, we need to be civilized to each other. Got it?

Charlotte: Sure. Sorry dude!

Simon: Apology accepted. But I might try the little girls room – the comforter in there looked so luxurious!

Charlotte rolled her eyes before they both made their way upstairs. Meanwhile, Taylor lingered in the hallway downstairs, looking into the living area.

David: You going to get some sleep too?

Taylor: I don't think I can sleep. I'm always jittery when we move to a new place. And this place! It's a mansion – there're so many places they could get through.

David: That just means more places for us to hide.

As she was examining the area, she saw a picture of a family on the wall.

Taylor: I wonder what happened to these ones...

David: Maybe they got out in time.

Taylor: Maybe....

She stared into the picture as if transfixed by what she saw. David looked at her with a concerned look on his face.

David: Come on, let's go have a drink.

***

Through the few cracks in the barricade along the window, David could tell it was early morning. He looked down at Taylor, who was still fast asleep on his lap. Charlotte and Simon made their way downstairs, clearly arguing about something. Taylor suddenly startled awake and quickly got up, trying to make sense of what was happening. After looking into the hallway and seeing Charlotte and Simon pass by towards the kitchen, she looked back at David and rested against the back of her seat. Shortly afterwards they entered the living area, each carrying some boxes of cereal and dried fruit from the pantry.

Charlotte: This place is bitchin'! They were stocked for a world war, looks like. Did you guys see all the cans? We'll be able to stay here a while, I figure. Well, as long as, you know...

Simon: Yes, we have noticed the apocalypse happening around us, thank-you very much for reminding everyone!

Charlotte: I'm jus' sayin'...

She walked towards the window and peered through a crack.

Charlotte: This street doesn't even look like it's been touched. Should've come here sooner, I guess. Maybe these things don't like the super rich... maybe...