Frequency: The Walk, #3

By Debra Rose

There was nothing left to do but walk. Walk miles down the highway, town after town, from one state to the other.
After the leaps and bounds mankind achieved, this is what we are reduced to.
Walking.
Go North, they say. There's hope in the North, where the spiders haven't found us…
Yet.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Writing Roses
• Release date: May 24, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005213374

Debra Rose

Debra Rose is the author of The Phoenix Curse series, a bestseller in Amazon's post-apocalyptic and dystopian science fiction genre. Although she previously published under the pen name D.R. Johnson, all her new and current novels will be published under her full name. Debra is currently pursuing her bachelor's in arts at Southern New Hampshire University, and she lives in Texas with her husband and two children. Debra specializes in science fiction and the supernatural, although she has been known to stray into the realms of fantasy from time to time. Her books have graced the top of Amazon's bestseller lists and continue to captivate fans of the genre. Passionate about her craft, Debra continues to write enthralling stories that focus on character development during apocalyptic situations.

Book preview

Intro

Life became stable for a short time while I sought refuge in a small, Texas suburb. It was here I could heal and grow content. Despite the attacks from my ex-husband, and the disaster at the department store, I continued to believe I was safe. This was the place to wait out the storm.

I was wrong.

The spiders came. We fought them off the first time, killing them and growing confident. Although it was terrifying, we learned from the encounter. We could make our neighbors believe the nightmares were real, and we all had the power to fight.

Then they came in the night. They rolled over us in devastating, dangerous numbers, searching for the electricity we generated. They found our solar panels and drained them dry as we huddled together, horrified by the sheer size of the beasts.

Spiders... creatures faster and larger than us.

We did the only thing we could do.

We ran.

fre·quen·cy

/frēkwensē/

noun

the rate at which something occurs or is repeated over a particular period of time

1

Drive

Edith Dawson rested in the truck bed of an old Dodge, peering out at the abandoned houses and stores that lined the streets. Businesses were ransacked, and shops were dark behind their shattered windows. The city had suffered a toll worse than Edie imagined. She had traveled through deserted sections of town before, but the devastation was growing beyond the small area she was familiar with. Edie couldn’t recall the last time they had intercepted a news report, but it appeared the electricity had been drained from the whole Metroplex.

Westley Thorne drove his truck, an older model with no additional electric devices to draw in... them. Edie wasn’t sure the Dodge was safe. Not anymore. If a smartwatch could gather a swarm, the alternator running on an old car surely would. However, if they wanted to make it to the care center in Fort Worth, the truck was their only choice. Both Cassy and Aaron were injured, so walking was not an option.

At the first intersection they came to, Westley slowed but kept the truck rolling as he ignored the dead traffic lights. There was no one else out on the road for it to matter anymore.

A rough bump jostled Edie’s daughters against her, and she squeezed them in close. Anisa, her youngest daughter, was content to snuggle in tight, but Kylie, her oldest, remained stiff and solemn. Although she tried to act more grown-up than her ten years, the fear from the prior night wore her down. She gave in and let her head fall against Edie.

As Westley drove on, they passed buildings that were looted and vandalized, but more than a few shops and homes were still occupied. One house had an old man sitting out front in his rocking chair, a long-barreled rifle laid across his lap. Edie met his eyes as they passed, and she gave him a nod, hoping to convey they were not a threat. The man was unmoved, glaring until they left him behind as they drove on to Fort Worth.

A shopping center Edie had driven by before the attacks was burned to the ground. Nothing but a charred husk remained, and try as she might, she wasn’t able to remember the names of the businesses. A sign at the edge of the parking lot was her only reminder of what had been lost there. A nail salon, a rip-off cash advance business, and a yogurt shop. Nothing this new world would miss.

It was disheartening and intriguing at the same time. Although Edie feared what the world was becoming, she stared in awe at the transformation of the city. She kept her vigil as they moved through the abandoned streets, allowing the others to rest. Edie wouldn’t have been able to look away if she tried.

The first half of the ride was quiet. Then Westley pulled the truck to a stop.

Edie turned as fear leaped inside her. She didn’t sense the spiders, but that wasn’t reassuring. It only brought a different type of fear. Looking through the back window to the front didn’t offer the best view, but she made out the shapes of people standing in the road to wave them down. Her movement disturbed Anisa and Kylie, and she sank down, pulling them in tighter.

What is it? Molly Shale asked, who had been cuddled against Peter on the opposite side of the truck. A flare of panic edged her voice, causing Tonk to raise his head and bark. Peter, Westley’s younger brother, turned to peer through the back glass, his hand going to the shotgun at his side.

The next few moments became tense as Westley stopped the truck, and Peter stood to see over the cab. Tonk stood with him, but his tail wagged in excitement as he paced from edge to edge of the truck bed. Edie twisted back around to see what she could through the blurry, grimy windows. Two people rushed toward them, but Peter flashed the shotgun, and the two backed off the road.

Westley, followed by Aaron Shale, climbed out of the cab, and Edie pulled herself away from the girls to stand for a better view. As soon as she saw the man and a teenage boy that stopped them, her fear shifted to curiosity. They were frightened and not the threat Edie feared they would be.

Please, the father said, keeping his arms out to shield the boy. We don’t want any trouble.

Westley glanced back, finding Peter brandishing the shotgun, and waved him down. Peter dropped the gun out of view, but he remained guarded. Westley’s lips pursed in irritation before turning back to the man.

What do you need? Westley asked, his tone level and nonthreatening.

The man hesitated as his eyes darted to study everyone. He relaxed, but only slightly. Are you heading to Fort Worth? To the care center?

We are.

The man cast an uneasy glance at his son, then shifted to take a cautious step forward. We were hoping for a ride if you have room. We’re from McKinney but ran out of gas before we reached the Dallas city limits. Then...

The man trailed off, wiping at his nose. He was wearing what used to be a white polo shirt and khaki shorts, but they were stained. His shirt was ripped along the hem. The boy’s pants and t-shirt were in better condition, but not by much. He was the one that finished what his father avoided saying. Some guys robbed us.

Hush, the man said, scolding the boy.

What? The boy threw up his arms in an exaggerated shrug, powerless to contain his frustration. It happened. If they want to take what’s left, we can’t stop them.

The father exhaled, running a hand through dirty, matted hair. His resigned eyes turned back to Westley. They took what we had left of our food and water. We have to get to the care center soon. We don’t have much time left.

Westley cocked his head to the side in response to the peculiar statement. Time left for what?

Movement from the side of the road caught Edie’s eye as another body shrank behind a sign and the overgrown shrubbery. Peter flinched, raising the gun again, but Edie’s hand shot out to stop him. She had an unobstructed view of the woman before she slipped out of sight.

Who else is with you? Peter asked, his voice gruffer than usual, but at least the scowl was off his face. His question received another hard glare from Westley.

Uh, the man started, his eyes shooting to the sign and giving away the woman’s position to everyone. He sighed, deflated. Just us three. My wife has been timid ever since...

It’s okay, Westley raised his hand to stop him. We understand.

It’s safe, Kim, the man said, waving his wife out. You don’t need to hide anymore.

The woman crept out, wearing a long maternity dress that showed signs of how charming it had been when new. It showed off the swell of her pregnant belly, but now the bright floral pattern was ripped and stained.

Westley took a moment, considering the situation before turning first to Aaron, who had been silent, and then to Edie. Edie nodded, but it was Aaron who spoke first.

We have room, Aaron said, gesturing them to join him. That settled the matter.

Aaron limped to help his wife Cassy out of the cab while Westley moved to the rear of the truck to let down the tailgate, and he reached for the cooler. There was no ice in it, but it still contained what they had left of their water. He pulled out three bottles.

Aaron and Cassy were ready to give up their seat for the pregnant woman. She shook her head in an attempt to decline, but Aaron insisted.

Thank you, the man said. My name is Adam. Heath is my boy, and this is Kim. We can’t thank you enough.

It’s no problem, Westley said. Just glad it was us that ran across you and not someone else.

Adam moved to help Kim into the cab. Like I said, we don’t have much left. Some clothes and baby things we brought along, but we’re out of food and water. This, he held up the water bottle, Is the greatest thing I’ve seen all day.

Westley gave him a nod. Sorry we don’t have more.

No, no, Adam said. This is more than we needed.

Cassy helped Aaron into the bed of the truck, and Edie pulled a blanket from underneath the girls to share the padding. It hadn’t been sufficient to begin with, and now the hard metal would make sure they felt every bump they drove over.

Adam had to urge Heath to climb into the truck bed before he took his seat in the cab. Heath flinched as Tonk greeted him with a bark, but he put his foot on the tire and climbed over the side to sit in the corner opposite Edie. Westley eyed him before sharing a glance with Peter. Edie wasn’t sure what it meant, but Peter put a hand on Tonk to calm him as the boy settled down.

Westley slammed the tailgate and asked, Everyone settled?

He received a few nods, but the boy shrank in on himself. Westley gave Edie a faint smile as he passed her, and soon they were on the road again.

Edie wanted to continue watching the landscape, but the boy’s presence made the situation tense. He was nervous, picking at his shoes in his lonely corner with downcast eyes. Edie guessed he was around fourteen.

So, McKinney, huh? Aaron asked after a few minutes of silence. How are things out that way?

Not good, Heath answered without looking up. Worse than here.

Worse? Cassy said with surprise, which earned her a quick flash of the boy’s eyes from under his brows.

We lost water a couple weeks ago, but at least we had the well. Power went out before that. We were hoping things would get back to normal, but Mom can’t keep waiting with the baby close.

His voice was low; a monotone mumble that forced Edie to strain to pick up all his words.

Kylie kept a curious, watchful eye on him until she finally spoke up, Did you see any spiders?

Heath looked up, surprised by her question. Anisa shifted against Edie and even Molly shot Kylie a stern look. They didn’t want a reminder of the nightmares that were out there.

Heath shook his head. No. Have you seen them?

Edie’s eyebrows shot up. The boy sounded eager, which was not the reaction she expected. Kylie only nodded and dropped her head.

We’ve seen them, Aaron said when Kylie didn’t continue. Evil things.

We saw one this morning, Cassy said in a flat voice. Not only did it raise Heath’s gaze, but it spun Aaron’s head to stare at her in shock. Apparently, Cassy and Aaron had not spoken in the cab.

At our house? he asked.

On Hutch’s roof. It was huge.

Aaron shifted while Heath watched on with wide eyes. How big?

It was as big as a car. Maybe bigger.

Aaron looked shocked, but there was no longer disbelief. They had passed that point long ago. Edie wasn’t sure how Heath would take it, but he was a curious boy who lacked the frightened respect the spiders deserved.

Heath leaned forward. Did it attack you?

Cassy shook her head. No, but... Cassy shuddered and fell silent.

It ate one of the smaller ones, Edie said, her lips turning into a frown of disgust as she recalled the scene. Aaron’s expression became more horrified as she went on. A smaller one tried to latch on to the solar panel. When it did, the big one just killed it and ate it.

Like in one bite? Heath asked.

No. Edie shook her head. That’s not how they eat. They have these feelers that latch on to things, and it sucks the energy out of it. We’ve killed a couple. Never seen them bleed, either.

Whoa, Heath said, leaning back against the bed wall again. We only saw the pictures on the news. Lots of people stayed in McKinney. Only reason we left was for Mom. Never talked to anyone that saw one of the pseudos for real.

The what? Edie said.

Heath met her eyes, eyebrows rising. He had a piece of information they didn’t have. They call them Pseudo-Sol’s on the news. At least the last report we got on them. That was a few days ago.

You were still getting news reports as of a few days ago? Aaron asked.

Sometimes, Heath said, having warmed up to them despite his earlier hesitation. My dad has one of those huge antennas that can pick up signals for hundreds of miles. He said most of what we picked up was from Oklahoma. At least... he thinks.

Better than what we had, Aaron scoffed. We haven’t heard anything in a long time. How are they doing up there?

Heath only shrugged, his knowledge running out. Edie dropped her gaze to hide her disappointment. She wanted news just as much as everyone else, but a fourteen-year-old boy wasn’t the best source of information. Maybe Westley was having better luck in the cab.

As they drove on, they slipped back into silence. Edie caught glimpses of the Fort Worth skyline over her shoulder and the plumes of smoke that drifted from the buildings. The care center was on the north side of Fort Worth, and they would have to drive around without getting too close.

Edie rested her head and dozed, being disturbed by bumps in the road that jolted her awake. Her body needed sleep after being deprived of it the previous night, but the short naps between bumps weren’t helping.

Edie jolted when the truck slowed, and a robotic voice cut through her disturbing dreams.

Park and turn off your vehicle now!

2

Process

Edie’s eyes shot open as she was jarred awake, seeing the others wearing the same, confused expression. She wasn’t sure if they had been dozing or just lulled to a gloomy calm by the peaceful drive. Heath was the only one that didn’t seem like he just woke up. He was on his knees, leaning over the side of the truck for a better view.

Better sit back, boy, Aaron said, and Heath leaned back, uncertain if he wanted to disobey Aaron. The older man was intimidating with his thick-rimmed glasses and graying hair.

Park and turn off your vehicle now!

The aggressive command amplified over a loudspeaker ended Heath’s deliberation. He retreated, sliding down against the wall of the truck bed.

Edie spun, seeking the source of the voice through the windows, but wasn’t able to see anything until Westley turned the truck. One man stood on a make-shift tower about five feet high, using a bullhorn to shout orders. Another two were heading their direction, dressed in service uniforms, but each uniform was unique.

Edie’s gut turned sour, but it was from her own emotions and not imposed on her from an alien origin. Anisa latched onto her in fear, but Kylie was on her knees beside her, watching the men approach. Edie thought she could see the care center in the distance, but they were still some miles away.

Westley parked at the end of a long line of cars. The closest parking lot was full, so he parked on the grass. The number of vehicles was astonishing. They crammed into any space they could as far to the west as Edie could see. She wondered how anyone would find their car once this was all over.

No. These people aren’t planning on coming back.

The realization put a wrench in her heart, and she glanced at Aaron. He was the one that didn’t want to leave. His eyes gazed over the sea of vehicles before his grim expression fell on the uniformed men who stopped at the corner of the truck.

How many you have here? One of them asked, but his eyes were already counting. Edie noticed the name stitched on his uniform read Proctor.

Aaron answered. Eleven of us now.

Now? Proctor asked, picking up on the word. You lose someone along the way?

Aaron frowned and cocked his head to the side in consideration before he answered, No. Gained a family.

The man’s eyebrow rose as mild surprise crossed his face. That’s a bit of good news.

Is good news rare? Edie asked.

These days, Proctor started with a shake of his head. There’s no telling.

Westley and Adam had exited the cab, but Adam occupied himself with helping Kim. It was a chore for her to slide across the seat and climb out. Westley was staring at the miles of road ahead as he stepped up to the men.

This as far as we can go with the truck, I take it? he asked.

Afraid so. Older model? No additional electronics installed?

That’s right. My stepfather’s old Dodge. Came in handy when this all started. Westley laid a possessive hand on the hood.

When you get into the center, you’re going to want to find Officer Burke. He’ll be interested in trading for it.

Trade? For what?

Edie noticed a shared glance between Cassy and Aaron and knew they caught the wording as well. Her hand reached for the pack where she kept a wad of bills stashed away, wondering how valuable they were.

Proctor continued, You have about a three-mile trek to the center. Do you have any sick or wounded that might need...

He trailed off as Kim waddled around the edge of the truck, her belly leading the way.

I can call for a wagon to give you a lift, Proctor finished.

Kim gave him a relieved smile. That would be wonderful.

The man turned to his colleague, who had been silent the whole time. Have Polk call in for a wagon.

The second man nodded and started toward the short tower to speak with the man standing atop it.

Westley glanced back at the road they had driven in on and sighed. Are there many like us coming in?

Flood of ‘em at first, but now it’s just a trickle a day. We have stations set up at all the incoming roads to catch those coming in.

Westley turned to meet Edie’s eyes, then Peter’s. There was concern in his expression but hope too. None of them knew what they were in for.

Westley turned back to Proctor and said, What now?

"Rules are pretty simple inside. Take what belongs to you, leave other’s property alone. Keep the weapons stashed. If we catch them out, we will take them. Keep your dog on a leash. Repeated offenders are no longer welcome. There are always people joining the walk. We are... Proctor paused to clear his throat. We’re at the point now we’re encouraging it."

Encouraging what? Edie asked as she leaned forward.

To join the walk heading to Oklahoma. No more help is coming. No Red Cross. No Government aide. We’re counting on provisions brought in by the people. What we have is all we’re getting, and it’s not enough to support everyone here.

And they have enough in Oklahoma?

Proctor met Edie’s eyes, and she recognized something in them, something distressing. Fear. Sadness. Her hope dwindled. We have no way to know. People are going north, not coming back south. Go north far enough, and you’ll find something.

Dark expressions took over the faces of Edie’s companions. It was not what she had been expecting.

Proctor continued before anyone mustered the nerve to speak. An admittance officer will catch you on your way in to search your packs for everything you have to declare. You can gather your things and head on in. Leave nothing in your vehicle. Those needing a ride, wait at Polk’s station.

Park and turn off your vehicle now!

The man with the bullhorn barked into it again, causing Edie to jump. More than just her head swiveled to the sound before turning to the incoming road. A compact car was pulling up with a family packed inside. Proctor broke away from Edie’s group, his uninformed partner dashing to join him. He was already directing the new family where to park.

For a moment, Edie’s group remained still, unsure of what to do now that they were dismissed. Concerned looks flashed around the group, but no one spoke. Heath was the first to move, jumping out of the truck and joining his parents.

Thank you for the ride, Adam said. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate it.

No problem at all. Westley smiled as the family turned to go, following instructions to wait at the small post. Waves of goodbyes came from all as Westley pulled open the tailgate. Aaron climbed out, pulling his crutches with him, and Westley asked, You need a ride too?

Nah, Aaron said, the word expelled in a wash of air. I got this.

Edie figured he would regret that before they made it to their destination. He had taken quite a fall the night before, and his ankle was visibly swollen.

Peter moved to the cab and fished in the glove compartment, pulling out a leash and a small flash of gold. The trinket he brought to Westley before leashing Tonk. You want to hang on to Dad’s watch?

Westley took it from him, staring at it in his hands before sliding it on his wrist. Edie glanced at it before meeting Westley’s eyes. He said, It’s not a smartwatch. Do you think...

Edie shrugged. You can always lose the battery.

Westley nodded, and everyone began shouldering packs. Kylie frowned when she was handed her old Dora backpack, but she had to help. Edie was carrying two, and Cassy was dragging a suitcase behind her with a pack on her back. Even Aaron had one strapped on as he worked both crutches to move along.

Peter used a blanket to wrap the shotgun, and Westley moved to pull another long-barreled hunting rifle out from behind the bench seat. Edie hadn’t been aware it was there, but when she got a better look at the gun, she recognized it. Westley gave her a pained glance as he wrapped it in a sheet to hide it from view. It had been the gun Peter had used to protect Westley and her so long ago. A day that had gone very, very wrong. A glance at Peter showed him willfully ignore what Westley held.

Once Westley concealed the gun, he joined Peter so they could haul the cooler between them. Even though the guns were wrapped, it was obvious what the two held over their shoulders. It couldn’t be hidden.

Edie gathered her determination and pressed forward. They sat out toward the sinking sun, knowing it was going to be a long three miles.

The care station grew closer, and the foul stink of unwashed bodies wafted past with the breeze. Edie groaned to herself, realizing the shower she had yesterday might be the last one for a long time. The regrets of leaving rose within her, but the memory of the monstrous black spider on Hutch’s roof squelched those thoughts. Staying hadn’t been an option.

It was Aaron that called for a break first with a groan. Westley and Peter sat the cooler down and drew out waters for everyone. As soon as he shut the lid, Aaron sat down on it with his hands pushed into his armpits to massage the flesh bruised by the crutches. Cassy had a slight limp from when she’d fallen in the superstore, but she was in better shape than Aaron. She perched on her suitcase, staring at the care center in front of them with a look of resolve on her face.

Edie chose to sit on the curb, and Anisa and Kylie stuck to her side.

It’s hot, Mama, Anisa said, struggling to open her bottle of water. Edie took it and twisted it open for her.

Don’t be such a baby, Kylie snapped. The heat was getting to her too and made her cranky. Edie silenced her with a stern look.

It might be hot for a while. We’ll get used to it, Edie said, taking a huge gulp of her water. She didn’t like how much she was sweating now. It was sweat she wouldn’t be able to wash off, but she kept her worries to herself. She couldn’t be the only one able to smell the center ahead.

They rested while the sun slipped lower in the evening sky. A four-wheeler coming from the care center passed them, hauling an empty wagon behind. Before they had thought about moving again, the four-wheeler returned with Adam, Kim, and Heath in the back, waving as they passed. Edie lifted her hand and waved with a quick flick of her wrist as her fading composure became apparent.

Even though three miles was a regular, daily walk for her, the lack of sleep and a solid meal took its toll. She was exhausted, but when Aaron stood, she was more than ready to go. Although drained, she wanted to get it over with so she could find a real place to rest—a safe place, free from the worry of attacking spiders in the night.

They trudged on. As their group grew closer, a low hum rose around them. It crept up on them so slowly that Edie didn’t take notice of it until Anisa asked her about it. Edie raised her head, listening.

People, she said with surprise. There were so many people. The hum of their conversations was a constant vibration in the air. The others noticed and lifted their heads to move faster. They were almost there.

They reached sawhorse roadblocks that guided them into a single point. A woman sat in a chair at a small folding desk, smiling at them as they approached.

Welcome to the Fort Worth Disaster and Care Center, she said. Is this the first time you’ve been here?

No one answered. Everyone was staring at the crowd that lay beyond them. Only a few cars remained in the mall parking lot, but it was full of people. So many people. The sight of the crowd was overwhelming. They rested in a sea of tents of all different shapes and sizes strung out across the concrete. Dotted in among those were hastily erected, portable buildings made of whatever the owners could get their hands on.

I take it you’re new here, the woman went on, reaching down to open a small filing box. How many you got?

What? Edie said, not registering her words.

How many people are in your family?

Uh. Edie turned in confusion, her eyes landing on the girls, and she found her answer. Three.

The woman dropped the paper on the table, slapping her hand over it in irritation. Her eyes glossed over the rest of the people standing around Edie. How many families?

Oh, Edie said, turning to glance at Westley and Aaron.

Three, Westley said, dropping his end of the cooler to step next to the table. As soon as the cooler was on the ground, Aaron sat down on it and reached to rub his ankle.

The woman added two more pieces of paper and laid a hand over them as the wind threatened to take them.

She spoke into a small walkie-talkie Edie hadn’t noticed before. Three new families at the east entrance.

There was a static response that came back, but Edie couldn’t make it out. The woman didn’t seem concerned with it. She fished out three pens and held them out.

Need these filled out as complete as possible.

What are they for? Edie asked, taking the paper in her hands.

A record of who passes through here. There are many people lost and disconnected from their families. This helps to keep track, but it’s a pain in the ass to search through it.

The woman leaned back, pulling out a book she was more interested in than the current conversation. She read while Westley and Cassy studied the paper they had been handed. When Edie looked down, she blinked at how much information they wanted. Not just names and addresses, but also social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, blood type, and medical history for all family members.

Guess they’re thorough, Westley said, leaning over and began to write. For a moment, Edie watched him, his handwriting precise and neat as he spelled out his name. Edie looked back to her form, wondering what address she should put down. She felt homeless. She went with her rent house address just in case.

As she handed the form back, the woman pulled what looked like a blank business card from the box. The woman jotted down Edie’s name and the number that had been at the top of her form.

Keep this with you if you want to trade here, she said, holding the card out. Edie took it, holding it in her fingers for a second before pushing it down in her back pocket.

By the time they finished with the forms and cards, a small group of uniformed men and women surrounded them.

Good day, one man said as he stepped close. I’m Officer Garcia. We’re here to search your belongings. Is the dog friendly?

The officer pointed at Tonk, who was sitting beside Peter with his tongue lolling out.

Yes, sir, Peter answered, adjusting the leash in his hand.

Follow me. The officer waved them forward.

They were led to a large tent that contained nothing but long folding tables, and there they were instructed to drop everything they were carrying.

Just a precaution, said Officer Garcia. "We can’t justify taking away firearms with the way times have changed, but do not pull them out in the open. He pointed at the two apparent rifles. Keep them hidden. We also do not allow bombs or grenades, or any other type of explosives in the care center. Have you any of those?"

Edie shook her head as she stared in shock at the many people working in the tent. Several people filed in to riffle through their bags, some more gentle than others. Anisa clung to Edie during the process, and although she didn’t want to show it, Kylie’s nervousness was apparent by the angry frown she wore.

It was an uncomfortable process, but Edie didn’t dare protest. She shared a glance with the others and noted their tight expressions. They felt the same. Officer Garcia quietly observed the ritual, walking between the tables to oversee the process.

Westley cleared his throat. I was told I should find Officer Burke when I got in?

Officer Garcia turned to him with an eyebrow raised. He’s out by the north gate, working on what vehicles we have left. You got something he might be interested in?

So I was told.

The officer’s face broke into a smile. That’s good news. We have so few reliable vehicles now. I’ll point you in the right direction once we’re done here.

Thank you, Westley nodded and took the pack one woman was handing to him. Kylie’s Dora pack was also returned to her, and she stared down at it with a frown before pulling it onto her shoulders. As the searches ended, they handed more of the packs back over, and the group began loading back up in preparation to move again.

The officer eyed Aaron. How much walking you got left in you?

Aaron sighed and shook his head, pained to admit his condition. Not much.

Terra, the officer said to a girl standing close by. Take them to the Dillard’s parking lot and find them some room to rest. I’ll help Mr. Thorne find Officer Burke.

Yes, sir, the girl smiled and held open the tent flap.

Edie took one glance at the mass of people they were about to walk into and panicked. How was Westley ever going to find them in that throng? Then she saw the Dillard’s storefront and understood what the officer had meant. That would only narrow it down somewhat. There still looked to be a ton of people there.

Can you handle this? Westley asked as he leaned close to Edie and motioned to the cooler. Edie nodded, her hand already reaching for the handle.

Will you be able to find us?

Sure, he gave a crooked smile. Eventually, he finished and turned to follow the waiting officer.

Terra was already moving to lead the others away, but Edie watched Westley as he disappeared into the crowd. She was jerked away by her hold on the cooler as Peter walked in the opposite direction.

3

Exhaustion

The cooler was damn heavy. How the hell had Peter and Westley carried it without complaint for over three miles? Aaron was in a dreadful sweat by the time they arrived at the designated area, and they still had to maneuver through scattered belongings strewn about in makeshift camps.

Their guide stopped in a small, vacant area that barely had room for all of them standing.

Here you are! she called out with a brandish of her hand, but her smile was feigned. It didn’t match the strain in her eyes.

Here? Edie asked, but she had already dropped the cooler. Her thumb rubbed over a sensitive spot on her palm that was threatening to blister.

There’s more space to the south if you choose to relocate. It’s up to you. Terra shrugged, not seeming to care where they went. She then pointed toward the main entrance of the mall. There are stores inside. Some take cash, but all the government stores and services accept trade numbers. Mind your own belongings and leave others alone. If you need to pee, please use the outhouses. Enjoy your stay.

Edie looked in the direction the girl was pointing at a line of outhouses and wilted. Meanwhile, Terra turned and walked away without saying goodbye. Edie surveyed the narrow spot that belonged to them, but her attention drifted to the curious eyes of the neighboring families. They were surrounded by sweaty, exhausted people who were struggling in this new world. Edie frowned, wondering if her mother and father were sitting at a camp just like this, not knowing what to do next.

Aaron sat on the cooler again, but Molly was trying to spread out a blanket she had carried with her. Cassy and Peter reached to help while Edie pulled her daughters to the side to make room. Kylie stumbled and almost fell over a stray backpack, and the owner shot an angry glare up at them.

Sorry, Edie mumbled, shifting uncomfortably at the thought of how long the man would be her neighbor. She herded the girls forward and sat, pulling them down beside her and shared an apprehensive glance with Cassy.

Aaron huffed and muttered under his breath. Shouldn’t have left.

It was the only thing spoken for a while. There was just enough room to fit everyone on the blanket, but it offered little padding. It was uncomfortable, to put it mildly, and the heat from the concrete made its way through the thin cloth. Edie pulled more shirts from their pack for her and the girls to sit on, and then they waited.

The sun sank, and the light dimmed, but Westley didn’t return. Edie tried not to let worry eat at her, but the later it got, the worse she felt. Peter was on edge and stood to take Tonk for a walk, not straying far from where they sat. Cassy’s words of encouragement had stopped, and she cast nervous glances around them. Aaron, however, was snoring where he leaned against the cooler.

Edie shook her head and let the girls put their heads in her lap. Her entire body ached, but her back was burning from being hunched over in her cross-legged position. At least the heat was fading with the sun. She brushed her hand through Kylie’s hair while her eyes searched the crowd. The hum of the throng didn’t disappear with the dying light. There were shouts and even laughter that disrupted the calm, and somewhere close, a child threw a tantrum that woke Aaron from his sleep. He coughed, clearing his throat as he sat up.

After he rubbed his eyes and blinked to clear his vision, he asked, Westley isn’t back yet?

Edie shook her head. Peter paced to the edge of their space and turned in a circle while scanning the many faces. The people milled about, making it difficult to pick out faces in the twilight.

Aaron stood and stretched, then waved toward the cooler. Have a chair if you need it.

Edie looked at Cassy, and she nodded. We can share.

The two women propped their backpacks against the small cooler and laid back, their bodies close together. Anisa crawled up beside her again and whined, I’m bored.

I know, Edie whispered, patting her hair. Try to get some sleep.

I’m not tired. Now she was pouting.

Edie’s eyes shifted to the sky, seeing the first few stars poking out. She replied with the same defeated words. I know.

Kylie slid in against Edie’s leg, laying her head on her thigh. Don’t kick me, she warned Anisa, who gave her an exaggerated nod before settling down.

He’ll be back soon, Cassy said, her last attempt to comfort Edie before she closed her eyes. Edie wasn’t sure if she fell asleep, but she didn’t want to disturb her. Edie stared at the darkening sky, unwilling to let herself drift off until Westley returned. However, the pure exhaustion was hard to fight.

A short time later, she opened her eyes to a quiet conversation somehow rising over the monotonous hum in the background. Westley was there, not five steps from her, talking to Peter. She smiled and shut her eyes again as the stress relented.

The night was black when she woke. Her arm was numb from Anisa’s hard head laying on her, but Kylie’s ‘no kick’ warning was unheeded in Anisa’s sleep. The poor girl was huddled in a ball at Edie’s feet. Edie pulled herself up, doing her best not to disturb Cassy or Anisa, but to no avail. Cassy’s eyes opened, but she said nothing. At least Anisa was a heavy sleeper and didn’t move when Edie helped Kylie take her place against the packs and cooler. Edie was sure she wouldn’t get any more rest. Her stiff body screamed at her in protest.

When she turned her attention to the others in their group, a soft smile curved her lips. She spotted Peter and Molly curled together with Tonk tucked in at Peter’s side. It was a comforting sight. Then she peered out, and her mouth dropped