Bombed

Wake up.
Eat.
Vitamins.
Water.
Feed Luna.

I sit on the edge of the cot and make a mental list of the items I packed, deciding which ones are necessary and which ones could be left behind. I decide to leave things the way they are. I undress and clean myself as best I can using a few baby wipes.

I grab the folded clothes from the shelf and lay them on the bed. I slip on a fresh pair of panties and a black tank top, then pull on the supplex leggings and a light wind breaker. I put on a pair of thick socks and hiking boots, then begin strapping on various holsters around my ankle, thigh, and shoulder. I strap Luna into her doggy backpack which has been filled with food and water.

Without the extra strength and storage Caleb would have provided, I have to choose which weapons I want to bring with wisely. The knives are easy, I strap a clip point hunting knife to a holster around my right ankle and tuck the two push knives into the shoulder holster where they rest at my sides. I strap the pistol into the holster at my thigh.

This is a Browning T-Bolt, it’s a hunting rifle. Pay attention, Logan. This is meant for slow, long distance shooting – for food. I pick up the rifle and look it over, then set it on the cot. I pick up the side by side double barrel shotgun next. Both guns are of decent size, and I will only be able to carry one with my load. This one requires less accuracy – you’re not shooting bullets, you’re shooting shells full of tiny metal pellets. This will be for short range encounters where you may not have a lot of time to aim.

I decide on the shotgun, I had more practice and better luck with it. I strap the gun into my backpack, then begin filling the pockets with as many bullets and shells that would fit. Then I fill up the pockets on holster. I pull the heavy pack onto my back and adjust the straps until it rests comfortably.

“You ready, pup?” I ask Luna who wags her tail, probably just excited as I am to get out of this box. I hook her leash to her harness and tie it around my waist. I put the folded map and compass into my jacket pocket. 10:13 I pick the key ring up from the shelf and begin unlocking the many locks of the first door. You don’t know what will be out there. You may be immune to the disease, but that doesn’t mean there are things out there that could still harm you. I unhook the pistol from my thigh and check that it is loaded before opening the first door. The light from the room illuminates the stairway.

I walk quietly up the stairs, Luna following close behind. I begin unlocking the padlocks to the secret door and attempt to push it open, though it is too heavy with only one hand. I slip the key ring into my jacket pocket and push as hard as I can until the door opens, causing the shelf covering it to fall with a loud crash.

We lived in the middle of the mountains, far from any neighbors, but if anyone happen to hang around they definitely would have heard that. I quickly step out of the secret doorway and head to the staircase leading to the kitchen. I keep the gun in my hand as I peer through the door to see if there is any sign of life.

My eyes burn as they adjust to the light of the sun shining through and open window. The kitchen is a mess, the cupboards are open and their contents have been thrown to the floor. I step quietly, trying to avoid the glass on the floor as I walk from the kitchen to the living room. This room is equally as trashed. I glance around the room, my eyes stopping on picture frame that is facing the ground. I replace the pistol in its holster then pick up and look at the picture. It’s the day we got Luna; I was 12. It was the last family picture we took before Caleb left for the military. I run my finger over my mother’s face, the feeling of sadness gross in the pit of my stomach, but I ignore it. I take the picture out of the frame, leaving the frame on the ground, and fold the picture, placing it in my pocket.

Realization hits: this will be the last time I step foot in this house for a long time. Everything might be broken and destroyed, but this will be the last time I see it all. I head upstairs, to get one last look at my room. To my surprise, there is minimal damage. I look at the pictures on the wall, remembering each documented moment as though they were only days ago. I find myself smiling as the memories flow like a movie in my mind.

On my bed sits a mop of black hair, sitting messily in a pile. I pick up the wig and run my fingers through the tangles, then place it on my head. I leave my room, shutting the door behind me. The house is completely silent. I walk back downstairs, and out the backdoor. The sun is high in the sky, though the crisp spring air keeps me cool.

“Well, let’s go.” I say, looking down at Luna, though I’m really trying to tell myself. You’ll head east for 2.3 miles. The foot stones in the back yard will point you in that direction. I stand on the back steps, listening. The only sound is of birds chirping. I head down the steps and follow the stepping stones to the right where they gradually disperse until I am walking on nothing but the dirt.

The path leads us straight into the trees. The shadows protecting us from the bright sun. I look at my watch, 10:50. I try to estimate how far I can get. An average mile while hiking through rough terrain can take me 30-40 minutes. With two breaks to rest and eat, and sun setting at about 7:40, I should be able to get at least seven miles before I need to stop and set up camp for the night.

There will be a large clearing, with a single pine tree in the center. From here, you will head begin to head north. It is a strangely beautiful sight. A large opening, letting in the bright sun, and nothing but a single pine tree, only a few feet taller than myself, sits in the middle. 12:45 I should stop and rest, but not out in the open. I glance at the compass and follow its needle north until I am back under the shadows of the trees.

I sit on a fallen tree, Luna stands in front of me, panting. I deal with her first, digging into her backpack for her collapsible water dish and pour her a bowl of water. She quickly laps it up so I pour her a bit more. I dig through my pack for a protein bar and munch on it, sipping on some water for myself. I take a moment to stretch while my pack is off, my back is already beginning to feel sore and I have quite a bit to go before sundown.

I pack up Luna’s bowl and the wrapper from the protein bar. Don’t leave anything behind. Even the smallest trace could lead someone right to you. I check around the area making sure nothing looks out of place. I glance at the compass and begin heading north. I will continue this direction for the rest of the day.

We only make one more stop before continuing on our way. We travel a total of 7.8 miles by 7:00. We wander for a little bit, looking for a place to set up camp. I decide on a covered spot, about ¾ miles from the river. I unleash Luna, who wanders around the surrounding areas sniffing and scouting.

I set up the tent, then the sleeping bag inside. I decide to eat next, noticing my grumbling stomach. No fires. The smoke may draw unwanted attention. I fish the small stove out of my pack and set it up. I fill a small pot with 2 cups of water and put that on the stove. I have the choice of freeze dried beef stew, chicken teriyaki, or chili mac with beef. I decide on the stew. When the water boils, I add it to the bag and let it sit. While I wait for the stew to finish cooking, I feed and water Luna.

It’s quiet out here. Peaceful. I enjoy my hot stew for just a few moments, forgetting what horrible nightmare is really out there. The sun sets bringing on a sheet of darkness. It’s early, but now would be a wise time to get to sleep. As soon as the sun rises, we will need to be on the move.