Hours pass and the yard doors open. Releasing me out into the world once again. I have books to read and assignments to complete. What kind of cruel world is this? Everything is dying around us and I still have to read Shakespeare. It’s like they want me to die at an early age.

Time for my escape from this world and into my own. 

The fading light peeps through the dingy drapes hanging onto the wall mount for dear life. A downed oak tree bulges out of the busted windows. The tiny shack can barely contain the girth of the tree trunk and is a puff of breath away from collapsing on and around the invader. The crimson sky bathes the shriveled forest in a swarm of dark light. The trees are more like skeletons of their formers selves and as the lights engulf them it’s almost as if they’re crying blood. There are no veins or flesh on these trees anymore, but still they bleed for the past of what was.

The animals tried to flee the fires but it was too much for them. How can you outrun an endless fiery tomb around you? I look around and take in my surroundings. I’ve been here many times but it still gives me the creeps at dusk. I snuck some seeds from dads lab and planted them in hopes of starting a tiny garden. 

Maybe, if the people here see my progress they won’t be so moody all the time. I can see the devastation in their eyes. They’ve given up and are now waiting around to die. I know the towns people franticly talk about new updates to the shelter and how survival is our top priority, but there are no real plans to thrive and grow anymore, just to leech on to what we have left and hope it doesn’t dry up soon. That’s unavoidable, though, nothing lasts forever. We’re already low on food.

Swatting at the scorched dirt, "No new growth yet. This is pointless. I don’t know why I thought this would work." I flop down next to my garden plot. "Brian would know what to do."

The soil is too contaminated from the rains. Can’t grow precious life in chemical drenched grounds. Maybe if I could find more fresh water but were already running low on that too. I think the town would start to notice their reserves dropping.

Suddenly, my attention is broken by the sound of the trumpets coming for our town. They shake the brittle trees and some dried limps fall off.

"Oh crap, the curfew!"

How could I forget about the curfew tonight, so many people have been getting ill that they tightened our curfew from nine to seven. The town leaders don’t want us out when the sun goes down. They think it’ll help keep us safe, it’s more of a pain in my ass if you ask me.

I dart through the bone yard, that’s what I like calling Arrow Wood Forest now, and try to make it up to the gate before the watchers close it off. They are afraid of people wandering off too far and not being able to find their way back, so they shut us all in at night.

I’m still too far off and won’t make it in time. I have to come up with a new route.

"Great! Well, plan B." I say as a whisk around to head for the back entrance. There’s a shadow of a body standing behind some thicker trees that haven’t fallen over yet, something shiny flashed before they hid themselves.

"Who’s there?" I whisper towards the tree line.

I go to step towards the trees when I feel a heavy hand land on my shoulder. I turn, frightened.

"What are you doing out here by yourself Joey?" asked Charles, he’s one of the watchers at the gate.

"I was just taking a stroll and lose track of time." I reply.

"Sure you were." Charles replies as he eyes me up and down.

"I was, I swear." I bat my eyes ever so lovely like and flash a nice big smile his way.

"You really are a trip Joey, you know that. Now get inside before I tell your parents."

"Yes sir! Right away sir! Anything you say... Sir!"

He doesn’t respond to my jokes, he simply glares at me and motions towards the direction of my house.

I don’t hesitate and make a quick dash up the road. Mom and dad are waiting for me at the door.

"Hey... I think, or are you off again?" I ask my parents. I’m not sure why they’re both home but it can’t be good. Maybe something terrible happened and we have to leave. I look pass them and don’t see any bags packed.

"Where have you been for the past three hours?" Mom asked. Her eyebrow is twitching, she does that when she gets anxious.

"I was taking a stroll in the Bone... I mean, in the woods and lose track of time. I’m sorry. It won’t happen again."

Mom opens her mouth but suddenly, "It better not young lady." Dad cuts her off as her wraps his arms firmly around moms shoulders.

"Is something wrong?" I ask.

"Huh? Why would you think something is wrong?" Mom asks with a confused look on her face.

"You’re home, both of you. That doesn’t happen anymore, not since the storms."

" Your father and I decided to take the night off to be with you."

"Your mother and I are worried about you."

"Worried? Why would you be worried, I’m handling everything just fine. I don’t see what you have to worry about. I’m not a child."

"We know that Joey, I just want to make sure you’re okay. I know I’m at the hospital a lot and dad is busy with his lab, but we are still your parents and love you very much." Mom’s eyes are starting to swell as she pushes out the last end out her sentence.

"I’m sorry for making you worry. I’m fine. I promise."

"Okay dear. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask."

"I won’t mom. Thanks."

"Alright! That settles that," dad chimed in, "Time for tacos and some board games!"

"Tacos! How’d you find those dad?"

"I’ve been storing them for a while, for a night like tonight."

I couldn’t believe it, normally we eat canned soups. We try not to burn through our perseveres and make our supply last. I haven’t had tacos, pizza, ice cream, or even cake in so long. Can you believe that? No cake and ice cream, it’s criminal!

The night was filled with laughter and we all fell asleep bunched up in the living room. I can’t remember the last time I’ve had a night together with my parents since this disaster started.

Next Chapter: The Cove