"Hmmm, what to raid first.."

I grabbed a plastic bag from behind the counter and ran through the aisles. Candy, chips, gum, random toiletries and other bathroom products. The onto beverages i went. Unfortunately I knew what Tony would want so i grabbed that and pondered on what id want. Hmm, pop and alcohol sound good, but waters probably the better choice.

"Oh and then theres Monster...why must you tease me with your deliciousn-..."

The bells on the door rang together indicating someone had come in. My nose crinkled up, he really thought I couldnt handle it myself?

"Tony i told you id be fine..."

Before I could say anything else my heart stopped, the bottle i held in my hand dropped to the floor and bounced off to the side.

"Fuck."

A loud screeching noise came from where i was staring, the creature spotting me. It straightened itself out, the sound of bones cracking as it did. It kept groaning and cracking as it got closer. I backed away slowly at first then when i made sure i was far enough away i turned to run. The zombie kept up pretty well, my breaths getting heavier and heavier.

"Tooonnnyy!" I screamed once i was out, "Tony start the car!"

I saw him jump across to the drivers side and fiddle with the wires. To my relief the car revved in an instant. I pushed my legs to full extent, the muscles completely inflamed. Once I got closer Tony pushed the passenger side door open allowing me to slide right in. I slammed the door shugt just as Tony floored it. With my hand i lifted myself off the seat to see if the zombie was still there. It staggered a bit as if to try and chase the car but stopped...heading the oposite direction.
Sure that i was safe i let myself plop back down on the seat, exhaling deeply.

"Are you ok?" Tony asked frightened.

My chest rose and fell quickly as I leaned back.

"I...I was...Im fine." I breathed.

"It didn't bite you or anything right?"

I let out a breathless chuckle.

"No..no im ok..im fine."

"Holy fuck." He moaned, banging his hand on the wheel. "You were in there for so long...I didnt think you were getting out."

"Neither did i." I admitted.

"Youre sure youre ok?" He asked.

"Tony," I started impulsively placing my hand on his closest thigh.

We both glanced down, a jolt transferred from him to me. The hair on my arms rose and I quickly pulled it away.

"I...Im fine just...shooken up...a bit."

God was I stupid. Why did I put my hand there. Now it’ll be all awkward and shit...way to go Lee. Just like I had expected an all too familiar silence washed over the car for most of the ride, minus me telling him where to go.

“Here, make a right.” I directed.

Tony slowed onto our grass driveway that led to the small, hidden cabin.

“It’s not much, but...it’s something.” I said as we exited the two door car.

“Well as long as we’re safe.” Tony added, stepping next to me.

“Come on.” I said quietly, leading the way.

A late summer breeze gave my body chills as we neared the front steps. I found the keys underneath one of the boards and quickly jammed it into the old keyhole. It clicked open and the sudden smell of summer memories filled my nose. Tears started to burn behind my eyes when I realized I’d probably never have another summer again.
The longer I held them back the more it burned, fogging my vision. And then they began to break the barrier, tiny wet drops squeezed slowly from the corners of my eyes.

“We probably should leave the lights and everything off so we don’t draw unnecessary attention.” I suggested through tears.

“Good I...Lil what’s wrong?”

Tony interrupted himself to come and hold me at arms length. I hid my face in my hands, the once tiny droplets now long streams flowing to my neck.

“Lila...” Tony urged giving me a slight shake.

I simply moved my head from side to side with no words. Suddenly I felt myself being pulled forward; soon realizing I was against his chest. I freed my face from my hands only to bury it into his white tank top. Tony let me go unresponsive for awhile not saying anything himself. Once I had soaked his shirt completely, I pulled away to look up at him.

“Why are you being so nice?” I groaned trying to make it clear his pity wasn’t wanted.

Tony instantly let go of me I guess realizing what he was trying to do wasn’t working. Soon his eyes met mine again.

“I'm being ‘nice’ because I care, I know you’re upset and scared...not to mention alone the most I can do is be here for you no one deserves to be alone during this.”

I wasn’t quite sure how to respond so I didn’t...i kept quiet and used my phone to find some candles.

"Wait!" Tony called from behind me.

I shined my phone light on him and waited.

“I'm not letting you go alone again.” He informed only inches away from me.

“Well ok, come on.” I gave in.

Tony followed close behind making sure not to let me out of his sight.

“We’ll use candles to see, if we turn the power on itll draw too much attention.” I said as I grabbed a bunch of the small yellow balls.

“You’ve really done your research.” Tony said in amazement.

“Well no,” I started as I searched the drawer for more. “I just have common sense.”

I handed Tony some candles and led him to the living room. I set my candles down on the coffee table then searched my purse for my lighter.

“Look at this.” Tony whispered from a nearby window.