I woke up to an earthquake. I realised we have been captured by the haulers and we're being transported back to the city. I shook my head and the soldiers signed that I had nothing to worry about. Until the vehicle in the front sank into the road. I shook my head. Those pranksters will get arrested. Then I remembered it was partially my idea. So I pressed my lips together as I looked out the window. I saw the haulers come out of a bus to see what was going on. I saw the guys sneak out of the bus but their gear was confiscated. I guess I am on my own. I asked why I they didn't zip ties or handcuffs. They grinned as they signed, "We don't cuff people who risk life and limb for us. Janelle Abernathy is your name" I shook my head as I explained, "It was a fake ID." The soldiers laughed. I introduced myself, "My name is Lily." They waved hello and I waved back.
I asked them if they could crank open a window. With a plush of a button it went down an inch. I sniffed the air and I discovered bad news so I started signing frantically. They asked me to calm down and I place both index fingers in my mouth to imitate fangs and kept pointing outside. They looked at one another and asked the guys to get out of the hole and join the ones in the bus. Sure enough as the door closed they came out and tried to break in. I used morse code to tell them to close the window. They didn't understand till I stuck my hand out. They pulled my hand in and quickly shut it. The vehicles backed up and carefully drove backwards till they were able to turn around and hit full speed. I signed that the terrain was rough here if they speed up here their vehicles are going to fly. They didn't listen and soon collision occurred.
I got out and ran found my bag. I grabbed it and ran for the river. I jumped in and was carried away. The soldiers followed not far behind. But before they could jump they got distracted. I was able to get far away. I finally managed to get on dry land. I was so tired that I passed out. I woke up to vibrations and quickly hid. I had entered gang territory. Now I have to find a way to get out. Some of them even work with vampires so the vampires actually avoid feeding in those area like they are a peace treaty zones. I walked till I reached a stream and waded my way to the other side. Then I walked till I found a shoe. I froze and sniffed the air. It smelled like blood. I walked till my heart froze. Everyone in my gypsy clan was dead. They were torn limb from limb and bleed dry. I fell to the dirt and tried to breath as my vision blurred. I looked each and everyone of them and I remembered the moments of vibrance. Of laughter and hope.
I felt a firm hand on my shoulder and I looked up to see the soldiers. They weren't offended I left. They watched as I dug a pit and threw their dismembered parts in. I threw in a few twigs and branches before setting it on fire. They all understood that I didn't want to part from my friends. They were kind enough to give me a moment before taking me back to their helicopter. Once I was secured they took off. All I could do was cry. No one stopped me. I wanted them all back. But they are not coming back. I watched as the landscape change. I signed that we shouldn't be in this area. We should go in a different direction. The pilot didn't question it. She diverted just in the nick of time before a missile detonated a few feet off the tail rotors.
She took an emergency landing and we all had to evacuate. As the next one blew the thing to smithereens. We had to run to the forest and I told them not use the radio and unless they are sure the drone is military they should remain hidden. Some these are designed to kill. The gang members have mounted guns on them to kill trespassers. The vampires won't eat them because they have a treaty. They can walk safely but we need to tread lightly or it will be our funeral. I lead the way and we were safe again. I gave them permission to use the radio and they explained everything as I started to forage for food. They watched as I cooked my lunch. Venison jerky and a few mushrooms. After eating I took a bath and washed my clothes. I went to sleep. When I woke up I stuffed the dried clothes into my bag before heading in the direction of the ghost town.
I found several edible plants along the way so I collected them as I walked. I made to source them sustainably so I can get them the next time. As the town came into view I noticed the buildings were crumbling. So I tried to sleep there it might collapse on me. After scooping the place for a suitable hideout. I found a old manor. I went to the back and built a dakota fireplace to warm myself up. The nights were chilly and I wasn't in the mood to be a popsicle. I chucked in a few lumps of coal rubbed with resin. Once the fire was going I searched the place for knick knacks. I made a perimeter guard using wires and old tin can. If anyone stepped on it the vibrations would reach me in time to escape. After five layers of this defense I went straight to sleep.
I woke up to see soldiers and they were stoking the fire and I signed a good morning before I sat down to eat. They were making Meals Ready to eat. Not my favourite but I have eaten some on occasions. I had eaten the halal version. It was better than this. I dug in my bag and pulled out a chef boyadee can. The others watched as I heated it up and shared it with the others. It started raining and the fire wouldn't hold so I used the toilet wax and my waterproof matches to light up the fireplace. Then I pulled wires from the exposed wall and tied it between the trees. I hung the tarp over it and propped it up with sticks. Then I used rocks to make sure the water didn't go into the fireplace. Then I used the small shovel to dig a path for the water to flow. I came back in to see smiling faces.
I waved them off and ate my food. Once the fire was doused I collected the wood ash so I can make soap when possible. The others stared without question. I took them to the other side of the town and pointed outwards. The city was below the ridge and it was clearly visible. I quietly did a head count so I can bail at the opportune moment. After pushing through brushes, branches and wading through the stream we finally reached the outskirts of the city. They were pleased. They started calling family members and one person called their command centre. I took a deep breath as I counted them all and quietly snuck back into the forest. I reached the other side and looked to see no one was following me. I happily walked towards the horizon. I found Mrs Husband waiting as always. She has wiry hair that tied up in a messy bun. She wears a t-shirt, overalls and gumboots. As always she was brandishing a shot gun. Once I was searched for bites she took me in.