Look Away Before It Bleeds You Dry » Places

         

R E E x V I H A R A

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"Stop there."

Ree complied, turning quickly into the pump that stood closest to the road. She didn't see anyone around - the station itself seemed silent and still - but if they needed to leave quickly, at least she would waste less time pulling onto the road.

While she sat there, both hands still on the wheel, trying to psych herself up enough to step out of the car - stop being such a wuss, Vihara - Pelin was already opening the door, leaving the car. "You can fill the tank while I see if there's anything we can use."

"Sure," Ree responded faintly, checking the tank. Not low, but not nearly enough either. As quietly as she could, she slipped out of the car, reaching for the pump. Standing behind the car while she waited for the tank to fill felt a little safer, though she did feel a tiny bit foolish. Better safe than sorry, at any rate.

A shadow rounded the pump, and Ree swallowed a scream. The light quickly revealed it to be Pelin, who ignored Ree in favour of the trunk. There wasn't much in there - Ree watched curiously as the older girl rummaged in the random assortment of items. "What are you looking for?"

"The door is locked. I'm going to circle the place to see if there's entry through the back door, but if not - I'm going to try to break the glass." She hefted the weight of a metal bar, to Ree's alarm. She had no memory of that, whatever is was. "Well, uh, be careful," she managed, drawing back like she was afraid Pelin was going to turn around and whack her over the head with it. Pelin offered no response, only heading back towards the station.

Before the trunk clicked shut, something caught Ree's eye. A spare can, tucked into the back. She'd almost forgotten Dad's reminder. "Silliest thing you can ever do is get caught out without gas. You can't anticipate popped tyres, but gas is always running out. I know you're a smart kid, though. Smartest kid in town."

She could still hear the pride in his voice. Brushing away the tears that threatened to spill over, she sent a short, desperate prayer heavenwards, hoping someone was listening. Dad was smart. They were all smart. They'd take care of themselves, and hopefully she'd find them at safety too.

Ree filled the spare can with gas, then tucked it back into the trunk. Hopefully they wouldn't have to break it out too soon, but... you never know.

The can was heavy, and as she lifted it her stomach grumbled, as if reminding her of the energy she'd already exhausted. Maybe Pelin had found something good. She turned in the direction of the station, eyes straining to see the other's progress.