Day 10 since it happened. Already running out of food. I’m down to my last Fudge. It’s dark here. Only some fabric between me and the outside world.
People started fighting after the Riots. Riots. That's not what we called them before. Harmless. It was… No. Before. It was different. Before. Mustn’t think too much on before. It got bad. Dark even. Someone got shot. Someone important. All over the… the Riots.
My life before. I just wanted… I couldn’t even buy a simple gift. Stop it, John! Stop remembering. You can't go back. Why Can’t I forget?! The world’s changed. It doesn’t matter how it started. Or what brought you here in the first place. There’s no-one-
The fabric covering me has been pulled to the side. The face revealed. I know that face it’s…
“There you are, John. Did the Black Friday sales get to you again?”
“Venessa? But it’s been days. No weeks! How did you… how?”
“It’s been 10 mins John. Now, get up out of that clothes rack and help me take this lot to the car, will you? Come on, the crowds have died down now.”
I stand with my remaining strength and follow my wife to the car.
“I heard a gunshot. But how?”
“That was a Nerf gun. Some kid shot a cardboard cutout of some celeb.”
Approaching the car now. My wife brings the spoils of war. I’m too in shock. I sit in the passenger seat.
“I’ll get this loaded up myself then shall I?”
So. It’s finally over. The Riots. The death and destruction. I must be the luckiest man alive. Not only did my wife survive. But she saved me. As she enters the car, I look at the back seat. That car seat. That was for...
“Where are the kids?! Did they make it?”
“What are you talking about? They’re down the road with your parents. Every year. Bloody idiot! I’ll just go next year myself. Be less drama!”
The children. I think of them as we drive. They are well. It scares me that one day they will have to face this mess. Only when they are old enough. But that could be only 2 maybe 3 years away? Who can say? I know they have been training with their brave mother. Doing the weekly shop. They are much stronger than me. Until the day comes. I must stand with my wife. I must fight in the Riots. Until the awful day, our children must fight for the sales. Fight for what they so desire. I hope that day is long off.
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