The Hive: A Post-Apocalyptic Life

into your jeans. Make sure you put your favorite toys in a bag. We’re going to be staying a while.” She’d helped the girls gather only the sturdiest of clothing. Sweaters and heavy shirts were packed away. She dressed the girls in extra shirts, less she had to pack. She packed extra shoes, the ones that were too big for the girls. She sometimes bought clothing and shoes that were too big, when they were on sale. She didn’t know how long all of this would last, but if what Donny said was true, they’d need more later. Her mother had a lot of her and her sister, Marybeth’s old things in the attic. She hoped it would be enough. She’d kept asking herself over and over, where was Hogan? He should have been home by now. Fear made her push it down, with excuses. Bad traffic, a wreck. He couldn’t reach her because the phone was down. Now, she knew why. But was he still on his way?

Going to the garage, she found the girl’s wagon. She and Hogan used to pull them in it when they were smaller. Now, it just held junk. She emptied it out and loaded the suitcase. It practically filled the wagon. Then she crammed as many bottles of water into the wagon as she could. She opened the garage door and pulled the wagon out and along the sidewalk to the front door. Heading back into the house, she went to the pantry. Looking, she needed to get things the girls could eat without cooking. She grabbed the peanut butter and began to make sandwiches. She packed those, along with several boxes of raisins, cups of applesauce, trail mix, cookies and then she pulled out the apples from the crisper. She’d gotten a bushel of them last month and there were plenty left.

She went and grabbed photographs out of her picture box. It held numerous photographs that were waiting to be put into albums. She grabbed a handful of the precious family photos. She couldn’t bring all the pictures, but she could bring a lot. Where was Hogan? Her mouth trembled and she bit down. She could not fall apart now. Not now. She’d come back one day and get the rest. For now, this would have to do. She stood for a moment, looking around her home. She placed a hand over her mouth, to stop the scream that was trying to escape. Would she ever see her home again? Would she see Hogan? My God, where was Hogan, was he on his way here? She took a deep breath, trying to get control.

“Okay girls, get your rabbits and let’s go to Mr. Donny’s house to get his wagon.” A chorus of okay answered her. The girls came into the kitchen with their stuffed rabbits. They both had heavy coats on, along with their mittens, hats and scarves. It was a blustery day out and without the warmth of sunshine, Laura had wanted them well dressed for the six-hour trip. She also grabbed a quilt off her bed. Her mother had made it and it was heavy and warm. She’d wrap the girls in that for the trip. Thinking, she stopped.

“Okay, both of you go potty. It’s gonna be a long trip.” She did the same and picked up a roll of toilet paper and a package of wipes. She also grabbed two of her menstrual cups. She’d not need tampons.

They went to Donny’s home and she’d pulled the wagon behind her. It was heavy. Donny and Carol came out, both of their faces stamped with concern. Laura had looked across the street but saw no sign of Randy.

“Put the quilt in there first. Carol wiped it out, so it’s pretty clean. Are you packing?” Donny asked, his graying brow raised.

Opening her coat, she let him see the holster. He smiled grimly and nodded.

“Here is some nylon cord. For right now, if you want, have the girls walk alongside you. When they get tired, you can have them get into the cart and tie them together so you can pull. You got a flashlight? It’s early yet, but you might be getting there about dusk. Just want to make sure you’re prepared.” Donny advised.

“Oh, no, let me run back over.” Laura said, and turned.

“No, no, here, take this. It’s a head lamp and it’s bright. You can wear it on your head or hold it in your hand. I’ve a couple of them, so don’t worry.” Donny smiled down at her and Laura had felt like crying. He must have seen it and pulled her in for a fatherly hug.

“You’ll do great. Just go and get there as fast as you can. Don’t take shit from anyone. Don’t tell them what you know or where you are going. Play ignorant. Just say you’re going to your folks. That’s it.”

Laura nodded and hugged Carol, who was now crying softly.

“God be with you, Laura, keep those little ones safe. You as well, dear.”

“I will Carol, you guys be safe as well. You can have the food in the house, I got what I needed packed up. If…if Hogan gets here, please tell him where I went. I left a note in the kitchen for him.” Laura said, her voice cracking. She wiped at the tears and turned to the girls.

It had taken them seven hours and by the time they got to her parents, it had been dark. The headlamp had helped and when Laura had come to the house, the dogs had barked to announce their arrival. Her parents had been surprised but happy and relieved to see them. The girls had been unphased, but Laura had been at the end of her rope.

She jerked when she heard the noise that had woken her up. It was one of the dogs, JoJo, she thought, the black lab.