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house was secure. It had running water and electricity. What would he do when he saw all that? My mind was racing. He would try to take it.
    I waited in the bushes for him to make a move. His progression was not loud, but I’d learned to listen for even the slightest sound. As he made his way closer, I froze, uncertain of what I should do: run or stay hidden. I didn’t have long to decide.
    Too late, I chose to bolt. I was still in the bushes when a hand grabbed my arm tightly. Jake pulled me roughly from my hiding spot. He took my backpack and slung it over his shoulder, holding my arm in a death grip. He hugged me to his chest.
    â€œIf you scream,” he whispered, his hot breath in my ear, “the creatures will come and kill you.” He shoved his arm under my shirt and squeezed. The pain made me exhale loudly.
    â€œIf you like that, just wait.” He pulled my hair, yanking my head back with a jerk. Forcing his face to mine, he kissed me roughly. His teeth rammed into my lips, cutting painfully at the soft tissue. He pulled away slightly and I tasted blood, sharp and metallic against my tongue.
    I reached my arm around and pulled the gun from its holster. I was grateful my clothes were baggy and Jake hadn’t noticed I was carrying it earlier. I shoved the barrel in his stomach and unhooked the safety with a click.
    â€œBack off,” I said, careful to keep my voice low. I could hear the panic in my tone, and my hands were shaking. Jake took several steps back and stared.
    â€œIf you shoot that gun, every one of those things within four miles will be on you.” He started to come toward me again. I quickly reached in my pocket and screwed the attachment onto the end. I’d practiced at home for speed.
    â€œSilencer,” I hissed, forcing a smug grin. I really just wanted to puke.
    â€œYou know, silencers aren’t all that quiet. . . .” he whispered, though he didn’t sound very convinced. He backed away, looking me up and down. He still held my backpack. “I’ll see you around, honey.” He winked at me before he turned and began to jog away.
    Then I remembered the object in my pocket. Since that day with the creature in the store, I’d come up with a getaway plan. A way to distract Them if They had me cornered, something more complex than a can of corn. I pulled out the remote and stepped back into the bushes. I paused for only a second before hitting the button.
    About half a block away, the siren sounded. I heard a few run by, not the mindless shuffle but the full gallop They developed when They thought humans were near. And then I heard Jake scream. There must have been a few closer. He would have been shocked at the noise. It would have taken him too long to realize it was coming from the bag. Even if he had tossed it in time, he could not have outrun Them. He wouldn’t have had enough time to hide.
    The screams continued and I put my hands over my ears. He’d be dead in less than a minute. I just wanted the noise to stop. The alarm was still going, but I figured They would tear that apart soon enough as well. I didn’t want to do it, but I already had to worry about Them. I couldn’t live wondering if a psycho survivor was out to get me as well. I cried silently, hoping Jake was not the only other person alive on the planet. Did he lie about seeing other people? About the town of survivors?
    The creatures shuffled around for a while, satisfied with their meal. Exhausted, I waited for what seemed like hours, cold and miserable until the area cleared and I could walk back to my house. The first thing I did when I got home was rig another bag from the car alarms I’d scavenged.
    I didn’t know then that the awful exchange with Jake would be the last real conversation I would have for a very, very long time.

    A clap of thunder brings me back to reality, away from the past. I scan again for any new ships, but the sky is