As they ventured out, the morning sun now fully risen, it cast long shadows on the cracked pavement of their quiet neighborhood. The sounds of the city hummed softly—the chirping of birds, the distant rumble of cars, the laughter of children.
It felt deceptively normal, but David and Liam knew the fragile normalcy that surrounded them.
They stopped at the grocery store just a few blocks away. They needed provisions, and it was a familiar spot that didn't raise suspicions. As they walked, they discussed their plan in hushed tones, each idea sparking a new rush of excitement and dread.
"Let's divide our lists," Liam suggested, glancing around as they approached the store's entrance.
"You take care of the non-perishables- canned goods, rice, anything we can stockpile. I'll focus on things we might need for defense and, you know, survival."
David nodded, already pulling out a battered notebook from his pocket, something he took while they were preparing to go out.
As they entered the store, they split up, mingling amongst the other shoppers as though nothing was amiss.
The shelves were stocked, though a few items were already beginning to dwindle— nothing that is out of place as it was saturday, in other world, market day.
David grabbed cans of beans and vegetables, filling his cart while keeping one eye on the other patrons.
He just wanted to be sure that those noisy bitches were far from him, he wasn't really in the mood to gossip about the messy killing of that girl.
Liam was right to panic, that was way too messy of them.
Meanwhile, the man , himself, made his way to the back of the store, where the sporting goods section was located.
He scanned the row of knives, hammers, and tools, each item a potential lifeline.
He picked up a sturdy knife, feeling its weight in his hand, and tucked it into the waistband of his jeans.
After ten quick minutes, they regrouped at the front. David's cart brimmed with supplies while Liam held a small selection of tools and a heavy-duty flashlight.
"Looks good," David said as they wheeled their cart toward the checkout. "If only we could grab everything we need in one go."
"I know," Liam replied, glancing towards the door as he sensed a shift in the atmosphere. "But we have to be smart about this. Too much attention drawn to ourselves and we would end up looking suspicious."
As they paid, a whispered conversation caught their ears from a nearby aisle, a mother was speaking to her son, her voice laced with worry as she pointed at a magazine cover featuring a bold headline.
"Look! The earthquakes going to get worse, dear god, it's because of those politicians!"
David asked, looking indifferent,"So there were signs, just too subtle for us people."
"It's not about signs anymore, we knows what's coming, dear," Liam replied, determination washing over him like a wave.
Outside, the sky hung heavy with those ominous clouds from earlier.
"We should head back," David suggested. "Start organizing what we have, and figure out next steps."
"That's okay with me," Liam agreed.
They stepped into their home once more, ready to lay the groundwork for their escape.