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Sighing, I enter a random aisle, and my eyes scan the items on display. Nothing interesting. I get the uncomfortable feeling that I'm being followed and sure enough, I feel a hand grab me by the shoulder. I get yanked around and before I can react, the man's fist connects with my face, delivering a hard blow. I stumble and turn away, feeling him reach for me. I dash off into the dark, not bothering to turn on the flashlight as it would only alert them of my position.

Well at least I got me some Snickers. I take another bite then forget to chew as I hold my breath, waiting for him to appear. I keep my back pressed against the wall and my head down, studying my sneakers in the dark. My brow furrows as a drop of blood lands on them, and my hand instantly shoots up right under my nose where it feels warm. Are you kidding me? I wipe it off, my septum horseshoe causing double the annoyance. I freeze then, swallowing. Turning on my flashlight, I point it at the floor in the direction I just came from. It is distributed with crimson spots which create an imperfect trail, nevertheless leading right to me. I turn my flashlight back off and look up. To my horror, I catch a glimpse of a shadow entering.

"Hello? Who's there?" a voice spoke just loud enough for me to hear.

I have a mental argument, debating whether to stay quite or to speak up. The latter wins.

"Hey," I say after a moment of hesitation. I turn my light on and point it at him, careful to keep myself hidden in the shadows although he can probably somewhat see me.

He looks about my age, just a little taller. Stiffening, he takes a step back as I take a step towards him. Why hasn't he tried to kill me yet like everybody else here?

"I'm not going to hurt you if you don't give me a reason to," I say slowly, reminding myself to tread carefully.

"Who are you?" he asks. I can see he doesn't believe me.

Not wanting to give too much away, I reply, "I got locked in."

His shoulders relax a little. "Me too." I eye him suspiciously.

I wipe my nose with my sleeve, still keeping my light focused on him. "Do you have any weapons on you?" He pulls out a knife. "Drop it and kick it to me," I say, nodding towards it.

He does as I say and I bend down to take it, instantly getting back up. I don't plan on using it but it could come in handy if I ever need to come across as intimidating. As if I need any help with that. His green eyes look up and we stand there for a moment. Gaining his trust could be an advantage for me even if I don't reciprocate it.

"I'm Hazel," I decide to tell him.

"Tristan," he says. "You're bleeding so I'm guessing you've had to deal with them, too."

Of course he noticed. He most likely can't see my eyes due to the dim light and my cap. "Do you know what's going on here?" I ask, still keeping my face expressionless.

He shifts, shaking his head. "I know as much as you do."

I take a look over my shoulder, not forgetting the dangers still present. "I better get going," I say, making it sound like I know what I'm doing. Then I pause for a moment. He could be useful. "You coming?"

"I'd be crazy not to," he says. I give a small smile, observing his every move. Oh well, I need all the help I can get.

He falls into step beside me as we make our way towards nowhere in particular. I take a quick look at my watch.

"It's 1:02 AM. We still have a lot to go," I say, glancing down at his empty hands. "Let's get you a flashlight."

Tristan's eyes widen. "I didn't know it was that late."

"What about your phone?" I say as I lead us back to where I got my light. Why didn't he call for help?

"Lost it a couple days ago," he replies, shrugging.

Outstanding. Good thing he can't see me roll my eyes.

"What about yours?" he inquires.

I pull mine out and hold it out in front of me so that it's seen clearly in the light. "Busted."

"Damn, " he says under his breath. I nod and glance sideways, continuing to watch him carefully.

We turn the aisle corner and I stop in front of the variety of flashlights. "Pick one and let's move."

Tristan takes a quick look and reaches for the same one I have.

"Hey, I had to pay for mine," I say, trying to keep a smile off my face.

He flashes a grin. "The hell you did." I smile and shrug.

Suddenly his eyes widen as his gaze shifts to something behind me. "Hazel... look out!"

I whip around and duck immediately, managing to avoid a blow coming straight for my face just in time. I instantly give him a taste of his own medicine and thrust a punch into his throat. The man stumbles back, clutching his neck and Tristan knocks him out with an elbow to the face. "Vaya con dios, asshole," he mutters.