6 6

I think of stepping outside for a little bit but then almost kick myself for being so absurd. Could've at least grabbed a Red Bull while I was out. Pacing around the area, I try to figure out a way to break out but my mind shifts into overdrive and I can't think clearly. Exhausted, I quit trying and slump down in the corner. The waiting drags on and I count off the seconds in my head, stopping at 326 when I can't stand it any longer.

My watch shows that it's three and the fact that no one has found us yet makes me grow suspicious. And distressed. So I turn my light on and walk over to Tristan, who's subconsciously grasping his left arm, both of his sleeves pushed up. Dropping to one knee, I gently shake him.

"Hey," I say, shining my light across his face. "It's time to go."

Tristan's eyes jerk open and then relax as he realizes it's me. "Give me five more minutes," he mumbles, then winces as he accidently puts too much weight on his arm.

I look at the door in frustration and then back at him. "We can't hold out in here much longer."

Tristan sighs, shifting. "What's the time?"

"3:02 AM," I reply after glancing at my wrist.

"Alright," he says, unfazed, although I can see that he's a little bummed out. "Let's move."

I help him up and although he's shaky, he looks better than he did a few hours ago. I hand him the meds and he shoves them in his pocket as I clear the place, leaving it just like how we found it. After one final check, I quietly step out the door first, then motion for Tristan to follow.

"Thanks for keeping a look out," Tristan says as we start walking away from the bakery. "Were you able to figure out something while I dozed off?"

I purse my lips. "No, unfortunately," I say, glancing at him. He seems to be thinking.

"You know what? Why don't we just smash the door to pieces?" Tristan suggests.

I smile, elbowing him. "I'm sure we can think of something crazier."

But Tristan doesn't smile back and my amusement wavers as I realize that he's actually serious. "Hazel, our lives are on the line."

My mind immediately runs through all the details. We are in a department store after all. I know where we could search for some sort of hammer. The only issue would be to get there and back alive and then manage to somehow break the glass doors but after that we'd probably get followed so we need to be efficient-

Tristan has to wave his hand in front of me to bring me back to the present.

"Yeah," I say. "That's true. I guess you're right."

He nods. "I always am."

"Pshh," I reply. "Very funny. We should go find something large and heavy enough."

Still not believing that we're actually about to do this, I start in the direction where I think they might keep heavy outdoor shit.

"We should inform the authorities if we make it out," I tell Tristan as we continue walking.

"When we make it out," he corrects me. I shrug, going along with his optimism.

Our footsteps are the only sound in the entire place. For now at least, thankfully. I stick close to Tristan, not sure if it's just out of my own fear or because I want to keep us safe. We finally reach the area and I instantly spot a sledgehammer, which looks too heavy for me to mess around with (handle about two feet long, the head looks like it could be around 7 kg). Still I walk over and lift it up with a little effort. "How do I look?" I jokingly ask Tristan.

He grins and takes it from me. "Badass, but watch this," he says as he strikes a pose. I can't help but laugh a little.

"That totally looks like something we could use," I say. "But I wouldn't be able to swing it for shit and you with your injury…"

Tristan looks it over. "Well I was able to lift it just fine, so I think I still probably could."

"I know, Sherlock," I reply, eyeing his arms. They're lean and strong even with my handiwork covering most of his forearm.

He shrugs. "We should move." Still, I want to make sure he's not just hurting himself further.

With a refreshed sense of hope, I set out for the main entrance. This might actually work. I wish I'd always had the hammer as it would have saved my knuckles some pain. The cashiers section comes into sight so we must be close to the main doors. My mood suddenly shifts as I hear some noise in the distance. It sounds like multiple people this time. Hell no.

"Maybe we can just sneak past them and avoid shit altogether," Tristan whispers to me.

I nod in agreement even though this is exactly what I feared would come in the way of any chance we have of getting out. I only take it as a message to move faster. We keep walking, hoping to not run into anyone. The voices don't grow louder so at least that's good; they might not be drawing closer. We hurry our way over to the main doors and I look around to double check no one's around. Tristan waits for me, both his hands gripping the hammer. When I'm sure I don't see anyone I give him a nod, mentally bracing myself. He reaches back and swings with remarkable force, releasing the sledgehammer just before it makes impact. What happens next all seems to be a blur. The glass immediately explodes from the center out, shattering into a million pieces everywhere as Tristan grabs me and throws us towards the ground, covering us. I hear the sledgehammer land outside with a thud, but not as loud as the continuous ones of my heart against my chest. I'm immediately brought to my feet again, and look up to see Tristan's green eyes wide with fear, and behind him, the unmistakable shadows of people coming for us.