Chapter 6

The sun, after another losing battle of trying to smother the small town in flames, began to disappear behind mountains across the almost infinite flat plans resting in between them. "What a day to be alive," George muttered, while carefully closing the trunk of his mother's beat-up car, fearing that one too many rough slams would cause it to break down once again. It was a frequent visitor at the unregistered town mechanic's shop. His sister quickly claimed shotgun as they loaded their belongings into the trunk.

With a sigh, George climbed into the backseat and closed the door behind him. "We heading down to Bobby's," he asked aloud, knowing full well that his mother had already made plans for their evening. The car rumbled to life as it shifted into reverse, and George's mother twisted her body to peer out the rearview window.

"Might as well," she replied with a shrug. "Not much else to do now that we know our satellite dish won't be working anytime soon." The familiar whirring of the engine filled the car as they backed out of the parking lot, one of the last families to leave after spending far too long picking out supplies at Walmart. Bob's constant whining about returning items trailed behind them as they drove off into the sunset, leaving behind a small town fighting against the oppressive heat of another scorching day.

"I knew our town was dead, but I never truly felt it until now," Stephanie spoke in the passenger seat, gazing out of the rolled-down window as her hair fluttered wildly in the wind. The once vibrant downtown area now lay in darkness, every street lamp unlit and the buildings shrouded in shadows. It was as if the darkness had taken over, suffocating any remaining light. But as they drove on, a glimmer of hope appeared at the end of a long tunnel - dozens of scattered cars outside the sheriff's office, their headlights keeping the creeping darkness at bay.

George silently nodded along with his sister's words, his eyes fixed on the never-ending line of abandoned stores they passed. "Is this how it looked when the Oakleys were trying to get free power?" he asked his mother. Sally let out a slight chuckle,

"Just like this," she replied as she continued to drive down the road. She lightly tapped on the brakes, slowing down the car as they approached a cluster of parked vehicles outside.

"Do you think Sheriff Bobby has the answers we're looking for?" Stephanie asked from across the car, her gaze meeting her mother's. Sally reached out and stroked her daughter's hair gently before answering,

"Baby girl, I don't think anyone has the answers we want right now." She released her daughter's hair and reached for the door handle. As the car door opened, the car light illuminated the worried faces of two teens.

"You think the President called the sheriff of a town with a population of 140 and told me what's happening?" The sheriff's sarcastic words cut deep into Martha after her fifth time demanding information he didn't have. The sheriff stood in front of the group unafraid of the answers being lobbed at him from all sides. His hand rested on his revolver, as his other hand hung gingerly in his hand at the side of his leg. "Now you lot shush up, we may be a tiny town, but even we got a plan for when shit hits the fan," The sheriff voiced to the group, "We made it right after Dumb and Dumber tried to get free power for their radio," the sheriff continued, "You all head down to schools gym, we got a gas-powered generator there that will run for awhile, it will power some heaters to keep y'all warm. I'm gonna follow y'all back there, do a headcount to see who's here, then head out to grab the rest of the lazy sons of a bitch and bring them back." The sheriff ordered, "The mayor is bringing emergency supplies down to the gym, although I really just hope only his wife and dog show up," the sheriff voiced over some chuckles of agreement.

The symphony of car and truck doors slamming reverberated through the town, creating a chaotic rhythm that echoed down the streets. The bright beams of headlights illuminated the sidewalks, casting shadows that danced in time to the sounds of the bustling city. The air was thick with the explosive roars, groans, and whines of the numerous vehicles, each one fighting for dominance over the others. Suddenly, the cacophony was interrupted as a large truck lurched forward, its engine straining under the weight of its load. With a sickening crash, it collided with a small car in front of it, sending metal screeching and glass shattering into the night air.

"What the fuck," A man yelled loud enough for the noise to bypass his rolled-up window, "Who the fuck hit me," his voice echoed louder as his window rolled down and he stuck his head outside of the car. "Dammit Martha, why are you driving everyone knows you can't see shit even with your 6-inch thick glasses." He bellowed, his voice raw and hoarse with fury as he surveyed the destruction of his passenger side door. Flecks of spittle flew from his mouth, propelled by each enraged syllable. The metal was dented and scratched, a gnarled mess that left him seething with frustration and helplessness. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel, trying to contain the overwhelming surge of anger and disappointment in himself for not being able to protect his vehicle from such blatant disrespect.

"If you weren't driving a pansy little Prius and drove a truck like a real man I'd have been able to see it," Martha yelled back as she slapped Stanley sitting next to her upside the head for not defending her like a husband should.

The sheriff let out a loud groan as he emerged from his police car and made his way towards the line of parked vehicles. "Well, I'll be damned," he muttered under his breath as he took in the chaotic scene before him. The cars were jumbled together like puzzle pieces, each one facing a different direction and seemingly abandoned by their frustrated owners.

"Looks like y'all are more lost than a dove over the ocean," the sheriff exclaimed, shaking his head in disbelief. He approached the man who was still yelling in anger and asked, "Is your car still drivable or do you need a lift?"

The man's face contorted with rage as he waved his arms wildly and shouted "that ain't the point Bobby, she's gonna murder us all before we make it down the street." The air was thick with tension and the sound of car horns blaring. The sheriff could feel a headache coming on.

"I'd never, and who are you to talk to me like that," Martha's response was sharp, her voice laced with indignation and a hint of self-preservation. The sheriff, sensing the brewing storm of an endless argument, spoke up quickly and assertively to diffuse the tension. His words rang out loud and urgent in the tense air.

"He ain't wrong Martha how many tickets have I had to write because of you this year? Stanley get the fuck out of the car and switch places with your wife," Bobby ordered his arm shot up in the air, commanding attention as he signaled the first car to make its way towards the school gym. The sound of honking and revving engines filled the air as the cars slowly started to move forward