Umbrella

With the gas station in sight, Shiloh had a better understanding of why Peter needed her help. The small rural gas station was swarming, with at least a couple dozen zombies circling the area.

"Pull over..."

"Are you sure? The second they see us-"

"They're not focused on us... There's someone still alive in there."

"How do you know?"

"I just do..."

He didn't question her, pulling the car over to the side of the road. Shiloh sat in silence for a few moments, trying to assess their best plan of action. Reluctantly, she rummaged through her bags pulling out a second revolver, handing it over to him.

"Thought you didn't trust me -"

"I don't ... but you're going to need it, don't fuck me over, got it?"

"Got it... what's the plan? Do we have a plan?"

"Uhhh sort of, we need gas, and the only way we're going to get it is with a distraction."

"Oh come on don't use me as bait!"

"Oh relax, that's plan b! I'm going to lure them away from the pumps, hopefully they follow. I'll kill as many as I can, but there might be a few stragglers, that's why you need the gun."

"I've never used one before..."

"Trust me, when it comes down to life or death, you'll figure out how to use it. Aim, fire, kill. Don't over think it. And do not, I repeat, do not shoot the pumps! One wrong shot and we'll all be burnt to a crisp. Wait for them to follow me then pull up to the pump, I'm going to have to get inside to hit the switch, fill it up and if I'm not out in ten minutes, leave without me..."

"I'm not going to just leave you..."

"You might have to, trust your instinct, I'll be back."

She wanted to badly to appear calm and collected, but deep down she knew the risk. This really was a suicide mission. Shiloh knew she had powers, or whatever you would call them, but she had no clue how to use or control them. For now, her gun would be her best friend.

Jumping out from the passenger side she ran towards the gas station, screaming as loud as she could, "Follow me assholes!"

Firing a few warning shots into the air, they quickly scattered from the pumps, charging in her direction. Giving a quick thumbs up to signal Peter, she fired her gun in front of her, six easy headshots quickly collapsing to the ground. She couldn't keep up, the more she killed, the more that followed. Sprinting towards the back door of the gas station, as expected it was bolted shut. She didn't have very long to act, she stood back a few feet, shooting at the lock until it landed on the pavement with a loud thud. This only drew more attention to her. She ran inside, using a loose floorboard to lock herself inside. The small shop lit only by the sunlight seemed to be vacant, untouched since the outbreak began. The undead threw themselves at the back door, trying their best to get inside.

Shiloh quickly switched on the pumps, peering out the window to make sure Peter was still unharmed. She had a few minutes to spare, filling her bag with snacks, medical supplies, and a few packs of smokes. The end of the world seemed like the perfect time to pick up a new habit. Just as she was about to leave she heard a faint crying coming from behind the counter. Gun in hand she circled around, ready for anything. Her eyes quickly widened noticing a small girl - no older than two crouching on the ground.

"Are you alright?"

As the girl looked up, she knew instantly that it was too late to help her. A large chunk had been ripped out of her cheek, eyes already turning a ghostly white.

"I don't want to be a monster like mommy and daddy..."

Tears streamed down her face, it was a cruel new world they lived in, a world where a defenseless child had no hope or protection. She kneeled down beside the child, placing her hand over the girls eyes.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you..."

She fired a single blow into her skull, killing her on impact. The girls body fell to the ground, the pounding on the back door halted to a stop. She knew it was time to leave now, and fast. She sprinted to the front door of the building, quickly unlocking it running towards the car.

"Get in, we need to go!"

Peters eyes grew wide with panic, gun pointed right at her head.

"Don't shoot me asshole!"

Before she could react he fired the gun, turning quickly she watched as a zombie fell to the ground. They both hopped in the car, driving off as fast as they could. They were both still shaking with fear, tears streamed down her face.

"What happened in there?"

"N-Nothing... Don't worry about it..."

"It was too late, wasn't it?"

"Yeah... oh and you've earned my trust, asshole..."

"Figured that might do the trick."

Their next stop was Maine, a long drive to a place not guaranteed to answer her questions. Peter didn't question her judgement much, he was outgoing but had that lone wolf aspect to him. He just seemed to want the company, but Shiloh didn't want to drag him into her troubles. Just get me to Maine and I'll leave you alone, safe from me.

They sped off in silence, open roads with little traffic besides the scattered abandoned cars. They kept the radio on, static silence giving them false hope. After an hour into their travels, the static went silent, faint voices followed. Both looked at each other, questioning the possibility of a transmission. The faint whispering continued on. Soon a male voice came through, familiar as ever.

"We're coming for you Shiloh, you can't run forever..."