Into Town

As they approached Torrine, the landscape transformed. Rolling hills gave way to an urban setting, with scattered buildings and strip malls lining the road. Rose noticed a large sign welcoming them to the town, its cheerful colors a stark contrast to the somber mood that permeated the city.

There were few people on the streets. Despite the portal app showing no nearby anomalies, fear lingered—the threat of a portal suddenly appearing beneath one's feet was ever-present. Most residents stayed home if they could. Those who ventured out hurried to complete their tasks, eager to return to the perceived safety of their homes. Not that houses offered true protection; portals could materialize anywhere. Yet, human psychology being what it was, people still felt safer within their own four walls.

Ethan pulled into a parking spot near the town's main street, with Andrew following close behind. As they stepped out of their vehicles, the eerie quiet of the town enveloped them. Rose scanned their surroundings, her senses on high alert for any signs of danger or unusual activity.

Though she hadn't heard of any trouble in Torrine during the early days of the apocalypse, it was better to be safe than sorry.

The four quickly gathered to discuss their plan of action. They had compiled an extensive list of supplies to acquire, including medicine, food, a separate power generator, and camping gear. Given the sheer volume of items, they realized one trip wouldn't suffice. Consequently, they decided to prioritize the most critical supplies for this initial excursion.

Ethan quickly divided their work. "Andrew you are responsible for getting the power generator, while I will go on to acquire the camping gear. Luke, your task is to get non-perishable food items as well as bottled water. As much as you can fit inside the car. Understood?"

Luke nodded, while Rose perked up. "What about me?" she asked.

"You'll come with me," Ethan replied, handing Luke a credit card to pay for his purchases.

Rose felt a twinge of annoyance at her brother's lack of trust in her ability to handle even a simple task. She took a deep breath, knowing that getting upset wouldn't change his mind. Still, she wanted to prove she was capable and didn't need constant supervision. If he was this protective now, when things were relatively safe, how would he react when the situation worsened?

"I can get the medication," she suggested, gesturing down the street. "The pharmacy's right there."

Surely there couldn't be any issues with such a short trip, right?

She watched him hesitate, weighing the pros and cons of her suggestion.

"I can accompany her," Luke offered. "The supermarket's in that direction too, and I'll keep her safe." The little puppy had clearly slipped back into guardian mode, now enhanced by his newfound ability.

Rose stifled a groan, waiting silently for her brother's decision.

After a moment, Ethan nodded reluctantly. "All right, but be quick and careful. Here," he said, handing her another credit card. "Get everything on the list, and if you spot anything else useful, grab that too."

"Will do." Though not entirely satisfied, Rose appreciated that Ethan was willing to let her out of his sight. It was a start.

"We'll meet back at the cars in two hours—that should give you enough time. Keep your phones on and nearby in case something comes up, got it?"

"Yes," Rose and Luke answered in unison, barely resisting the urge to roll their eyes. After surviving a portal, Ethan's concern over a simple shopping trip seemed a tad excessive.

As they parted ways, Rose and Luke headed towards the pharmacy, their footsteps echoing in the eerily quiet street.

"Rose," Luke hushed, moving closer to her.

"Mhm?"

"There is something I wanted to talk to you about," he said, his voice urgent but quiet, as if afraid that someone would listen in on them.

Rose had anticipated this. The youth was quite transparent. During their journey to the farm, he had lingered near her at every break, but with others around, he hadn't dared broach the subject. The same pattern continued at the farm. Now, finally alone, he could unburden himself of everything that had accumulated since their emergence from the portal. 

Rose knew his questions would likely revolve around their shared experience in the portal and Luke's newfound ability. She maintained a neutral expression, not wanting to reveal her own secrets just yet. As they neared the pharmacy, she decided to let Luke take the lead in this discussion.

"Shoot," she simply said.

"It's about the portals and everything. There are so many things I don't understand and I don't know, somehow I feel like you might know the answers." 

Rose hesitated, carefully considering her response. She didn't want to reveal too much, but she also felt a responsibility to help Luke navigate this new reality.