Back To Our Beginning by C. L. Scholey Read Free Book Online Page B

this? Drinking water from dirty puddles, eating cold food he got out of beat up cans and now meandering elephants. The rain beat down in the silence forcing him to wrap his arms about himself from the chill. He was without any warm clothing, his flimsy shoes were soaked.
    He shook his head, trying to clear it. He hit his forehead with the heel of his sweat-moistened hand hoping to knock some sense into it.
    “Now what?”
    Looking up, he saw the small band of elephants—they were stampeding toward him.
    “Oh, crap.” He turned and began running. Behind, close on the elephants’ heels, was a tornado.
    He was positive he was in hell, and damn didn’t the Devil have a sense of humor.
    * * * *
    Tansy and her brood saw a few people their first day of walking. Mostly scavengers they kept a close eye on, hiding until they passed. Shanie protested saying there was safety in numbers. But Tansy wouldn’t relent. If in your numbers someone could be found who might hurt you, there was no safety. She couldn’t take the chance with three daughters.
    The thought of a helpless child alone in this world was a sobering thought. If Tansy died, she’d be adding three more orphans. She had to live. If only for her children, she’d find safety if it could be found. She was grateful for Marge and Chris’ presence. Someone else to share the frightening burden of survival in this new world.
    The destruction around them was earth shattering. They’d all seen destruction through the media after a terrible storm, but this was destruction like no other. It went on and on before them as they walked, a sea of never-ending chaos. Every step taken fearfully, their eyes glazed in disbelief. Their concern continued to grow as they moved on. The earth was sodden. Puddles were ponds, ponds were lakes, streams roaring rivers. The sky remained foreboding. Fear engulfed them while walking through a haze of noiseless mist. They stopped to rest. Their minds as well as bodies needing relief.
    “What’re you doing?” a voice questioned, summoning Tansy from her reverie.
    “Making fire,” Shanie answered. She had two rocks she was banging together. Pieces were flying everywhere in her enthusiasm.
    “Ow, shit,” Chris swore and threw up his hands to rub his eyes as a small piece of stone chipped off and hit his face.
    Tansy reached over and stilled her daughter’s hands. She took the offending objects as Chris sat down while his mother tried to inspect the damage.
    “You idiot,” Chris thundered, trying to shove his mother’s hands away. “You can’t start a fire by hitting two pieces of concrete together.”
    Shanie’s face reddened. They were in part of a subway close to the surface. Tansy was afraid to take them deeper knowing instinctively others would be lower. Maybe dangerous and frightening others who would steal what food they had. Before Shanie could retaliate, as she had that ‘I’m going to attack,’ look written all over her face, Tansy intervened.
    “This is a brilliant idea.”
    Chris looked astounded and paused long enough for his mother to get her hands on him. Shanie crossed her arms over her chest and offered him a smug look.
    “Think about it. Eventually we’ll run out of matches and lighters will run out of fluid. How will we start a fire? We need rocks. Wow, I really was paying attention in Brownies.”
    “Brownies taught you how to be a fire starter?” Shanie asked.
    “No, silly. They taught basic survival skills while we were camping, I think it was a counselor who mentioned if you struck two types of rocks together it would create a spark.”
    “Well what rocks?” Shanie asked.
    Tansy looked around, but came to the conclusion it was fruitless. Only cement and mortar, debris from the city had collected around them. She shrugged helplessly then brightened. They were thinking; it was a good start. Then she realized they’d need to do a lot more thinking. They thought living in a basement was roughing it...they’d