The Life Beyond by Susanne Winnacker Read Free Book Online

but Rachel smiled. Tyler hurried back to the house and returned with our jar of honey. He dripped some of it on Rachel’s outstretched palm. I could almost taste its sweetness on my tongue.
    Something flashed close to them – fluttering wings. A tiny hummingbird hovered inches above Rachel’s hand, attracted by the honey. Its feathers shimmered blue and green. Beautiful.
    Rachel looked happy as she watched the bird. But Tyler had only eyes for her. Slowly a smile spread on his face.

Chapter 4
    Joshua eased the car into the shade under the gas station roof. The store was across the parking lot.
    “I think we should split up,” I said. “Tyler, can you stay with Rachel and try to fill up the car with gas?” That way they could both be in the shade and Rachel wouldn’t have to walk anywhere. “Joshua and I will search inside for supplies.”
    “What about me?” Bobby said.
    I wanted to keep an eye on him, but who knew what might be lurking inside the store? It might be too dangerous to take him with us. I hesitated.
    “He can stay with us,” Tyler said.
    I smiled gratefully. “Thanks. Bobby, let’s check the gas station for water first,” I said with a nod toward him. That would give me the chance to talk to him alone.
    “I’ll go look for a second car while you do that,” said Joshua. “Tyler, could you help me with this first? After all, it’ll be you driving Rachel and Bobby back.” Tyler joined Joshua and together they went to inspect the three abandoned cars lined up in front of the garage, covered in dust. Rachel leaned against the wall of the building.
    Bobby and I walked up to the gas station. The door was locked shut, and all of the windows were intact.
    “Watch your back!” Bobby called. I turned and saw he was holding up a huge rock, so heavy that he had to carry it with both hands. He swung his arms, sending the rock flying – right through the window of the gas station store. The glass shattered, flying to the ground and smashing loudly. It felt weirdly good to watch something get destroyed.
    I gave Bobby a thumbs up. “Good work.”
    Bobby and I stepped over the shards of broken glass and into the store. The shelves were still in place and partly stocked, but most of the food looked like it would poison us if we ate a bite, especially what was left of the sandwiches. They had turned into green dust.
    Bottles of water, cola and all kinds of other drinks were still lined up in the refrigerator. The heat had evaporated most of the water and left only a brown syrupy residue in the coke bottles. That wouldn’t help with the rough feeling in my throat. I took two water bottles, which were still half full, and handed one to Bobby and brought the other to my lips. The liquid was warm and tasted of plastic but it felt like liquid heaven as it slid down my throat. I couldn’t stop myself from drinking more.
    “Disgusting,” Bobby spluttered and wiped his hands over his mouth.
    “Maybe we can find some more water in the mall,” I said, already feeling better.
    I checked the chocolate bars for their edibility but they’d dissolved into unidentifiable brownish lumps covered with a white film. A sniff at them made me put them back onto the shelf.
    I looked over at Bobby. He had torn open a bag of potato chips and was busy stuffing them into his mouth. I watched him take another gulp of lukewarm water before he left the bag where he’d found it. Now was my chance.
    “Bobby,” I said eventually. “Why did you hide in the trunk?”
    His eyes darted to mine. “I just want to help. It’s my turn to do something for our family. You don’t know how guilty I feel that you and Dad risked your lives when you left the bunker. I felt so useless, watching TV with Mia and listening to Mom and Grandma arguing while you were out there trying to find food.”
    “Bobby —”
    “I’m not doing that again,” he cut in. “I can’t stand the thought of letting you do this by yourself. I have to do