It's been over a day since we left the cabin. Annie hasn't spoken 5 words since we buried Mildred beside a large limestone boulder. We were lucky enough to find fishing gear in the cottage, and so the boots and overalls have been helpful with walking around...as we aren't sure how dangerous the dampness is.
Since the rains let up, the sky has become a bit clearer. Pinkish clouds can be seen in the evening, and as we make our way north the air seems less fried. Going north was definitely the right decision.
There are now three or so hours until dawn; so we have two hours to find a place to camp for the night. There was a sign on the highway that stated a town was about an hour's drive away -- so we should be good for tonight at least.
We drive along in sombre silence. I'm trying to respect the space that Annie needs to grieve, even if her way is to become stone-like.
After a while, I break the silence.
"We're going to make it, I have a feeling." I say to Annie who doesn't turn to look at me. She stares straight ahead, eyes glued to the road.
I slink back into the passenger seat and watch the trees blur by. A moment later I try to break the silence again.
"Do you think we could stop at the next gas station? I want to pick up something for my throat." I say.
Annie nods.
A few minutes later we see a dark shadow in the distance resembling a service station. I roll down my window as the car pulls up to see if I can hear anything that might indicate danger...or dangerous people.
As Annie pulls in, we do a quick scan with the headlights to survey the place and make sure that we aren't ambushed for the car.
"Make it quick," Annie says as I hop out and head towards the window of the convenience store. I look around for something that I can throw through the window -- when I notice that the door is slightly ajar.
"Someones been here." I say to Annie as I notice that they've left the lock in place so that others may enter.
When I walk inside there is a note on the counter. It reads,
"I am a doctor. If you are reading this note please head to the pharmacy area and grab a package of Potassium Iodide pills. Take two pills per adult per day for the next few days. You will notice a frequency in your urination. This is good. Please do not take more pills than you require for the next 5 days. Please leave this note on the counter. There is a group of us, we are heading to Kirkland Lake where there is a hospital. See you there."
My heart leaps a little as I grab for a can of warm soda to try and ease the tingling in my throat. I walk towards the pharmacy aisle and find what I'm looking for and grab enough for both me and Annie.
I also grab some chapstick for my lips and aloe for the sores on my arms.
I turn to tell Annie the great news, I can't believe our good luck...when I hear it:
Two bangs from her shotgun.
And so, I duck.
