Arrival: A Post-Apocalyptic Thriller

39

Maya caught up to Kenny as he walked to the part of the warehouse they’d set up as a dining area. Instead of silver-plated platters on a buffet line, people had arranged open cans of vegetables and beans dumped onto paper plates.

“Kenny, wait.”

He turned around, chewing gum and grinning. “Yes?”

“I appreciate you helping me out and all, but I can’t stay here.”

“Sure. We’ll open the doors right now.”

“Thank you so much. The guard didn’t seem like he would do that for me. So if you can ask him to—”

Kenny cut her off with a chuckle. “Really? I was kidding. You can’t leave now.”

“You don’t understand. I can’t stay. I have a family, kids I haven’t seen in days.”

“Well, hopefully, they’re somewhere safe inside the dome like you are.”

“They aren’t under the dome.”

“They’re outside? Then what are you worried about?”

“I haven’t seen them since that obelisk came out of the ground and the dome dropped on the city. I have to get to them.”

“I’m sorry, Mira.”

“It’s Maya.”

“I apologize. Lots of new names to get to know. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to go get my dinner.”

He started to turn around and Maya grabbed his arm. Kenny wasn’t smiling anymore.

“You can’t hold me here like a hostage,” Maya said, giving him an icy stare.

Kenny pulled her out of earshot from the rest of the group.

“Look,” Kenny said in a low voice, his eyes darting from Maya to the people lining up for a plate of cold beans. “I’m sorry you can’t get to your kids. Really, I am. It sounds like you’ve been through a lot of shit, like the rest of us. The thing is, I can’t let you walk out of here right now. I’ve set rules. And if I let you break them, then I’ve got to do the same for others. You get me?”

“No, I don’t. I’m not a damn prisoner.”

“No, you’re not. So why don’t you come with us and get some food? Get some rest. As soon as the threat outside passes, you can be on your way. I won’t stop you.” He glanced at her ripped and torn clothing. “Maybe we can even get you a clean shirt.”

Kenny turned away again, and this time Maya didn’t stop him. She looked to the door, but the armed guard remained. She’d have to obey Kenny’s rules and stay, or else try to find another way out.

For now, she’d join the others and take the opportunity to eat.

After a quick meal, Maya decided that Kenny was probably right. It wasn’t wise to leave the Shed right away—the streets would still be too dangerous, given what she’d seen dropping from the ship, and she trusted that Kenny would allow her to leave soon. If he didn’t, she’d become his biggest problem.

Kenny’s wife, Carly, handed Maya a blanket and showed her to a spot in the warehouse where she could sleep.

“Thanks,” Maya said.

“Not a problem. I found this for you, as well.”

Carly handed a folded t-shirt to Maya—the Tennessee Titans logo graced the front of the light blue shirt, along with several of the team’s sponsors. It looked to be about a size too big, but at least it was something to keep her warm. Maya smiled.

“I was a Cowboys fan before the Titans moved here, but I suppose this will do.”

Carly laughed and smiled. “Let us know if you need anything else.”

“Thanks.”

Maya slipped into the shirt, which was indeed one size too big. She was about to lie down when Kenny came over to her holding a pallet over his head. He set it on the floor.

“Thought this might be better than sleeping on the cold floor.”

“That’ll be fine. Thanks.”

“No problem.” He stepped closer to her. “I really am sorry I can’t cut you loose now.”

“It’s no big deal. I understand how that could compromise your leadership. You fed me and gave me a place to rest. That’s generous of you. I’ll leave as soon as you guys open the doors for anyone who wants to leave.”

“Of course,” Kenny said, stepping away. “I do want you to know, though, that you’re welcome to stay here for as long as you like.”

Maya smiled and said, “I appreciate that,” in a way that made it obvious she would decline his offer.

Kenny nodded and went to check on the others as Maya made a bed out of the blanket and pallet, and then laid down. She closed her eyes and immediately thought of her kids, and then Reno. She hoped he was safe, and that she would get to see him again—that she would get to kiss him again.

She drifted off moments later, almost certain she could feel Reno’s hands on her face.

The explosion ripped Maya from a deep sleep.

Others in the warehouse had already jumped up and were running in all directions.

“What was that?” a woman asked.

“Everyone stay calm,” Kenny said. He cradled an assault rifle to his chest as he ran toward the bay doors. He looked through the opening, and then immediately turned and dove for the floor.

“Look out!”

The bay door blew open as flames shot into the warehouse.