Chapter 4

Jared's blood drenched my back.

I dragged him through three blocks, my legs turning to jelly with every step. His breathing grew fainter, but his arm stayed locked tightly around my neck. He insisted on "covering" me like this, even as he was about to slip into unconsciousness.

"Hang in there," I said to him. I kicked open a grocery store's side door, sending dust swirling in the moonlight. The place had been abandoned for ages, leaving shelves toppled everywhere. But at least, it could provide shelter for the time being.

By the time Jared slid to the floor, he…