Sheriff Emma Swan shifted the squad car into fourth gear as she raced along the deserted road.
On either side of her route were cars. Long abandoned, long forgotten and long drained.
Up ahead was the sign she had been searching for "Citgo" in bold blue letters, and that bastard red triangle.
Or was it orange?
Who gives a crap.
Slowing the car and finally stopping, Emma checked her holster as she exited the vehicle. Her Glock 22 was nestled nicely against her hip.
As she approached the gas station her heart dropped. Another "NO GAS" sign hung loosely from a pump.
Before she even had a chance to swear, she heard shuffling from behind her. Arming herself with the Glock, Emma crouched behind a deserted Buick Regal. The shuffling got closer until it was the other side of the car.
Lowering herself to her hands and knees, Emma peered through the gap beneath the vehicle. Two small feet in bunny shaped slippers shuffled across the gap, stopping only to retrieve a stuffed animal discarded on the road.
Emma jumped to her feet and followed the child around the car. "Hey kid." She isn't sure, but she thinks she recognises the little girl.
Paige.
Or was it Grace? She'd seen her around playing in the streets with the other kids.
Grace or Paige carried on retreating away from Sheriff Swan as if she hadn't heard her at all. "Hey kid, I'm a police person. I can help."
The shuffling stopped and the young blond girl turned to face Emma.
Except, she used to be a young blond girl.
In front of Emma stood the shell of a 10 year old. Eyes empty and as white as snow. Half her flesh fallen from her face, revealing teeth, bared in a snarl ready to attack. Before the monster had a chance to advance, Emma pulled the trigger and shot it square in the head.
Let me know what you think. I will probably continue this regardless of responses as I am enjoying writing it!
Find me on Tumblr; Reginamme
Mwah x