The steps were clean. Smooth. Even.

Jennifer had no reason to stop. No reason to freeze as she got to the fourth steps, no reason to stop breathing as her eyes fell on a flower in the center of the pale wooden table.

"Jen? Jennifer, are you okay?" Sammy's voice carried out through the hallway, from the kitchen where they stood watching Lee try to cook something warm. The smell wafted throughout the old barn, easily identifiable as macaroni and cheese.

"Uh..." She said dumbly, blinking. "Did you two put that flower on the table?"

Behind her, Emily gently pushed her down the few final steps, leading her to the island. "Sit," she instructed.

"No, seriously," She said, voice rising an octave. "Did either of you put the Anemone on the table?"

"No...?" Lee said slowly, looking over his shoulder at Jennifer, a crease between his eyebrows. "By the way, food's done."

Jennifer sucked in a breath, the cold air crashing into her senses. "Eat quickly," she told everyone. She thankfully accepted the bowl that was handed to her, taking a bite of the cheesy noodles. She nearly moaned at the hot food, it had been so. Freaking. Long. Since she had eaten a hot meal.

Sadly, she finished, eyeing the others as they ate.

"Hurry," She urged them, unable to keep the panic out of her voice. She brushed away a few strands of hair that managed to make their way into her mouth, and a few in her eyes.

"Jen... what's happening?" Lee asked, setting down his empty bowl. His fork dropped into the sink as he reached around the empty pot to grab the soap.

"They're coming. Hurry, grab everything that won't spoil right away."

Jennifer had to five them credit: Her friends sure knew how to hurry. Somehow, they all knew what each person should do. Emily grabbing necessities such as toilet paper, Lee grabbing food (turns out he's a great cook) Sammy grabbing bedding and towels, and finally Jennifer grabbing a lot of the clothes she had found.

And the flower.

When all three of her companions shot her confused looks she didn't want to admit what the flower ment to her.

No, she wasn't this love struck kid who's crush or significant other had been killed (well... her crush was dead, and had been killed, but that was besides the point) and they had given her this exact flower.

Here's the short version: Anemone flowers are supposed to have two different meanings. The first one, (also the darkest) is that the pretty looking purple flower means fading of hope and a feeling of being forsaken.

The second, well, it means anticipation. Anticipation in what, Jennifer's parents never told her. They just said that the flower was important.

But there is a third meaning. No, it isn't official, but the monster army seemed to use this every time to show that they were here. You were out of luck.

Which was why the four of them had to run.

Which was why, when she heard the booming roar that has the power to shatter eardrums, she didn't look up. She didn't freeze. She just shouldered her backpack, grabbed Lee's hand, (who held Emily's, who held Sammy's) and picked up her pace.

And they ran.

Hey! So... um... you made it to the end of the chapter! Congrats! Also sorry my chapters aren't that long. Just...I can't bring myself to like, write a super long chapter than won't be as good. (Though, are my chapters good?)That being said, I'm starting a question of the... chapter. Yeah. Yes! Yes, I totally know what I am typing. So... this chapter is... (imaginary drum roll) What's your favorite flower?One more thing! So, a few chapters ago I asked what animal I should do. I promise, I will get to it, but the timeline need to make at least some sense otherwise I will go insane. Also, Addalittlesmoke, I will be using your suggestion because my backup was not as good. See? This is why I ask questions!Anyway, thank you for reading. Sorry for the super long author's note. Stay safe, have a good day/night, and if you can please review with the answers to the questions.Bye! :)