April 21st 2022

  Morning-ish

  Maybe it’s just me, but the sun seems to be in a constant state of anger. It’s always fiery orange. At times I think it’s because of the red clouds, other times I wonder if one day it’ll explode.

  Well, I do like fireworks.

  On that note, my calendar is becoming pretty convenient. I’ve been beling all my good days with stars, and all my bad days with these cute bee stickers.

  I chose bees because they’re cute from afar, but I could totally do without them, personally.

  Because if one gets too close, I’ll

  -

  My friend and I went out again this morning. She knew exactly which way to go without even hesitating, like she’s my own little personal GPS device.

  We stuck to quieter streets and cut behind the strip mall further into town.

  The mumblies were out, obviously, but they were doing their usual thing. Y’know, standing around like they’re waiting for a bus that’s not coming.

  My friend didn’t scream. She stayed close and kept her eyes down. She’s learning.

  Thanks to her, I was able to visit the one pce I didn’t expect myself stepping foot into. The library.

  I can’t even imagine me of all people burying my nose into books, but here we are. I feel so retro, it’s crazy.

  Afternoon, almost sunset

  It’s weird how certain pces like this keep the vibe even when like, everyone is dead or dying.

  I don’t know why, but soon as we stepped inside, I automatically wanted to whisper. It’s like library rules are etched into the walls themselves.

  Inside smelled like dust and soggy paper. That old newspaper and book smell, but damp. As if someone cried their sadness into the plush carpeting here.

  I was genuinely surprised to see the pce as an absolute disaster area. Shelves knocked over, books everywhere, the little computer area trashed with broken screens.

  I don’t think anyone got eaten in there though. We didn’t spot any gnarly red stains anywhere.

  My friend kept gncing around like she expected someone to jump out and attack her. I almost ughed. As if there’s anything to worry about. I’m here.

  I told her we were here for one thing: generator information. Not the memories or after school loitering vibes.

  I went straight to the non-fiction section. There was a whole aisle on home improvement, which almost felt like a personal attack. Like wow. I couldn’t imagine having a life where my biggest gripe is whether I want beige, or slightly dark beige paint.

  After some extended searching, my friend managed to find a book called Portable Generators: Instaltion and Maintenance. Talk about luck! This is why having capable friends is such a plus.

  I also grabbed a book titled: Basic Electrical Wiring. Not because I’m stupid or anything, but like, this girl ain’t an electrician. I don’t know what the fuck is even that. At all.

  My friend found a binder on a shelf that said Red Vine Town Records and pulled it out like it was interesting. I told her we didn’t need it.

  She put it back so fast it made me ugh. She’s so skittish, girl please.

  We also grabbed what was left of a map and a few town brochures. Might as well, right?

  Before we left, my friend lingered by the bulletin board near the front desk. I decided to take a look too and saw one of the notices on there about a blood drive. Which is hirious considering the weather tely.

  There is more than enough blood to go around.

  The sun closed its eye

  On the way back home, my friend graciously offered to carry the bag of books we collected.

  She also pointed out a hardware store I somehow missed this whole time. Like an actual small, local one, not a big chain.

  I guess she remembered all the times I yapped about wanting to find more tools and stuff for organizing my things.

  I didn’t check inside though. The front was blocked by a delivery truck that was smashed the fuck up, and coated in what looked like someone had their skin removed with a comically rge cheese grater. Yikes.

  Aside from that, I figured if either of us accidentally bumped into this thing, we might trip an arm and start an unwanted block party.

  We went home.

  Saw a couple mumblies standing in the middle of the road, facing the same direction.

  I wonder, do these guys ever have undead arguments or fights? Cause, these guys looked like they were about to telepathically punch each other.

  Eventually, as we passed by, one of them made a noise.

  “...eat…”

  It sounded like eat, or maybe meat?

  Not sure. But it did remind me that I’m hungry.