The squad makes its way out of the base.
Before they leave, Quin pulls out the map. Marked across it are known creature locations, clusters, and possible supply points. Checked and empty locations are marked with X's, unknown zones with ?'s, and safe supply points with O's.
There is only one O left.
Quin takes the lead. He ties a rope around his waist and passes it back to Anna. She does the same, then hands it to Tim, who passes it to Josh. From their bags, they pull out crafted wooden earmuffs—each fitted with a compartment filled with metal balls that rattle loudly when moved.
How annoying, Anna thinks as the constant rattling irritates her ears.
Next come the blindfolds. The three behind Quin cover their eyes, and together they move toward the last marked supply point.
Quin guides them carefully, avoiding the zones marked with creatures. Along the way, Anna notices something off. A faint ringing. She removes one side of her earmuffs to be sure.
Yes. A ringing sound.
She taps Quin's shoulder, signaling for a change in route. Without hesitation, he complies, trusting her instincts completely.
They arrive at the store. Equipment is removed, blindfolds come off, and they begin searching. The place is nearly empty—only a few scattered items lie on the ground.
"It's empty," Anna says. "All that's left is flour and cosmetics. Those damn gangs raiders took everything again."
"We'll make do," Quin replies. He points toward the cosmetics aisle. "Look for natural oils—coconut, olive oil. Those can still be useful."
"And why don't you eat some lipstick while you're at it, you stupid girl," Josh adds arrogantly.
Anna turns, confused. "What was that supposed to be? Stay quiet if you don't know what to say—like your friend Timmy over there."
Josh is about to retaliate.
"Enough," Quin cuts in. "Anna, do what I asked. Guys, help me gather the flour."
They listen.
Sheesh. That girl's always ready to fight.
Anna heads to the cosmetics section. While scanning the shelves, her eyes catch something strange—a wig sitting on a mannequin's head. A fluffy afro with three different colors randomly mixed together.
Who would wear this?
She picks it up, places it on her head, and pulls faces at herself in the full-body mirror at the end of the aisle.
Enough fooling around, she thinks, taking it off.
As she does, the hair brushes the back of her neck. She squeals slightly.
Dumb wig.
She puts it back and moves to the next aisle, crouching down to read labels along the bottom shelf.
A faint ringing returns.
Something brushes the back of her neck.
She stiffens.
This stupid wig… I thought I—
… I did?
Then what… what was that just now?
Her heart begins to race. Was it one of the boys messing with her—or something else?
Holding her breath, she slowly raises her head and looks into the mirror, still partially visible from where she kneels.
It wasn't one of the boys.
Looming behind her is a ghastly creature. Its face masked and blue, framed by a wild mane. Eight long, human-like arms extend from it—two anchoring it between the aisles, the rest wrapped tightly around its gray, cocoon-like body.
"Ah—"
Anna cuts the scream off before it can escape.
It's a creeper!. Damn!
Calm down.
Remember, think of nothing.
The creeper floats closer, drifting in front of her, its face inches from hers—upside down. Her viridian eyes stare directly into its empty sockets.
Anna freezes.
Stillness hangs between them.
Her expression goes blank, lifeless, as though her mind has left her body entirely.
Slowly, she reaches into her bag, pulls out her earmuffs, and begins tapping them against the floor.
Tap. Tap.
…Tap tap…
…Tap.
Over and over. A deliberate pattern. A signal.
At the front of the store, Quin hears it.
"Do you hear that?" he murmurs. "It's the signal." He listens more carefully. "It's a creeper."
"A creeper?!" Josh echoes.
Tim, who has been silent until now, begins to panic. His breathing quickens as he glances toward the exit.
"Calm down," Quin urges, grabbing his arm. "You'll only make yourself a target."
Tim spirals, trying to wrench free, but he's weaker—skinnier. He can't escape. Quin reaches into his bag, pulls out a syringe-like container, yanks Tim close, and drives it into his neck like an EpiPen.
Tim's body slackens. He stumbles, then collapses.
Quin turns to Josh. "Are you good?"
Josh nods, terror etched across his face.
"Is it coming?" Quin asks, eyes fixed down the aisle Anna went into.
"No."
Quin steps out of the aisle and peers down the passage.
Nothing.
Then—something falls.
Anna crawls into view, pointing upward frantically.
Quin looks up.
Four aisles away, the creeper prowls toward them like a spider.
"Sit," Quin orders.
Josh obeys instantly. Both sit down and begin deep, steady breathing.
The creeper drifts above them… and stops.
Anna reaches the neighboring aisle, presses her back to the wall, and joins the breathing.
They remain like that for a long time.
Eventually, one by one, they drift into sleep.