A big, gray, spacious room, just like any other. No additional rooms or windows, not even a zombie present, which was a surprise. The pipe from before hung in the middle of the room, with no signs of it leaking. Hanging at the far back must’ve been a water control valve. A container and a stool were right next to it.

  The group lowered their weapons and looked around the room, searching for cracks or easy ways to secure the water. Karin checked the bin, only to find it empty. This gave her an idea. She walked over to the valve and grabbed it, trying to turn it herself. When that didn’t work, she asked for Mike to give her a hand and move it one way. He did it with ease, and the sounds of the water faded from her ears.

  Karin nodded, then grabbed the nearest stool and dragged it over to the middle. She stood atop it, positioned herself under the pipes, and readied her shovel. Before Ryan could ask what she was up to, she shoved her weapon into them, creating a gaping hole in the center. Karin pulled the shovel out and hopped off the stool, moving it away before initiating her last step in the plan.

  She asked for the boys to help her push the container just under the pipes, which they did in record time. Mike didn’t need to wait to turn the valve in the other direction. Pretty soon, a heaping amount of water came rushing in through the pipes and landed in the container bin. It wouldn’t be long before they had a source to bathe in.

  Ryan pumped his fists up and cheered, forgetting to keep his voice down. Mike nodded and smiled, giving a thumbs up. Karin was the only one who didn’t share the excitement. She smiled at her handiwork at first, but it soon faded as her gaze seemed distant. Ryan noted this and tilted his head towards her.

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  “Hey, Karin, is something the matter?”

  “No, I’m fine.” She said, looking away.

  “No offense, but you don’t look or sound fine to me. Do you think something’s wrong with the water?”

  “Not at all.” She pointed at the bin. “In fact, this is probably the cleanest supply of water we’ll ever get.”

  “It’s a great discovery, and we couldn’t have done it without you.”

  “Yeah...” Karin murmured. She lowered her head, staring at her feet.

  “Do you want to talk about it?” Mike asked, crossing his arms. “Something’s clearly troubling you.”

  “Well, it’s just that...” Karin squeezed her arm. “When we finish up in here and freshen up, I’d like to leave as soon as possible.”

  The guys exchanged worried glances. Mike had a hunch on why, and understood, but Ryan wanted to be sure and ask.

  “Why’s that? What about your mom?”

  “Look around you, Ryan. We’ve checked almost everywhere. I don’t think she’s here.”

  “Oh, I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s okay, really. I’ll be fine.” Karin said with a sad smile, but her voice shook. “I mean, I don’t know if any of these... things could be her. I’d probably recognize her, if that was the case, maybe. But...” She sighed. “Part of me is hoping for a better-case scenario. That she escaped and is in hiding, along with Dad and Violet.”

  “We hope that’s the case as well.”

  “I don’t know. I guess it’s just wishful thinking on my part.”

  “Karin...”

  Karin shook her head. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore. We’re losing sunlight, after all. Come on, let’s go get the others, then relax for a little while.”

  “Okay...”