Ash: Book One in the Rising Ash Saga Read Online Free PDF Page B

joke.”
                  I nod, a bit taken aback by her sudden declaration. “Okay, fair enough. I'm glad for that too.”
                  She responds with a small smile.
                  “I'm going to get some sleep,” I say. “It's been a bit of a big day, and tomorrow won't be much different if I'm heading into town.”
                  “Okay then,” she replies. “I'm going to stay up for a bit.”
                  I slip into the kitchen where Marcus is snoring softly from his nest under the table. I think I could roll the entire stainless steel contraption across the room and he would not have woken. I wander over to the fire, still putting out a good amount of heat. Then I find my way over to the pile of aprons and table cloths.
                  Part of me wants Rachel to come back in so I could sleep in the outer room. I shuffle around for a few moments, before I slip back to the door, peeking back out to her. She sits on the stairs, leaning her face on her hands. The weariness of her lot is etched on her face, more than I had seen in anyone in a long while. I know that feeling, that desire to give up. More often than not it becomes overridden by the desire to survive. As of late that struggle becomes more difficult.
     
                  The next morning, I climb out of the pallet I had built on the floor by the kitchen door. I wake before the others, sliding the strap of my bow onto my back and slipping quickly out of the kitchen into the main room. Once again I find myself hoping they would stay put. They have nothing more to do with the day that to stay inside and remain alive. I set out a carton of powdered eggs, knowing Rachel would find the gallon jugs of water in the pantry. It might taste a little stale but who is being picky at this stage of the game.
                  I am careful not to make a sound as I pull open the door to the outside, double-checking the placement of the iron bench. I step over it, pulling the door closed behind me before I turn to scan the horizon. It had been half a day since the horde had come through. It would be beneficial to travel down the road this time, instead of following the flattened ground like we had done, especially since I am on the lookout for a car, a blue one if I keep my word to Marcus.
                  But a vehicle is not all I am looking for.
                  I jog across the pavement to the nearest road. My legs and lungs burn with the exertion and it feels good. There are only a few miles before I would make it downtown, and I would need to keep an eye out for the creatures. The fresh air helps to clear my head as I make my way down the road, ever alert.
                  They could be anywhere.
                  Up ahead I see movement in the road.
                  At first, I think it is another deer or badger or something. Not until I get close enough, do I realize that it is a zombie, crouched over a raccoon at the side of the road. Shame I did not get there first. I have never eaten raccoon before. I have my crossbow but this close I can save the arrow. 
                  I pull out my knife, as I slowly reach down and pick up a handful of pebbles. Hitching back my arm, I take aim and toss one of the small rocks over its head so it lands on the other side of the monster. The sound catches its attention, and it cranes its head up towards the noise.
                  I toss another handful which skitters across the pavement. This time, it stands and shuffles towards the sound. I take advantage of the distraction and stalk up behind it, taking slow, sideways steps, before I spike the knife into the side of its head.
                  I feel vindicated each time I take one down. One less to worry about. Not that I had to worry about them, but I did not want Rachel or Marcus to