Volume I - Episode 47 Where: Melbourne, Australia When: 7 days after E-Day, 6:14 pm "Oh my God!" Kim whispered, freezing on the spot. She cocked her head to one side, as if straining to hear a distant sound. "Do you hear that?" Jessica smiled. She knew this game. "What? What was it, Kimmy?" "I think...I think I heard police sirens!" "Oh no!" Jessica laughed. "We're busted! We better drop the loot and run!" The two girls ran through the darkened supermarket, shrieking in mock terror as they tried to elude their imaginary pursuers in the deserted but well-stocked aisles. "Ah! Let's just stop and let them catch us," Kim said, coming to a stop in the long-life section. "If we're lucky they might even strip search us." "Oh God," Jessica said. "I wish! But come on, Kimmy - I'm starving. We have to find the ingredients for our post-apocalyptic lamb roast! What about parmesan cheese? Does post-apocalyptic lamb roast have parmesan cheese?" "Ugh! No!" They walked down the aisle, studying the hundreds of products on shelves. So far the only item that had made its way into Jessica's basket was a very adorable toy stuffed donkey. "He's very cute, by the way," Kim remarked. "Look at his eyes! They're so sad! I can't wait to take him home and cuddle him!" "I know," Jessica replied. "He's adorable. He's only staying with us for one night, though. After that, he's moving into a new home." Kim looked puzzled. "What do you mean? What home?" "I have a secret plan for Señor Donkey," Jessica replied, scanning the shelves with her torch. "What is it?" "It's a secret!" "Tell meeeee!" Kim whined. "You know I don't like secrets!" Jessica groaned inwardly. She should have known this would happen. She should have grabbed the toy without Kim seeing. Or at least have come up with a decent cover story. "I can't tell you, babe. I'm sorry. It's just a bit...personal. It's just something to do with someone I used to know." "Okay," Kim said quietly. Jessica took Kim by the hand and pulled her close. "It's nothing, babe. I swear. It's just...I'm just being dumb. Don't worry about it." She kissed Kim on the mouth. "It's nothing to worry about, I swear." Kim smiled, but didn't look completely convinced. "Okay, Jess. But you know you can tell me anything, right?" "Of course, babe. And you know I tell you everything. This is just one thing that I need to keep to myself for a little while. I'll tell you soon...I just need to work a few things out in my head first. Okay? Do you know what I mean?" Kim looked away, still unconvinced, and nodded towards the shelves to her right. "You know...I'm pretty sure dried mashed potatoes go with post-apocalyptic lamb roast." "I'm pretty sure you're right!" Jessica said, trying to sound cheerful. Thoughts of the final text message she ever received tumbled through Jessica's mind. Michael Morgan, she thought. Of all the people in the world, Michael Morgan is still alive. First published: Monday, 30 May 2011 Credits: Lorena by Rhiannon Melia Hair by 3Dream Leather Jacket Set by billy-t Jeanz by the3dwizard FR-Venus by Freja Grace Lion Hair by Quarker Sportbaby 2 by Hongyu Bad Attitude by Lady Littlefox The Hitchhiker by mytilus The Lamb from DAZ Background photography by me Shopping basket modelled in modo 501 Characters rendered in Daz Studio 4 Composited in Photoshop CS5 Extended