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Gravel rocked underneath her feet as Clementine walked along the rail tracks. Looking ahead, she could see the tracks split at a junction with an overgrown signal light nearby, and a tall building partially obscured by the trees.
“There’s a place up ahead, we should…” she said and turned back to see AJ and Sarah balancing themselves on the rails.
“What are you two doing?” Clementine chuckled with amusement.
“It’s a bet!” AJ exclaimed, keeping his eyes on the rail. “Whoever keeps their balance wins the last candy bar.”
“Aw, and you left me out?” Clementine said halfheartedly and crossed her arms.
Sarah laughed, “It is the last of those expired protein fruit bars, you hated those.”
Clementine smile widened as she watched the two most important people in her life have a moment of fun. She waited for a winner when AJ’s foot almost slipped.
“Woah, watch your step, kiddo,” Sarah teased. “You almost fell.”
“Did not!”
Sarah glanced up and seemed to notice the train station Clementine was referring to. She turned to Clementine with a small smile and let her foot slide off the rail.
“Yes! I win,” AJ said with a fist pump and walked up to Sarah who reached into her bag and handed him the candy bar.
He pulled the wrapping off and then paused, his expression hardened and he frowned.
Both his guardians grew concerned. “What’s wrong?” Clementine asked.
“We should share it. We don’t have much left.”
Clementine and Sarah looked at each other with unease after being reminded of their current food situation.
AJ then split a piece of the bar with a crunch and handed it to Sarah, who took it hesitantly from his hand.
He tore off another piece and handed it to Clementine. “You sure you don’t want a piece?”
“Oh no, I’m not that hungry.” She said with her hands raised and a forced humorous tone to ease the mood.
AJ nodded in understanding and ate the piece. Sarah also ate hers reluctantly, trying not to gag at the bitter aftertaste, and washed it down with a quick sip of water.
Clementine turned back to the station. “Maybe there’s some food in there.”
AJ stuffed the rest of the candy bar into his pocket and pulled out his pistol. “I’ll take point.”
“That’s fine, just stay in front of us,” Clementine instructed and they followed him towards the station.
“What are we going to do?”
Clementine turned to Sarah, who was looking into the bag apprehensively.
“We only have two days worth of food left, and we’re almost out of bullets.”
“I know,” Clementine sighed, “Let’s just check this place out. If anything, it could be a good place to spend the night.”
She looked back to Sarah, who still looked worried. “We’ll find something,” she reassured, though mainly to herself.
Sarah faced her and broke a small smile. “I know. We always do, somehow.”
Clementine forced a smile back, and they walked toward the station with AJ.