CHAPTER 29

Ryan

"It's the seventh?"

I look up to see Ana staring at me with wide eyes. I'm listening to the weather radio broadcast and the monotone robotic voice just announced the current date and time.

"Yes?" I say, wondering why that's so hard to believe.

Any semblance of light, joy, or happiness drains from Ana's face. Her expression reminds me of her demeanor when I first met her - a darkness inside her soul that threatened to drag her down into despair at any moment.

"What is it?" I ask.

Ana hugs her arms against herself. "It's Julie's birthday." Her expression becomes tight with anger.

"Oh," I say, not knowing how else to respond. "I'm sorry. I didn't know."

Ana doesn't say anything else. Wordlessly, she stalks over to the gun cabinet, pulls out her rifle, handgun, and ammo for both. Without looking at me, she heads outside.

After a f