Chapter 22: Prepping for Bloodclaw

I follow Sam down the aisle, observing her as she scans the fabric of padded jackets. So far, our trip has been a silent one. We’ve shopped at a shoe store for a few pairs of combat boots, and now we’re at a sporting goods shop looking for athletic gear since I practically have nothing of the sort in my closet.

Although I’ve tried to strike up conversations here and there, all her responses would be brief, completely disinterested in attempting small talk. Ray, I regret to inform you that this is not working out like you said it would.

“This should be fine.” She takes out a jacket that looks anything but appealing. Sure, it had good padding both inside and outside, but I’d literally look crazy in it. It would practically swallow me whole.

“That?” I say, which earns a glare from her.

“Yes, that.” She states. “It’s freezing in the woods during winter. When it snows, we get at least fourteen inches. You want to die of hypothermia?”