Gas Station

Lucia had a look of disbelief on her face. She took a deep breath and exhaled, deciding it was best to let it go. Arguing with him about this would probably be like arguing with a wall.

Lucia sighed helplessly. "Are you sure we're on the right path?" 

"Why don't you look up?"

Lucia lifted her head and looked ahead. She saw a bright sign that said "Gas Station". She felt joy and relief. She bounced on his back, unable to contain her excitement.

Callum was surprised by her sudden movement. He felt her softness moving up and down against his back. He felt a fire burning in his chest. He realized that she had no idea what she was doing to him. He exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself.

Callum closed his eyes and opened them, he felt calmer.

"Hurry up, let's go," Lucia said, slapping him on his shoulder.

'Is she treating me like a horse.' He thought.

Callum picked up his pace an in no time they arrived at the entrace of the gas station that looked nothing like the ones in the city. It was a small, run-down place with a single pump and a sign that said "Pay Inside". Lucia looked around nervously, a bit scared.

"Let's go inside," Callum suggested, as he carried the gallon in his hand. He still had his mask on, as did Lucia. 

They walked towards the door, which had a bell that rang as they opened it. The cashier looked up from his magazine and saw them. He was a middle-aged man with a scruffy beard and a stained shirt. He had a bored expression on his face, until he saw their masks.

He thought they were about to rob the store and his hand reached out under the counter, ready for whatever was to come.

Lucia and Callum walked up to the counter, unaware of the cashier's suspicion. Both of them stood in front of the cashier, who tried to act casual. 

Callum turned to Lucia and said, "Why don't you go get a bottle of water and some snacks?" 

"But I'm not hungry," Lucia protested. 

"But I am. I've been carrying you all this way and my throat feels a bit dry," Callum said, giving her a gentle push. He knew his words might make her feel a little guilty, but he really did need a moment alone.

Lucia pursed her lips and nodded. She couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for tiring Callum out. After leaving the counter, she headed to the section where they kept the water.

As she scanned the shelves for a bottle of water, she picked one up and then decided to browse for some snacks. While wandering through the small convenience store area, she noticed a small TV mounted on the wall. 

It was showing a news report about a recent earthquake in Japan. Lucia paused to watch, feeling a wave of sympathy for the people who had lost their homes and loved ones.

Callum observed her, noticing her distracted state. His attention shifted as he to the cashier. His expression grew icy and stern, and his penetrating green eyes seemed to bore into the cashier's soul.

He took out his card and slid it into the reader, which beeped. The cashier was stunned as he recognized the card. He looked at the man before  him and wondered 'who he was and what he was doing here in a place like this.'

Callum tapped his card on the screen, confirming the payment. He didn't say a word, just looking back at the cashier with his piercing green eyes. The cashier felt very uncomfortable under his gaze. He wished he could leave as quickly as possible.

Callum looked back and saw Lucia still busy looking for a snack. She was browsing through the shelves, unaware of anything around her. He quietly made his way outside and went to put the gas in the gallon.

Outside, a group of boys wearing hoodies and pants hanging low around their waist were hanging around. They were loud and chatty, smoking and drinking. One of them accidentally caught sight of Callum walking out with his mask. He yelled, "Bloody hell, man!"