Page 26 of Fatality

Too much shit to process at once.

I sway slightly and spot a little twenty-four-hour convenience store down the block.

Yes, finally.

I'm going to be able to drink some water or whatever the hell they've got, because my mouth feels like it's full of... nothing.

I start heading toward it or at least I try to.

I can't even tell if I'm actually walking fast. I probably look like some expensive, half-dressed drunk doll desperately chasing a bank account.

I somehow manage to reach my destination.

I step inside, and an AI voice greets me.

I only grunt in return. I'm not about to have a conversation with a machine right now.

I spot a one-liter bottle of water in the refrigerated section.

I practically sprint toward it, nearly smashing my face into the glass, grab it and head straight for the self-checkout.

The AI scans the bottle.

I slap my hand onto the payment pad, missing it a couple of times.

I am that wasted, that sucks.

Payment in some shops works through a handprint scan, and if I can't pay, I don't care. I'm drinking that bottle within the next twenty seconds.

“Oh, come on,” I beg frustrated “You fucking machine.”

I slap the scanner like it's somehow its fault that I can't even put my hand on it properly.

When really, I'm just seeing double.

I finally manage it, it scans and the credits are instantly deducted from my account.

I step outside, nearly walking straight into the sliding doors, and uncap the bottle.

I tilt my head back and drink like I've been dehydrated for days. I keep walking, having absolutely no idea where I'm going.

Not that I care.

My water is my only chance of survival right now.

I don't know when or how, but suddenly the world tilts, and I pitch straight toward the concrete. My dress nearly abandons ship on the way down, but somehow, I manage to keep hold of the water.

Priorities.

A hand catches me, stopping my fall abruptly, I yelp.

“Wh-what?”

The hand pulls me upright, and once I'm steady enough, I turn to see a tall young man, probably older than me.

“Oh my—Miss, are you alright?” His voice is soft and worried, by the sound of it.

I blink once, twice, then shake my head.