Matt and Greg took turns as they carried Merri closer to the central part of the city. The fastest way to their destination was the park, or what used to be a park. The trees had long been chopped away. There was no grass, just dried out soil that cracked from not enough hydration. There were no birds or any other animals. There were no children. It would not be remembered as a park at all, except for those old enough to remember. The winds were severe in this area because of how open it was. There was no cover. Of course, this made the two men anxious since they were now being hunted by one of the biggest gangs in the area.

Greg carried Merri now. He used some of the front of his shirt on his face to breathe easier. Even with the cover, each breath sent waves of fire into his lungs. He always thought it was strange that cold could burn. Thinking about that, he checked to ensure that Merri's face was still covered up. Each gust of wind would whip loose fabric around. Greg placed Merri down after walking fifty feet to rest. "Hey, hold on a minute. I need to catch my fucking breath."

Matt stopped, made his way back to Greg, and sat on the cold ground. "We should have just dumped her off with those fucktards on third." Matt ran his hands roughly through his hair. "Because of this bitch, we are homeless again. Fuck! This is just one shit show after another. We finally got a place of our own and she comes along and fucked it all up." Matt punched the concrete ground and watched blood pool over his knuckles. "Let's just leave her here. I am tired of this shit."

Greg looked down at Merri, "I get it. I just see me, you know?" He grabbed a bit of his torn up jacket, ripped off a long piece, then wrapped Matt's knuckles. "You could have just left me in that ditch you found me in." He sighed, "She is off her rocker, shit at survival skills, but so was I when you met me." Matt furrowed his eyebrows, "Let's just get her sobered up at least. You would hate yourself later if we just abandoned her."

Matt growled, "You fucking asshole. You're right, you're right." Matt watched the slow breathing of Merri. "Damn it, I'm too fucking old for this shit." He stood up, picked Merri up, and slung her sleeping form over his shoulder. "Let me carry her through the park. You take point." Greg's worried glance caused Matt to roll his eyes, "She'll be fine. She's breathing." Matt shifted a bit, "Let's go before we're found here."

Greg led the way through the park while watching out for anyone that might try to do anything stupid. Neither of the two men spoke during the remainder of the walk. The opening to the park on the other side was not far. It just took much longer with the gusts of wind, and the added weight being carried. Once at the opening, Matt placed Merri in a sitting position before joining Greg to survey the area. This side of the city was in worse shape than the other side. Most of the buildings looked as if they would fall over at any moment. The ground shook at random intervals. The roads were deep crevices. Shards of glass were strewn all over the ground. Death trap was this part of the city's nickname. Greg pointed, "Over there is the last sewer drop. I don't know how safe it will be but it will keep us out of the wind for now."

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Matt shook his head, "I am not in any condition of getting this bitch down a ladder. You are in worse condition than me. Let's just try to find something ground level for tonight. We can search for our new place tomorrow." Matt began to walk off but when Greg didn't follow, he glanced back, "Leave her here for now. No one's around. No one sane, anyway." Matt watched as Greg kept covering up Merri, "Hey, Asshole! We don't have time for this shit. Let's go!"

Greg gave a sorrowed expression as he whispered, "We'll be back, I promise." He joined Matt as they carefully explored the area. There was a point that Matt almost fell through loose pavement just hanging by an old pipe. Greg grabbed a hold before he could drop completely. This injured Greg's shoulder but refused to say anything yet. Matt spotted a small building that could have been a coffee shop or a book store at one time. It was a small building but mostly intact by some miracle. Matt almost missed it because of how it was hidden behind rubble. "Let's check that place out."

The small building was stripped from everything on the inside but the floor was stable. There were just a couple of holes in the roof but not impossible to fix. There was even a small basement. It had the strong smell of mildew and mold so they would not be able to use that area unless it was under dire circumstances. There once was a bathroom near the back. Matt nodded, "I think this is our new home for now." There were small bits of splinters or other debris on the floor. "Go grab the bitch. We'll stay here. At least for the night. I will gather what I can for a fire."

Greg winced at the thought of carrying Merri but Matt didn't notice since he was already bent over as he picked stuff up from the floor. "Yeah, ok." As Greg walked toward the park, he massaged at his shoulder, moved it around slowly, and even tried to stretch out, but the pain was sharper than the wind entering his lungs. Greg walked quickly but kept his eyes open for more openings that may cause him to fall. As he got closer, Merri was no longer sitting but slouched in a very awkward position. Greg quickened his pace just a bit with concern. He knelt by her side, checking her pulse. The foggy breath let him know she was still alive. "Question is how I am going to carry you?"

As Greg finished saying that, Merri began to mumble, "Huh?" She slowly opened her eyes, glancing around, "Greg?" She winced and moaned as she began to sit up. Greg managed to assist her with his good arm. She smiled up at him in a goofy type of way. She stumbled around before she could actually stand on her own. Even then, her balance was non-existent. "I feel so dizzy."

Greg wrapped his good arm around her waist, "Just take it easy. Lean on me if you have to but we need to get out of here." It was quite challenging but the two were able to manage to make it to their new home. At least for now.