With cautious determination, they approached the old pumps, Doug's hands steady as he crouched down to access the small manhole-like tank cover embedded in the ground beside the vehicle. Working quickly, he unfastened the cover, revealing the access point to the precious fuel reservoir hidden beneath.

His eyes fell on a nearby metal beam, a remnant of the gas station's canopy that had long since lost its purpose. This would serve as the makeshift fulcrum they needed.

As Jenn kept a watchful eye, Doug looped the hose over the metal beam, inserting one end into the reservoir while the other end was positioned next to their spare gas can. He secured the hose, creating a crude but effective gravity-fed siphon system.

Bracing himself for what came next, Doug bent down and positioned the hose's open end in his mouth. He hesitated only momentarily before he began to suck, his cheeks hollowing as he drew air through the hose. His efforts were met with a distinct resistance, the smell of gasoline filling his nostrils. He knew that this was a necessary and time-tested method, but it didn't make it any less unpleasant.

Jenn winced sympathetically as she watched Doug's determined struggle.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of effort, Doug's perseverance paid off as the taste of gasoline hit his tongue, bitter and nauseating. He quickly removed the hose from his mouth, his face contorting in disgust, and inserted the hose into the gas can. The distinct sound of liquid flowing through the hose gave him a feeling of accomplishment.

"Ugh, that's foul," he muttered, his voice laced with a mixture of distaste and triumph.

Jenn handed him a bottle of water, her own expression sympathetic as Doug eagerly rinsed his mouth and spat out the lingering taste of gasoline. After a few moments, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, a determined glint in his eyes.

"Alright, let's do this," Doug declared, his resolve unshaken by the unpleasant ordeal. He watched as the gas can began to fill, the steady stream of gasoline a tangible reminder of their resourcefulness and determination.

Minutes stretched into moments, the rhythmic flow of gasoline a backdrop to their shared thoughts. Doug kept a vigilant eye on the rising level in the gas can, making sure not to let it overflow.

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Finally, with the gas can filled to the brim, Doug Kinked the end, effectively halting the flow. He stepped back, his chest heaving slightly from the exertion, and exchanged a triumphant smile with Jenn.

"We did it," Jenn said, her voice tinged with a mixture of relief and pride.

Doug nodded, a sense of accomplishment washing over him as he held the kinked end of the hose towards her. "Yeah, we did. Could you please hold this for me?"

Doug carefully carried the filled gas can back to the Suburban, his steps lighter with the weight of success. He carefully poured the salvaged fuel into the Suburban's tank, the gentle gurgling sound a reassuring melody.

Once the task was complete, he returned to Jenn's side and took the hose from her. He unkinked the end allowing the gas to flow, accidentally splashing some onto the pavement as he quickly inserted the hose into the can again.

As they worked, Doug's mind drifted to the encounter with the stranger. He couldn't shake the feeling that the world had become a darker, more unforgiving place. The kindness and trust that had once been common seemed to have evaporated in the wake of the Rapture.

Jenn's voice broke through his thoughts, her words carrying a note of urgency. "We should hurry. I don't like being out in the open like this."

Doug glanced around, his senses on high alert. Every sound, every rustle of leaves, seemed to echo with a potential threat. He nodded to Jenn, his movements more purposeful as he worked to speed up the fuel transfer.

They repeated this task three more times until the tank in the Suburban was full and the gas can was also full and secured in the cargo area in the back.

Finally, the Suburban's tank was replenished and they secured the full gas can in the cargo area in the back. As they climbed back into the Suburban, Doug let Jenn drive per her request. The engine roared to life, a powerful reminder that in this unforgiving world, their determination could overcome even the most daunting challenges.

And so, with the taste of gasoline still lingering in Doug's mouth and a sense of accomplishment in his heart, they drove away from the old gas station, the road ahead a canvas of uncertainty waiting to be navigated.

"We'll find a safe place to stop and assess our supplies," Doug said, his voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension that pulsed beneath his words.

Jenn nodded in agreement, her gaze focused on the road ahead. "And we'll keep an eye out for any signs of danger."

The Suburban rumbled along the overgrown road, its engine a reassuring hum that seemed to drown out the worries that tugged at Doug's thoughts. He stole a quick glance at Jenn, her profile illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights. In her eyes, he saw a reflection of his own fears and hopes.

Their journey had become more than a fight for survival. It was a test of their resilience, a trial by fire that forged bonds that ran deeper than blood. In the midst of a world turned upside down, Doug found himself drawn to Jenn's unwavering strength and determination.

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