“I haven’t been a kid since I was ten years old,” I tell her.

“What do you mean?”

“After the Sperm Donor ditched us, my mom worked two jobs, and I basically raised my kid brother and took care of all the household stuff. Chores, homework, getting him to and from school every day, cooking, errands, making all these decisions that . . . actually, it’s not a very interesting story. And it all turned out fine. Until the virus.”

I feel Trey’s gaze on my face. He has a slight smile, and for some reason, I’d give anything to know what he’s thinking.

“Sounds like me and Teena,” he says softly. “Taking care of ourselves.”

“It’s adorable,” Tanq tells him, “how much you and Paige have in common.”

She says it mockingly, but I don’t feel like answering that volley. Refusing to look at Trey, I say, “Are you coming with us, Tanq? To Sandusky?”

She shrugs. “I could live here by myself a really long time. Even with those things out there.” Tanq looks up at the ceiling, which is painted a darker gray than the walls to make it appear depthless. “I always imagined living here,” she adds in a distant voice.

“That guy on the radio said to keep quiet and under cover,” Trey says. “So if you live here, you’ll have to stay inside except for supply runs and not make any noise.”

Tanq raises her chin. “I can do that.”

“You can do that just as easily with us,” he points out.

“Are you serious?” she says. “Driving to Sandusky is not staying under cover. It’s open farmland from here to Lake Erie.”

“I was going to suggest we take back roads,” he says. “Hit some of the small towns along the way. Back country roads don’t have as much vegetation clearance. It will add an hour to our trip, but it might be safer.”

“I’m not sure Paul’s car has enough gas for the scenic route,” I say.

Tanq says, “I can siphon gas out of the Lexus for you.”

“You know how to do that?” I say.

“Growing up poor gives you an interesting skill set,” she says.

“Does that mean you’re coming with us?” Trey asks.

“No. I don’t know what I’m going to do.”

“You said if we helped you do your ‘business,’ you’d come with us.”

“Jesus, Trey, why do you want me to come with you so bad?” She gives him a vicious smile. “Admit it, you think I’m hot.”

Trey launches from the easy chair, and Tanq and I both wince, but he just stretches. “I’m going to find a bedroom and get some sleep.” His voice is tight and angry. “And I’m going to Sandusky tomorrow. Both of you are invited to join me.”