Remnants — Episode 32

Bobby gunned the engine to drive around the side of the house in deeper sand, then backed the vehicle up to the cellar.

The chainsaw was cutting through the heavy lumber of the cellar door, but it was taking a lot of time doing it. Bobby’s arm felt as if it was the one doing the vibrating, and his shoulder already ached. He gripped the handle tighter and pressed down even harder.

The chainsaw began to cough and cut out, then it roared back to life. A minute later it did the same thing, and Bobby knew what was happening. Either the debris was choking off the motor, or else it was running out of gas. Whichever, it wouldn’t finish the job. It began to sputter, and he shut it off.

The woman inside didn’t speak, but Bobby knew she’d heard, also.

He yelled at the door. “Hold on. I’m going to get my truck and the chain.”

There was no answer. Bobby was sure the noise of the chainsaw would agitate the snakes into a frenzy, so he hoped that what sounded like an older woman inside the cellar would be okay. He dropped the saw next to the cellar and walked back for his truck.

It started up with no problem, and he drove it through the thick layer of sand to the front of the garage. He lifted the heavy door on its…