[The sound is a light scrape, a piece of wood sweeping back and forth over the rough floor. (She's never actually had to use a cane before, much less a makeshift one; she doesn't know all the tricks to it, and it makes her slow. Not good, when water's threatening to nip at her heels at any moment.) Ruth's paused, just for a moment, trying to decide what the wet plop of fabric means. She has to work to keep herself from finding out the way she usually would.
He's the first person she's come across in days now, and all she knows is the sound of his voice. He must not know the walkie talkie trick. Pulling hers up from where she clipped it to her pants, she hits the button.]
Pardon, sorry-- Just looking for someplace safe. Don't mean sorry to interrupt--
[Thunder cracks loudly outside. She can't help but wonder if she missed the lightning.]
1.
He's the first person she's come across in days now, and all she knows is the sound of his voice. He must not know the walkie talkie trick. Pulling hers up from where she clipped it to her pants, she hits the button.]
Pardon, sorry-- Just looking for someplace safe. Don't mean sorry to interrupt--
[Thunder cracks loudly outside. She can't help but wonder if she missed the lightning.]