The inside of the lorry was dark but at least the wind couldn't touch them. Then, the sound started.
Tap. Tap-tap-tap.
The rain began to hit the metal roof of the lorry. At first, it was soft, but then it turned into a roar. It sounded like a thousand tiny hammers hitting the metal right above their heads.
Kiara shivered, curling up in a corner. She was holding her stomach so tight her inside her was biting hard. She hadn't had a real meal in days, and now, even her bones felt empty.
Mara sat next to her, her breath coming out in fast huffs. She watched Kiara for a long time. She didn't say anything, but she knew. She could hear Kiara's stomach growling over the sound of the rain.
"I have to go back out," Mara whispered suddenly.
Kiara's eyes flew open. She grabbed Mara's damp sleeve, her fingers shaking. "No! Mara, listen to the roof! It's pouring! You'll get lost or... or you might catch a cold from the rain
"We need to eat, K," Mara said. Her voice was steady, but her eyes were watery. "Your stomach is hurting. I can't just sit here and watch you hurt."
"But... we don't have any money," Kiara cried. "Not even a dollar. How are you going to get food People don't just give it away, Mara. What if they catch you? What if they call the police?"
Mara looked at her best friend. A single tear escaped her eye, but she wiped it away fast. She knew Kiara was right. They were two kids with empty pockets and nowhere to go.
"I know, Ki," Mara said, her voice cracking just a little. "The market is closed because of the storm, but... I'll find something. Maybe a baker left something outside, or a crate didn't get locked. I have to try."
"Mara, please—"
"Stay here," Mara commanded. She sounded like a boss, but her hand was trembling as she let go of Kiara. "If you hear a noise, hide under that rug. Don't make a sound. Just wait for me."
Kiara let go of her sleeve. She felt like her heart was breaking. She watched Mara jump down from the lorry and disappear into the wall of grey rain.
Kiara was alone. And the sound of the rain on the metal roof made the silence inside feel even louder.