Walking Among the Dead

Part 1.4 (The New World We Live In): Chapter 4

Walking Among the Dead: The New World We Live In

CHAPTER 4

Prior to settling down for the night, Andrew and Mitch discuss plans for the following day. About halfway between the airport and their current home is a small convenient store. Now with a slightly better understanding of their situation, they could venture a quick run there for foods and drinks, knowing they will be here longer and with great numbers. Also brought up in conversation is once again the idea to take shifts in the night watch from here on out.

Andrew descends the steps to find many of the others shockingly asleep. Taking a second, he reconsiders the shock, realizing he also feels a substantial increase in the comfort felt in comparison to the previous night. Amongst the group are the Schwin's, feeling more so like true members now.

His position is against the wall and he can watch through a tiny corner of the window the same, faint lights in the distance as the night before. The sounds are less frequent than last night, he thinks. Despite this, he is still kissed good night by the distant sound of gunshots, surrounded by his closest of friends. His friends to whom he feels even closer yet now, almost like family. They understood what he had to say earlier and respected his every decision. Whether it was out of fear or confusion, he knew it meant he was held in high regards by them. He looks around the living room at everyone sleeping; some in chairs, on couches, or in sleeping bags on the floor from the neighboring homes. He wraps his arm around Samantha, already asleep. Considering what they have made here despite the situation allows him to wear a smile for the first time in two days and to fall asleep with it.

Andrew awakens to the smell of bacon the next morning, though this time not the last to wake up. Also, no apparent distress is present. Exiting the house through the back door, he finds several of the group members active in the yard. Harvest and Sarah are talking on the swing set as Kyle and Alex enter the gated portion of the yard, arms full of wood. Following their path, Andrew sees John at a campfire and has his smell then kick back in and puts two and two together. Following the fire upwards, the column of smoke points out something to him.

"Kill the fire! We'll use what heat is left," he shouts.

"Why? We haven't eaten for real in two days," John answers.

Andrew explains what he has just realized- the only thing they have been able to see past the woods and fields have been columns of smoke. Though certainly not as large, it is still possible that this smoke has been made visible from a distance too, which is sure to attract unwanted visitors. It could also function as an S.O.S., but they feel comfortable enough for now to not need to risk it. John completely understands and is quick to douse the flames. Now with everyone awake, all watch stressfully as the smoke begins to increase, then finally die down. The coast seems clear, at least for now, so they begin eating the bacon and toast John had so kindly prepared.

"I talked to Mitch. I'd like to be a part of that run, some eggs would be nice with this," John starts.

"I agree, we'll figure out who will go soon. We definitely do not all need to go," Andrew responds.

After much discussion, the supply run team is constructed and consists of Andrew, John, Mitch, Mr. Schwin, Alex, and Mike. Samantha and Kurt are left in charge of camp and John, Mitch, and Andrew head to the garage to prepare. As the other two sort through weapons, John exits into the other side of the garage, in which their Uncle Chad keeps all of his four wheelers and such. Powering up one of the four wheelers, he tosses a key ring to Andrew. "Take the Gator and I'll lead on this. It'll be easier than in a car, less noticeable. And the speed of a car won't really matter with all of the congestion on the streets," John adds.