Why Us | The Black Phone

Chapter 5

-Finney-

It'd been about 2 months or so since we got stuck in this new world.

We had fallen into a routine. A life.

We called the things 'Walkers' as they did in 'The Walking Dead'. We figured it would fit seeing as that was our current position in life.

Robin was the group-appointed medic. There wasn't a lot of work for him since we all tended to be very careful, but there was the occasional scratch, fall, sprain, and headache. Whenever he wasn't taking care of us, which was often, he would be on lookout with Vance and Bruce.

Billy and Griffin often went out on 'Runs' looking for anything we could use. My dad goes with them. They brought batteries, flashlights, duct tape, any medical supplies, and other things. We haven't gotten to the point of the water being shut off or food being low yet, but the power had shut down.

Bruce would help them sometimes, in case they ran into Walkers and the three couldn't help themselves. Luckily, they haven't run into that problem. Sure, they spotted the townspeople roaming but if they hid well enough, they were fine.

Me and Gwen, well, we took care of the food, rationed it and all that. Small meals but nutritious. We tried to keep the meals small and still feed all of us, including Tessa, but we were starting to get close to the end of our rations. I'd have to tell Dad soon.

Gwen was taking care of the garden in the back, we had planted it for some fresh vegetables every meal. Gwennie has been taking care of it with Griffin. They seemed content with their small responsibility. Which made me happy.

"Guys! Dinner!" I called out. We didn't yell, or scream, but we also didn't whisper or motion with hands.

I heard the pattering of feet against the floor, it always made me smile. A sound so simple, and usually overlooked in life, was one of the things I looked forward to every day. Which, while it always made me smile, always reminded me of why I now appreciate it.

Because the world went to shit.

As Dad likes to say.

Gwen had finished setting down the bowls of food just as the last of us sat down.

"Beans and rice... again?" Griffin asked, softly.

I patted his head as I walked by him, "But this time, we were able to use the new lemons and jalepeño peppers you two planted." I say, placing a slice of lemon and a pepper in his bowl.

He smiled up at me and I poked his cheek.

Everyone started eating after I placed the lemons and peppers in their bowls as well.

"So, how was lookout?" I asked, sitting next to Robin to finally start eating.

"It was ok, saw some moving in the distance but we couldn't tell if it was others or Walkers. Decided we would just check again tomorrow." Bruce said.

Billy got up, a bean falling off his chin, "That reminds me! Me and Griff got binoculars on today's run!" He said, heading to his bag and pulling them out.

He handed them to Vance, who took them and examined them. They were in good condition.

"Surprised no one had already taken them, they were just sitting on a counter." Griffin said.

"Just goes to suggest further that there aren't many others out there..." Vance mumbles, but we all heard him.

"Not in our area, at least." Dad said, "Pass me the water, Gwenny." He whispered. Muttering a small thanks.