Keera [1]

1. The hunt

Tanner Seth grew up in a tough environment where he had to fight for food and learn survival skills from his grandfather. Despite being capable of achieving fame, he never experienced it. When he was 36 years old, a new virus outbreak changed him, making him more unyielding and cutthroat. He became aware of every good moment in his life as they were rare.

~

As Tanner looked out of the window of his upstairs room, he saw Shawn and Troy repairing the entrance to a motel located by the highway.

Everything was quiet, and no one was having fun. In this corrupt world, people could no longer do anything but listen to nature.

"Last pack, shit," Tanner said, holding a pack of cigarettes in his wounded hands while raindrops fell on his forehead.

The man who survived the apocalypse for 15 years broke into a cold sweat as if he knew what was waiting for him. The thought of winter coming soon in Macon was overwhelming. Everyone considered winter to be the worst time of the year.

The rain didn't stop, and Tanner still didn't move from the window until he remembered that today was the seventh day, and it was his turn to hunt. He immediately rushed to the first floor and opened his small wardrobe, taking out the EMK uniform.

EMK was a camping team (agency) of seven people who survived and lived in a motel with a wire fence. It was rare to leave that enclosure and look for food.

"Pass me that board, Troy!" Shawn shouted, who was holding a hammer in his left hand. Troy looked at him, all wet and tired.

Tanner placed the pack on the windowsill before closing it. Since he was alive and well, he decided to ask the boys if they needed any help.

"How is it going, guys?" Tanner shouted, fixing the collar of his dark green EMK uniform in a friendly manner.

"Never better!" Troy grumbled, barely managing to pick up the boards that were sliding down his fingers.

"You're not going anywhere, buddy." Long-haired Shawn measured Tanner's EMK uniform from head to toe. Tanner just stood there confused. "And why is that?"

"We already sent Andrew to grab us some food," Shawn replied, as beads of sweat dripped from his forehead.
"Why not me? Everyone knows I'm the best hunter here. Surely, Andrew could use some help,"

"I agree, he can't even manage to kill a rabbit," Troy interjected after finally stacking the board on the fence door. "But if the leader says Andrew is going, he is going, and that's final."

"Leader Chuck is worried about you, Tanner. I mean, we mustn't lose you before a journey to Africa. Your capability is in need," said Shawn.

Everything was clear to Tanner. He thought that their leader, Chuck, made a really smart move by keeping him safe until Spring.

"Do you guys need any help with the fence?" A 51-year-old man with a lot of beard finally asked the question that had brought him from the motel. "Rain has just started. I suggest you finish it later."

"We are good, thanks though." Troy answered and immediately continued his work "We are assured that Sandra needs you in her office regarding some papers."

"If you say so." When Tanner was just about to go back inside, Shawn cautiously warned him. "Don't waste the last pack, Chuck will need it." Tanner just nodded as he followed the path that led through the grass.

~

As Tanner entered, Sandra began to prepare the food cans and remarked, "Oh, Dear God, you really should shave your beard."