A State of Survival

Maddie I

Well, those were two of Becca's rules they had broken. Not exactly the type of record you would want from a woman like her. First, she and Frank had snuck out of the base to get supplies alone, and now she was bringing back this random stranger. As Maddie and her new companion made their way through the empty streets of Oxnard, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she was breaking Becca's trust. Becca was the leader of their survivor base, the person that had first taken her in. She had mentored Maddie for over a month now, establishing strict rules to keep her and everyone else safe. She clasped the Star of David pendant, a gift from her dad, trying to relieve her guilt. Bringing a stranger inside their territory without proof of innocence, especially one with a sturdy build like his, was a definite violation. Especially after what happened last time someone had brought a guy like this in, though Maddie tried her best not to think about it.

As if sensing her anxiety Frank nudged Maddie's hand with his nose. The loyal bulldog had been with her since she fled her dad's house at the outbreak's start, and their bond was unbreakable. Immune to the RA13 bacteria, Frank had saved Maddie's life more times than she could count, and she could not have asked for a better friend in situations like this.
Deep down, Maddie knew she couldn't leave the man behind, injured and alone in the wasteland. There was something about him, different from the hostile survivors she had encountered before. He had come to her aid without hesitation despite the risk to himself. In a world where trust was scarce, she felt an inexplicable connection to him for saving her humanity. Maddie wrestled with her curiosity, wanting to break the ice and learn more about the man who had bled for her and Frank. Finally, unable to contain herself any longer, she spoke up.

"That was nice of you for helping us back there," Maddie said, her voice tinged with uncertainty about what to say. One month of being around people, and she still had trouble communicating with them. "I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't shown up..." she paused. "Thank you for saving us back there. It must... well, usually lone survivors look out for themselves before a group gets them. Not saying all loners are like that but..."

She took in a small breath, hoping the man wouldn't notice.

"Well, that kind of caring requires a lot of effort and some good upbringing. So, thanks, again."

The man glanced at her before giving a small smile.

"It's nothing, Maddie. Just doing what I can to survive out here. Plus, that dog looked like a good judge of character." he replied, his voice rough as gravel grinding against rock. He reached down to pet the bulldog, who then jumped onto him and began tasting his cheek.

Maddie nodded, smiling at the two of them. Thank God he didn't seem to mind her awkward attempt at conversation. Her grip on the necklace loosened as she began to feel more comfortable around the man.
They continued their journey through the empty streets, and Maddie couldn't help but steal occasional glances at the man. She wondered about his past, his experiences, and what had led him to survive on his own in this unforgiving world. There was a sense of strength and resilience about him that she admired. But he remained closed off. He seemed unsure as to whether or not he could trust her with his secrets. Although Maddie was curious to learn more, she also knew that prying into someone's past in the apocalypse wasn't always the safest or most respectful approach. Then again, knowing a survivor's past could help you understand their future actions better...

She decided to shift the conversation to safer territory.

"So... mmm... how long have you been out here on your own?" she asked, trying to sound casual but genuinely interested in his answer.

The man looked down at Maddie with a contemplative expression, taking a moment before he replied.

"Feels like a lifetime, but it's been six, seven weeks I think," he said, his gaze drifting off into the distance as if he were recalling the passing days. "Time doesn't really mean much in this world. It's all about survival and staying one step ahead of the infected and the living who want to take what's yours."