Open up, Survivors Inside

Chapter 4

"Puffer, that was cool!" Puffer looked up and saw Duck head over, "Just like Batman!"

"Batman had training," Puffer stated, "How are you doing?"

"I hate walkers..." Duck answered, "Did you know one almost got Clementine in the bathroom? Right after you were knocked out! But Lee and Carley saved her!"

There was a walker in the bathroom? And these people didn't mention it?! "Neither of you are allowed near the bathroom anymore, got it?" Puffer said.

"Got it," Duck and Clementine said in unison.

"Is your head okay...?" Clementine asked.

"Yeah, it hurts a little bit but it's fine," Puffer replied, "Head injuries bleed a lot, even when it's just a normal scratch, so don't be too scared."

"My mama said that!" Duck said, "I asked why and she said we have lots of 'veins' in our heads, whatever those are." Duck continued to yap, and Puffer just listened. He swore this kid had ADHD or something like it, cause he was definitely acting like it. A few things he did learn was that Duck loved superhero and farm things, and while the yapping was annoying, Puffer didn't mind letting the kid talk if it meant his parents could focus on other stuff. "And my dad caught this big tuna once when I was six. It was as long as I was tall! I tried to hold it, but it was too heavy."

"Did it hit you?" Clementine asked, "I heard fish slap people with their tails..."

"Not me, but it slapped my dad! He wasn't mad either, he was laughing!" Duck replied, "I hope we can go fishing again."

"We can once we get to the river," Puffer replied.

"Will you take me fishing?" Duck asked.

"I mean, I could, but I probably won't catch jack," Puffer shrugged, "I don't fish much." Puffer paused when Lee walked over.

"I found these, in case you two are hungry," Lee said, handing some energy bars to Clementine and Duck, "And how's that head of yours?"

"A bit better now, I think the bleeding's stopped," Puffer replied, "How does my right eye look?"

"Other than the blood from your head wound? It looks normal," Lee replied, "Thanks for watching Clem while I'm busy."

"No problem man, Kenny wants me to rest anyways," Puffer replied.

"That's smart, until we can take care of your head injury again, it's not a good idea to move around much," Lee hummed, "There was a first aid kit in the back, but there was only some Band-Aids in it, nothing that can properly hold your head injury closed. Carley and I are going to be out for a bit, since Glenn needs some backup, you don't mind watching them longer."

"Sure, but you better come back in one piece," Puffer said.

"I will," Lee replied, before walking over to Carley. Once the two headed out through the back, Duck sat in front of Puffer while Clementine sat on a box nearby.

"Oh! Did I tell you about the time dad accidently caught a shark?" Duck started, "He-"

"I'm going to die just from hearing these damn stories! Let me rest!" Larry snapped, and Duck went silent.

Puffer decided he was feeling extra petty today, "I'm curious Duck, what happened with the shark?"

Larry let out a frustrated and pained groan while Lilly looked at Puffer with annoyance. Duck, meanwhile looked ecstatic, "He was trying to catch some salmon, but then a tiger shark showed up and bit it right as my dad was reeling it in! It was an adult too, so it took him ages to get the hook out so the shark could go free." For once, Puffer was actually enjoying Duck's yapping. Maybe because it was annoying the hell out of Larry, but karma was a bitch.

By the time Lee, Carley, and Glenn got back, Duck was talking about a show he had watched pre-apocalypse times. Lee moved over to Kenny, watching Duck talking with Puffer and Clementine, "He's more cheerful," Lee noted.

"I'm glad," Kenny replied, "He's been telling some old fishing stories while you were gone."

"Doug and I got the keys," Lee said, holding them out.

"Great! God, you're amazing," Lilly said as she stood up, and it was clear she was relieved by this news, "Let's get in there." While Lee and Lilly headed back to the office area, Puffer flinched a bit as his head pain was growing worse.

He knew it would have to be cleaned out before rewrapping, but first they needed to find the right products for the job. Suddenly, a piercing ringing filled his head, causing his head to throb again. An alarm? Oh. Right. This was a pharmacy, of course they would have an alarm where they kept the medication at. Kenny was quick to run over and help Puffer stand up, before turning to everyone else as they scrambled to get as much as possible. That's when Puffer spotted a radio Carley had been working on earlier. Even if it didn't work, it could be fix.

"I'm gonna get the truck pulled up 'round back!" Kenny announced as Puffer grabbed the radio.

"Do it fast, I've got to get my dad out of here!" Lilly snapped, although it was clear she was panicking a little bit.

"I don't plan on dilly-dallying!" Kenny quickly said back.

There was no time to look for any batteries, but Puffer did see an old cane fall out from the office. That could be a useful weapon. Quickly grabbing it, Puffer looked back to the front door to see Doug and Lee holding it back while Carley fired at some zombies breaking in. A walker began to break through the window, but Puffer was quick to use the cane's handle to cave in the walker's skull.

When Doug moved to another window, Puffer took his place, holding the door closed long enough for Clementine to return with a board, which Lee quickly inserted. With the door closed, Puffer turned back and saw walkers grabbing at Carley and Doug. Puffer didn't hesitate and ran for Carley while Lee ran for Doug. Puffer ran to Carley's bag and tossed her a clip, which she used to take care of the walkers grabbing her. Meanwhile, Lee managed to yank Doug away from the window, allowing Doug to back away.

It was then that Kenny burst in, "Let's go!!"

Carley and Doug headed out, but Lee was distracted by a walker trying to get Clementine. A swift kick pinned the walker down, allowing Clementine to flee. Puffer fled next, but paused when he saw Larry punch Lee to the ground, leaving him for dead. "You racist piece of shit!" Puffer hissed as Kenny ran over, killing the walker trying to attack Lee and helping Lee up. Lee looked back at the drugstore one more time before slamming the door closed.