SHE'S NOT A ZOMBIE

Chapter Five

Chapter Five: The Unseen Feast

As the first rays of the sun pierced the horizon, the shelter stirred to life. The night had been a quiet sentinel, guarding the dreams and whispered hopes of its inhabitants. Now, as the clock marked the arrival of 7 AM, a new day beckoned with the promise of continuity and the resilience of the human spirit.

Missy, her heart still echoing the laughter shared with Daniel the night before, made her way to the kitchen. The task ahead was clear: to prepare a meal that would nourish not just the body but the soul of their makeshift family. In times of uncertainty, the comfort of food took on a sacred role, a reminder of normalcy and a beacon of hope.

She surveyed the pantry, her eyes taking in the stockpile of foods they scavenged yesterday. Her hands reached for the canned vegetables and fruits, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the muted tones of the shelter. She selected dried meats and jerky, a reliable source of protein that would sustain them through the day’s endeavors.

Next, Missy gathered nuts and seeds, a quick and healthy snack that would offer a burst of energy and nutrition. She eyed the canned or dried beans, contemplating a hearty stew that would warm them from the inside out. The whole grain cereals and bars would serve as an energy-boosting breakfast, simple yet satisfying.

With a plan forming in her mind, Missy set to work. The kitchen became a place of alchemy, where the limited ingredients transformed under her skilled hands into a feast fit for warriors of survival. She whipped up a nut and seed granola, toasting the mixture until it was golden and fragrant. The dried meats were rehydrated with a bit of water and seasoning, their flavors enriched by the addition of canned tomatoes and herbs.

Missy’s hands moved with purpose, blending the canned fruits into a smooth puree that would serve as a sweet spread for the whole grain bars. She simmered the beans with a mélange of spices, letting the aroma fill the shelter and stir its occupants from their slumber. The stew bubbled gently on the stove, a medley of vegetables and beans coming together in a symphony of flavors.

As the granola cooled and the stew thickened, Missy prepared a fruit compote, the canned peaches and apricots lending their sweetness to the dish. She arranged the food with care, setting the table with mismatched plates and utensils, each item a relic of a world that once was.

With the meal complete, she wiped her hands on her apron and made her way to Daniel. The morning light cast a gentle glow on his face, softening the lines of pain that had etched themselves there. Missy’s touch was gentle as she unwrapped his bandages, her eyes scanning the wounds for signs of healing. The antiseptic smell mingled with the comforting scents wafting from the kitchen.

“Looks like you’re mending well,” she said, her voice a soothing balm. “The fever’s gone, and the redness has subsided.” She applied a fresh layer of ointment, her movements deft and sure. Daniel’s eyes met hers, gratitude and a flicker of something more in their depths.

“Thanks to you,” he murmured, his voice hoarse but warm.

Missy smiled, her heart lightened by the progress. “You’ll be back on your feet in no time,” she assured him, tucking the blanket around him. “Now, let’s get some food in you. Strength comes from within, after all.”

Together, they returned to the common area, where the rest of the group was gathering, drawn by the promise of a meal crafted with love and the steadfast hope of survival. Missy served the dishes, her spirit uplifted by the camaraderie that thrived even in the darkest of times.

The breakfast table was a canvas of colors and scents, and as the group took their seats, the air buzzed with anticipation. Kenji, with his ever-present smile, was the first to break the silence. “Missy, you’ve managed to bring a five-star experience to our humble abode,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth. “Your cooking could easily grace the tables of the finest hotels.”