Awakening

Chapter 2

Dominic

The sounds of the fire calmed me down after the attack I just encountered. My heartrate is finally going back to its normal resting rate. I don't know how to fix a cut from a rusty blade, so I decide to make a bandage out of things I can scavenge. I had a box of tissues hidden in my tent and I go to grab them. I feel my pockets and I reach in and grab out a packet of rubber bands. It won't be good for mobility having a rubber band around a huge tissue, but it will do for stopping the blood while I sleep. It's barely light out, but after all I went through today, I am gonna go to bed.

"Anyone there!" That is what I wake up to. I look around grab my knife and get out of the tent. I see someone in a car! All I want to do is ask where he got the car, but I keep my cool.

"Who the hell are you?" I ask loudly.

"I didn't mean to scare you, the names Dominic." I get excited, I am not alone. I might actually have hope to get through this apocalypse.

"Uh... my name is Mike." I feel relieved he hasn't pulled out a weapon and drop mine. I know I shouldn't let me guard down so soon, but I feel like he won't hurt me for some reason.

"I could give you a lift if you want?" Dominic looks excited as he says it, I can tell he has been surviving alone for awhile, like me.

"Sure, I just looted a store, I have some food and water if that will help." I say trying to prove to him that I will be able to help him. I grab my backpack and my water and walk towards the truck. He looks at my makeshift bandage and shakes his head

"What the hell is that on your finger?" I laugh to myself realizing I still have it on. I explain to him that it is a makeshift bandage and about my encounter last night. As he is driving and were talking, I find out that he is from Arizona, apparently he didn't move far. I am in the passenger seat and I see a pack of gum.

"Mind if I take a piece?" I ask politely

"Sure, typically I would say no, but this is gonna be a long road trip." He holds his hand out for a piece too. The next hour is pretty silent, the only noise is the engine running. I finally collect my thoughts and ask myself where are we going. I realize he didn't even say where we are going.

"Where are we going?" I spit out.

"I forgot to mention that didn't I. My plan was to get out of Arizona and move out to Montana. It is kind of close to us and has a low population. I say kind of close because the best option is Wyoming, but it's too far to get to with my supplies." I nod my head in agreement to his plan. My stomach is aching for food and the gum has lost it's flavor. I roll down the window and spit mine out. I reach for my bag and grab a can of peaches.

"You would happen to have a can opener would you?" I ask Dominic.

"There is one in the bed of my truck, but I reckon it's too far back to get while driving. You can just use a knife, I have got a clean one in the glovebox."

I open the glovebox and sure enough there is a knife in it. I open the can of peaches by stabbing the knife as close to the top as I can to reduce my chance of spilling. Then I just cut through and drink the peaches since I have no fork. I feel semi satiated now that I have eaten. I look around the car for a cup holder and I succeed in finding an open one. I put the empty can in the cup holder, for it might come in use later. We reach a gas station and it has a couple of zombies at it.

"You check inside, I will get the car gas, got it?" Dominic asks me, and I reply with a nod. I pull out my knife, but Dominic takes it and tosses it. He hands me a pistol with 7 shots and a semi-new knife. I look at the knife, happy that it isn't all rusted up.

We get moving and Dominic takes out the 2 zombies with his new knife. I run inside the gas station store and find a zombie behind the counter. I haven't ever thrown a knife before, but I am gonna try my luck now. I throw it and it hits the zombie... in the neck. Damn. A little low. The zombie is momentarily stunned and I took that moment to my advantage. I run up and jump kick the zombies head. It splits as it hits the ground and my shoes get a little splatter of blood on them. I pull the knife from his neck. I take a look down an aisle and see 2 cans left. I run up to them, one is peaches and the other apple sauce. I take them and put them in a grocery bag from the counter. I check the last 2 aisles left and manage to scavenge a small water bottle.

I load the grocery bag into the back of the car. Back into the passenger seat I go, and Dominic is waiting for me.

"A can of peaches, a big jar of applesauce and a water bottle." I tell him feeling a little sad that it was all I got. It seems so deserted, yet the majority of the store had been looted. I feel extremely tired and it is starting to turn dark. I start clearing my mind and my eyes close. About 20 hours left to Montana. After a dreamless nap, I open my eyes. I look around forgetting where I am, Dominic yawns, and he fumbles with the radio station. I look out the window and see the sun shining. No zombies are around, and all looks peaceful. I know all too soon that will change. I hear a bunch of static as Dominic checks every station. More static. And more static. Then Dominic gasps, then I hear it too.

"Hello.... It's... Eric... If anyone is there we are located.... 3275 Heartfield Drive..... South Dakot....."

"Holy shit!" Dominic whispers excitedly. I almost tried to stand up, forgetting I was in a car.

"Well, change of plans, were heading to South Dakota!"