Rise of the Undead Part Five: Five Stories

CHAPTER EIGHT-VIII

    “Hey, I found more food!” Camila said. “Cool. It’s kinda odd how we’re out here looking for Hailey and Latisha, but all we can find is food.” Blake said. “Yeah, I’d rather find them than a stash of good food. But hey, at least we’re finding something.” Camila said. “Have you two checked out back yet?” Becky said. “Yeah we have, let’s move on.” Blake said. They walked out of the small shop. “Wow, that's quite a handfull you got there.” Becky said as she saw Camila stuffing all the food she found in the backpack. “Yeah. I just think of the time when we could barely find food out in the desert.” Camila said. “Yeah, those were terrible times…” Becky said. “...Yeah…” Camila said.

    “You think we’re looking in the right areas? I mean we did check this place out yesterday.” Blake said. “...So what? We also found those two risers here yesterday.” Becky said. “If we’re lucky we’ll find out more about them.” Camila said. “But we aren’t trying to find another safe center...no matter how huge and great it is...we’re trying to find Latisha and Hailey.” Blake said. “Yeah...well just because we’re looking for this safe center, doesn’t mean we’re not looking for Hailey and Latisha. We can multitask you know.” Becky said to Blake. “Whatever...I just don’t wanna end up in a whole Taha situation again.” Blake said. “We won’t sweetie. It’s ok.” Camila said as she kissed his cheek and smiled a little.

    “How am I doing dad?” Kaitlynn asked. “Just great. If only you're mom could pick up a few things from you.” Austin said smiling. “Oh shut up! I’m doing...ok...right?” Lauren asked laughing. “You're doing just fine, I’m gonna go check on Jack for a minute.” Austin said. “How you doing kiddo?” Austin asked Jack. “Good I think.” Jack said. “He’s doing great.” Bill said as he walked over to them. “Good...why don’t you try that one.” Austin said as he pointed. “Ok.” Jack said as he started to aim. “I told you he was pretty good.” Bill said as Jack hit the target perfectly. “Good job.” Austin said to Jack. “Thanks.” Jack said smiling. “I think we’ve practiced enough for today. Let’s head on back.” Austin said. “Hey Bill, can you take them to the car, I’ll pack everything up.” Austin said to Bill. “Sure thing, come on guys. We’re heading back.” Bill said to the group.

    “Hey...Uh...Mr.Woodring?” Jack asked as he slowly walked behind Austin. “Yes Jack?” Austin asked. “I just wanted to say thanks...I really appreciate how you all took me in...and to be honest...this has been the best year of my life...I don’t miss my dad...I never had a real dad. He never hugged me...or did anything for me...he just got drunk and had fights with my mom...but you’ve shown me what a real dad is...and it's almost like you're the dad I never had. You, Lauren, and Kaitlynn are my family now.” Jack said tearing up. “You're part of our family now Jack.” Austin said as he hugged Jack.