Humanity Forsaken

Tired Already...

Sitting in silence for the last few hours toward Florida on this non-stop ride we have chosen for ourselves has been hell. I have been staring out the window and at my feet trying to come to terms with what happened in the swamp. Tears well up in my eyes as I replay the scene in my head over and over. The gunshots, the brass from spent shell casing hitting the damp wood of the shack in the woods. All of it terrified me but what scared me most was that it wouldn't be the last time I would need to shoot at another person to protect myself and the ones I love. As I replay the scenario I feel a sudden hand on my shoulder, it's Khalil.

"Hey man, I know what's going through your head right now and I know it's difficult to picture... but you can get past this... you did what you had to.". His words were comforting. Tyler and Nick began speaking as well. 

"Yeah boss, it's all something we have to face... you just got that situation thrown in your lap earlier than the rest of us." Tyler said glancing back at me while he continues driving down this dark southern back road. 

"Yupp," Nick piped up, "But let's just get it out the way... fuck that shooting old crazy hobo shit! They gonna come haunt us or something!" He began to chuckle and we join him in laughter.

I inhale and sign contently, "Hmmm thanks guys this helps a lot... but forgive me it will take just a bit longer for me to get used to the post apocalyptic world ya know?" I chuckle at the end of the sentence realizing how insane it sounds. 

Hours pass as we finally reach our next destination. We pull up to the address I was given long ago to find Brittany. We all step out the truck quietly, body armor on and weapons in hand. We approach the house and knock on the door quietly.

Brittany answers clearly shocked out our appearance. 

"Whoa! Okay! I didn't know dudes from Call of Duty would come get me." she said with a smile.

"Uhhh did you guys not see any of the walkers that are roaming around now?" I ask with a curious look on my face.

"Nope. But we have seen things going wild in the city which is why we stayed here." she answered.

"Well... if they don't mind and if you are still up to it... you can come with us. We're going up north to link up with Jade she has a place and..." before I finished my sentence she responds.

"Yes!" she said with a big smile. 

"Y-you sure? I wouldn't wanna take you away from all of the family here."

"Duhhh I'm sure!" she said quickly.

"Welp, I guess say your 'see you laters' and we can be on our way." I stepped in nodding at everyone sitting around, "Stay safe you all... please." they look toward me with smiles and one of them say "Of course! Just keep Britt safe." they say with a wink as they head to the kitchen.

We all return to the truck as Brittany steps out the house and says her goodbyes. We throw her bags with ours as she picks a spot in the back seat with Khalil and I and begin the long final stretch of our journey up toward Virginia.