The Collapse of Mankind

Chapter One, TCOM Part II

TWO MONTHS LATER.

Alexis: There has to be some around here somewhere. We've been searching for so long that I've forgotten what we're looking for.
Jess: Firewood. We're looking for firewood.
Alexis: Right, firewood. Okay.

Jessica and Alexis scouted out the forest for some dry wood that they could possibly use for a fire since they used the last heap of it. Alexis spotted a large bit of wood and walked towards it, being cautious about infected or any dangerous people. When she got there, she bent down and picked it up, brushing off the bugs that were crawling around on it. She turned to face Jessica and lifted the wood up.

Alexis: This seem okay to you?

Jess glanced over at Alexis, looking at the wood she was asking about.

Jess: Looks good to me. Bring it over.

Alexis began to walk back to her friend until the noise of crunching against the wood on the floor caused her to come to a halt. She froze in her spot as she brought out her suppressor-ed gun. She cautiously ran behind a tree to get cover. Jess noticed her. Alexis mouthed "cover" to her. Jessica immediately clocked on and hid behind a tree, too. Alexis peeked to where the noise came from. She could see a fox. She sighed as she walked away from the tree. Jess did the same as she noticed Alexis doing it, assuming the coast was clear. She pointed her gun up to the fox's head, squinted her eyes and pulled the trigger. Her arms dropped as she felt the bullet leave the gun. Alexis sighed and walked over to the dead body. She grasped its fur and began to drag it across the floor. As she approached Jessica, she immediately frowned at the sight of the dead animal.

Jess: You gotta do what you gotta do I guess.
Alexis: At least we won't go hungry tonight.
Jess: That's true.

Jessica looked up at the sky, noticing the color it was turning.

Jess: It's getting late. Maybe we should start heading back. We have a good amount of wood. Hopefully Cisco won't be too upset with it.
Alexis: He won't be. I'll make sure of it.

The two girls began to make their way back to their camp, trying walk as fast as they could but failing due to their tiredness. After walking for half an hour, they finally arrived back at the camp. Cisco opened the large gate for the two girls.

Cisco: Any infected?
Alexis: None at all, actually.
Jess: It was surprising.
Cisco: You got food!
Alexis: We did. Kinda hated hunting it. But whatever. We need it.

Both of the girls handed a few bits of wood to Cisco just after he closed the large gate once they'd entered the space. The three of them walked towards the room they kept lots of supplies like food and water in whilst having a conversation about the fox. They had to keep the wood inside so it didn't get wet due to any possible rain. Once they'd dropped off the supplies, Jessica spoke up.

Alexis: Any idea where Ellie is?
Cisco: Last time I saw her, she was outside with Sophia.
Alexis: Awesome. Mind if I take a water?
Cisco: Not at all, we found so many bottles when Emmyn and I were out.
Alexis: Thanks.

Alexis grabbed a bottle of water from the cupboard and began to walk outside only to be stopped by the sight of Ellie stood behind the now ten-year-old Sophia. Three empty beer bottles were on top of bits of wood that were sticking out of the ground. She was lining up a gun for the little girl, clearly showing her how to shoot so she could protect herself. Ellie pulled away, placing her hands over the younger girl's ears. Sophia pulled the trigger which sent a bullet souring through the air, knocking down a bottle. Alexis smiled at the view. It was crazy to think about how her and Ellie were once on opposite sides of a wall, talking but not knowing what one another looked like. Alexis walked slowly towards the two.