The next morning, the cold night left dew on the grass as well as frost on the car windows. It was cold enough that the group couldn't sleep well as they were constantly cold and grabbing for blankets. Nick was the first to get up for the day as he made his way to the door. When he opened the door, he felt the chilling winds hit his warm face like a slap that stung afterward. Nick exhaled and was able to see his own breath. As looked around, he saw most of the trees had lost their leaves. Nick closed the door before he became too cold. When he made his way to the living room, the place where the group had been sleeping, he saw Xavier and Sarah sleeping close together in the center of the room. Thomas was in one of the corners, facing away from the group. Ronny was closest to Nick who was sleeping with Albee. Ronny appeared to be cold as he used all of his blankets to keep Albee warm. Nick saw that both Ronny and Albee made the same face as they slept. To Nick, seeing a child was something he hadn't seen in months. It was a new experience for the whole group that they all would have to get used to.
After an hour passed, the others began to wake up the same way as Nick did - very cold. It was uncomfortable for everyone. Sarah said, "I'm fucking freezing". Thomas said, "How? You had Xavier to keep you warm". Xavier laughed as he said, "Ok, knock it off. Let's see if the owners had anything warm that we could use". As the group went into the bedrooms in search for jackets and pants, Thomas stayed in the living room with Ronny as Ronny watched Albee sleep. Albee wasn't the least bit cold as Ronny had bundled him in layers of blankets. Ronny said, "He looks so peaceful, doesn't he"? Thomas said, "Yeah. It kinda makes you forget that the world ended. That there's still a chance for humanity". Ronny smiled as he said, "Yeah. This little guy is the future". Thomas said, "You're gonna be a great father, Ronny". Ronny's smile faded as he said, "What's that suppose to me"? Thomas said, "Uh, I was just saying you're gonna raise Albee to be a great young man". Ronny said, "Are you trying to say that Grace wouldn't have been a good parent? 'Cause that's kinda what it sounds like you're saying". Thomas said, "No, I didn't mean anything by it". Ronny said, "You always have some shit to say, Thomas. Well, I don't need to listen to it". Ronny then picked up Albee as he headed to one of the bedrooms. Xavier heard Ronny yelling as he walked out of one of the rooms. Xavier said, "Hey, what's going on out here". Xavier saw Ronny approach him. Before Xavier could ask what happened, Ronny shouldered him out of his way as he walked into the bedroom Xavier had just walked out of. Ronny slammed the door behind him.
Xavier then redirected his focus to Thomas as he said, "What the hell did you say to him". Thomas said, "I told him he was gonna be a great father who was gonna raise his kid right". Xavier said, "Listen, I think it's better that we don't talk to Ronny. Let him have some time to calm down. Only talk to him if he talks to you first and please keep the answers short because we can't be having all of this when we're outside. We won't make it far". Thomas sighed as he agreed.
After much searching, the group was fortunate to find that the owners had enough coats for everyone. However, once the group put them on, they could tell how terrible it would be to wear them as they felt slow and sluggish compared to their summer outfits. Also, it would be harder to aim a gun or knife if they were in danger. However, the coats were needed if the group wanted to make it to Juneau. Nick said, "I guess it's a good thing this isn't a style contest because we'd all lose". It was a bit a humor that everyone needed as everyone slowly began to laugh. In a world dominated by grief and misery, it was great for everyone to laugh. Finally, they were ready to head out as the group convinced Ronny to leave the bedroom.
As the group headed outside, it was colder than they all thought. The air was frigid as they all could see their breath in the air. They all held their sides to preserve their warmth. Ronny, however, held Albee close to his chest as he tried to keep him warm. Xavier said, "How long should this trip take us"? Thomas looked at the map as he said, "Well that depends if we take the direct route away from most cities or if we go city hopping". Ronny said, "There is no choice. We have to city hop. Albee needs food, diapers, medicine". Xavier said, "Looks like city hopping it is". Thomas said, "Well, in that case, it should take us a week as long as we don't run into trouble". Nick said, "We tend to always run into trouble". Sarah said, "Oh yeah Nick, what a way to keep it positive". Xavier said, "Guys knock it off, it's too cold to be dealing with this".
The group continued to walk as they now were heading to another unknown settlement. They were unsure whether or not they would make it, however, it was their only chance of survival. As they walked, they saw on the side of the road was a sign that said the Canadian border was sixteen miles north. It was going to be a long journey with many questions, many unknowns, and many trials. They all knew it and had to be prepared for it as they knew it wouldn't be long before they would begin to see snow.
YOU ARE READING
After The End
Short Story"Ronny said, "So how did you guys find pigs"? Omar said, "There have always been a few wild hogs on this island. But otherwise, most of the ones here were from the local farms". Ronny took another bite as Omar said, "It's unfortunate Ryan, Walter, a...
