Citizen Z

Chapter 9

477 days since the virus spread

Very early the next morning

We've been on the road since we managed to escape from the encounter with the Alpha Z's. We've been trying to get as far away as possible...but that's been rather impossible.

We first started to have car trouble, we had to pulled over and hide. It was hard to push the car about a mile, unnoticed. We're all tired and stuff from pushing the truck.

Secondly, Mikey's arm has started to become a real problem. His fever has shot up again, but at least it isn't as bad as the last time. I've strapped his up in a sling to take the pressure off. Even that doesn't convince him to sit back, he's been trying to help Ray with the truck all night.

Well, the truck is just a piece of scrap metal now.

Lucky enough, we've managed to find an abandoned factory just outside of Kentucky. It should do for all our needs for now, we just have to wait until every settles down.

I see Ray is still working on the truck. Mikey holds a flashlight with this strong arm, over where Ray is working. The engine hisses angrily as Ray tries screwing something on with a rusting wrench.

I sigh. We are going to be stuck here for a while. At least Frank can get some time to rest, at least he's been asleep for a few hours already.

Frank is asleep on my shoulder, holding tightly onto my arm. When I move, he holds it even tighter, hoping I don't let go.

He rests his sweet head on my shoulder, taking soft, short breaths as he sleeps. His face is relaxed for a change. I quickly kiss his forehead and gently caress his hand with my thumb.

The two, that is trying to fix the car, looks at each other and sighs deeply. Ray shakes his head in frustration and slams the truck's hood shut.

That can't be good.

Mikey sighs deeply and turns the flashlight off and they walk towards us. They talk as they come to sit by us.

"Any luck?" I ask hopefully.

"Nope, I can't fix it," Ray says, extremely annoyed, "The engine is burnt out, totally ruined. It's just a piece of garbage now. I've been trying all night to see if there is a possibility to fix it, but there's nothing. I've tried everything." Ray sighs and puts his hand through his lush thick hair.

We all sit in a circle, facing each other in the dark. I see Mikey's silhouette resting it's head on Ray's shoulder.

"Don't worry, we will find a new truck." Mikey says and yawns.

"Thank you, Ray." I say, putting my hand on his shoulder.

"For what? The truck is screwed, I didn't do anything." He questions and looks straight into my eyes.

"For everything you've done for me, for all of us, I don't think you hear it enough. I don't know where we would've been if we didn't find each other." I say smiling shyly.

Ray blushes and looks at Mikey, then softly kisses his cheek. He gently kisses Mikey's forehead and then rests his hand on his thigh.