A week had passed since the group embarked on their journey, and now they found themselves on the outskirts of City M. One more city stood between them and the location where Drey's family resided. As they neared their destination, a mix of nervousness and excitement coursed through Drey's veins. He hoped against hope that his family was still alive.
"I hope you are all safe, Father, Mother, and Lisa..." Drey muttered to himself.
Lana, with a cautious tone, informed the group that they had finally arrived in City M. She emphasized the city's crowded nature and urged everyone to remain vigilant. Shauna, her voice filled with intelligence and familiarity, shared her perspective as someone who had lived in the city before. The insights of both Shauna and Lana provided the group with a sense of preparedness as they ventured into the bustling metropolis.
Lana and Shauna mustered the courage to confide in Drey, their voices tinged with a sheepish tone, sharing that their own families resided in this city. They humbly requested Drey's assistance in checking on their loved ones.
"Drey, our family lives close to here... I'm being hopeful that they are still alive, hiding in our house." Shauna spoke with sorrow on her face.
Lana also spoke with a worried tone. "Our houses are near to each other. Even though it's already a few weeks. But maybe... Maybe, they are still there..."
Drey, understanding the gravity of the situation, reassured them in a comforting tone, promising to do everything he could to help. "Don't worry guys, I'm sure they are alright."
Together, the group made their way to the neighborhood where Shauna and Lana's families lived. The duo had chosen to rent an apartment in City O for their senior high school years, which explained their temporary absence from their hometown.
As they continued their journey through the city streets, the group faced numerous encounters with the mutated zombies that now roamed the once-familiar neighborhoods. Each member of the group fought valiantly, eliminating the threats that lurked in their path.
Finally, they arrived at Shauna's house. Drey noticed Shauna's nervous demeanor and, instinctively understanding her emotions, spoke to her in a comforting tone. "Let me take the lead for you, Shauna."
Taking the lead, he cautiously opened the door to her house. Inside, they encountered a zombie that bore no resemblance to any of Shauna's family members. Relief washed over Shauna as she confirmed that it was not her loved one.
"Shauna? Do you know him?" Drey asked.
"No Drey, I can't tell who he is but I'm sure his not one of my family members," Shauna answered.
"How about we look for clues? Maybe they left something for you Shauna." Carl said, suggesting to them what he thought of.
The house bore signs of a hasty departure, indicating that Shauna's family had left in a hurry. It was a bittersweet discovery, knowing that her family had managed to escape the immediate danger but unsure of their current whereabouts.
With one location checked, the group set their sights on Lana's house, which was nearby. Their footsteps were filled with determination as they continued their quest, inching closer to reuniting the remaining members of the group with their families.
As the group made their way towards Lana's house, Lana couldn't help but feel nervous. The weight of anticipation settled upon her shoulders, but Shauna, ever supportive, held her hand to provide reassurance. She whispered words of comfort, assuring Lana that her family was also safe and that everything would be alright.
True to form, Drey took the forefront, skillfully eliminating any threats that crossed their path. With each fallen zombie, he scavenged for valuable loot, further enhancing their chances of survival in this unforgiving world.
As they walked through the abandoned streets, they glanced into the windows of houses they passed, hoping to catch a glimpse of any survivors. Yet, the desolation seemed to echo back at them, devoid of any signs of life.
Finally, they arrived at Lana's house. The empty abode greeted them with silence.
"As expected, no one here," Lana spoke with sadness in her voice.
However, their eyes fell upon a paper left behind, addressed to Lana.
"Hey, there's a note here!" Jamie informed them.
The note informed her that her family had evacuated to City T, the very city where Drey's family resided. Relief washed over Lana, a weight lifted from her chest. It was a fortuitous coincidence, bringing them one step closer to reuniting with their loved ones.
With evening approaching, Lana suggested they rest and spend the night in her house. The weariness of their journey weighed heavily upon them, and the idea of a temporary respite was a welcome relief.
But just as they were settling in, a sound pierced the silence. It was a heavy, thunderous rumbling as if a giant were walking nearby. The group tensed their nerves on edge. Sensing the tension, Drey advised them to stay put while he ventured outside to investigate the source of the commotion.
With caution in his every step, Drey went outside, his senses heightened. The night air crackled with suspense, and the others anxiously awaited his return. The minutes stretched on, seemingly interminable, as they strained their ears, desperate for any clue as to what Drey had encountered.
Finally, Drey reappeared, his face etched with a mix of awe and trepidation. He shared his discovery with a voice laced with urgency, informing the group that a colossal mutated creature, towering in size, roamed the vicinity. It was a terrifying presence, a force to be reckoned with.