The three survivors traveled with weary feet back to their basecamp, the weight of their recent battle still heavy on their minds. Six more zombies today, that's over 20 this week, why are there so many these days, is it just what their future is going to look like? As they approached the familiar storefront, Dusty couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. The jewelry store, with its sturdy windows and reinforced doors, had become their sanctuary in this desolate world.
The familiar jewelers sign still hanging over the windows inviting people to come and shop for the finest of diamonds and gold. How many couples had visited to purchase their wedding rings in this store, how may grandmothers had received a broach from their grandchild. Now, with its windows barred, only three visitors bothered to enter through its door.
Pushing open the heavy door, Dusty, William and Samantha stepped into the dimly lit interior, the soft glow of the lantern casting long shadows across the room. The only other light, the yellow glow that comes in the front windows between the security bars. Dusty took a moment to survey their surroundings, taking in the familiar sight of their makeshift home. He feels a sense of satisfaction at the space they have created.
The jewelry cases that once displayed sparkling gems now served as makeshift storage for their supplies, their glass fronts covered in a layer of dust. The counters had been cleared of their contents, replaced instead with a hodgepodge of cooking utensils and camping gear. Items neatly sorted so they were able to easily choose which tools they needed depending on the task before them. In the center of the room, a small fire burned in a metal stove, casting a warm glow against the walls. Most of the jewelry had been simply pushed aside, stashed in a corner to be forgotten. They had picked what they considered the most valuable and easiest to transport into a bag in case they did have to travel and would be able to use it to barter for other things. Would anyone even what any of it, they weren't sure but they figured people would always have a desire for diamonds and gold.
"We made it," William sighed, sinking down onto one of the battered couches that lined the back wall.
Samantha nodded, her eyes scanning the room with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "Let's tend to our wounds and then we can relax."
With practiced efficiency, they set about cleaning and bandaging their injuries, the adrenaline of the battle slowly fading into a dull ache. Dusty winced as he tended to a gash on his arm, the memory of the zombies' sharp claws still fresh in his mind. Fortunately the injuries were minor and and easy to deal with. Thus far, they have only ever suffered minor injuries, with each passing day, that helped build their confidence.
Once their wounds were tended to, they settled down around the fire, the warmth of the flames chasing away the chill of the night. Dusty leaned back against the couch, his eyes drifting shut as he let out a long sigh.
"Remember when we used to play football in high school?" Dusty asked, breaking the silence.
William chuckled, a nostalgic smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "How could I forget? You were always the star quarterback."
Dusty grinned, the memories of his glory days flooding back. "Those were the days." Looking at is friend, "You weren't so bad yourself. I remember a few times in practice when you forgot we were on the same team and laid me out on my butt. I use to love the pep rally's before the games, it was always crazy. All the people happy and celebrating."
Samantha's brown eyes sparkled with amusement. She loved to here the guys talk about their football experience and how they were so competitive even thou they were on the same team.
"And what about you, Samantha? Any childhood hobbies or memories you want to share?" Dusty asked.
Samantha's smile softened, her gaze distant as she thought back to simpler times. "I used to take music lessons," she said softly. "Piano, mostly. It was something I always looked forward to."
William nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I remember you playing. You were really good. Maybe when we are out looking for supplies we should try to find a piano and bring it back here for you to play for us."
Samantha's cheeks flushed with pride, a small smile playing at her lips. "Thanks," she murmured. "Unfortunately it might attract more zombies then we want to have around."
As they shared stories and reminisced about their childhoods, Dusty couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the bond they shared. Despite the horrors they had faced, they still found moments of joy and laughter amidst the darkness.
"What about you, William?" Dusty asked, turning his attention to his friend. "Any fond memories from your school days? Other than trying to beat me at football."
William's eyes lit up with excitement, his face animated as he launched into a tale of their childhood adventures. From games of hide-and-seek in the woods to late-night camping trips under the stars, William painted a vivid picture of their carefree youth. William always loved the outdoors and tried to spend as much time as possible. His time in the Scouts gave him many of the skills that are keeping him alive today. The brooks and fields near there town were his playground. It didn't matter the season, you would find William in the woods.
As the night wore on, the fire began to die down, casting long shadows across the room. Dusty stifled a yawn, his eyelids growing heavy with exhaustion.
"I think it's time we get some sleep," he said, pushing himself to his feet. Dusty followed the same routine he did every night. First checking the back door to make sure it is bolted. Then to the front of the building, checking the windows to insure the gates are secure and finally the front door, making sure the bolts are in place. No zombies were coming into the building while they slept unless they learned how to drive a tank and came through a wall. With that he headed off to bed.
At the back of the building the three offices had been turned into bedrooms, they had found beds, blankets and pillows and had very comfortable sleeping arrangements.
William and Samantha nodded in agreement, their movements slow and lethargic. With one last glance around their makeshift home, they made their way to their beds, the promise of rest beckoning them into the embrace of sleep. Now that he was safe, William let go of many of the fears that had bothered him as they traveled in search of new supplies. He was safe here.
As Dusty settled down beneath the scratchy blankets, he couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the safety and security they had found in each other's company. In this world of chaos and uncertainty, they were each other's greatest allies, bound together by a shared determination to survive. From childhood friends, to teammates, to survivalists'.
With that comforting thought lingering in his mind, as Dusty closed his eyes he thought back to the discussion they had earlier in the day about how this all began. Knowing his friends were safe he let the darkness of sleep slowly wash over him, grateful for another day of life in this unforgiving world.