As the days passed after leaving their handwritten notes in strategic locations throughout the city, Dusty, William, and Samantha couldn't shake the sense of anticipation that hung in the air. Each passing moment seemed to stretch on endlessly, filled with anxious thoughts and restless anticipation.
After placing the notes around the city they returned to their regular routine of searching for supplies and gathering materials for the winter. They would carefully plan their routes so that each building would be visited at least every second day. That way should someone find it and leave a message they would be able to respond quickly.
Then, one morning, about a week later, they arrived at one of the buildings downtown. There was a second notice hanging on the bulletin board. Seeing the note, Samantha's heart leaped with excitement as she picked it up, her fingers trembling slightly as she unfolded the note.
"To the survivors who left the note, We received your message and would like to meet with you. We will be waiting at the abandoned gas station on Elm Street at noon. Since we do not know how often you are checking these signs we will be there for the next three days.
It was signed by two people named Arthur and Alex"
The words sent a surge of adrenaline coursing through their veins, and they exchanged excited glances as they realized that their message had been received. But beneath the excitement, a sense of apprehension lingered. Who were these people, and could they be trusted?
Samantha and William had been the ones to discover the note, they left the building and made their was back toward their home, eager to share the news with the others.
As they discussed their options, it became clear that they couldn't afford to ignore the opportunity to make contact with other survivors. With a mixture of excitement and trepidation, they agreed to meet with the mysterious group at the appointed time and place.
As they discussed it, William looked toward Sarah, "Do you think it is save for you to come?"
Sarah looked at him, "What do you mean?"
"Is there a risk that they will not trust you since you are still look to be a zombie" he continued, "we trust you but I would not want anything to happen to you."
She nodded in understanding.
"Perhaps it is best if we meet them without you for the first meeting. At least until we know their intentions." Dusty stated.
The following day, as the sun hung high in the sky, Dusty, William, and Samantha made their way to the abandoned gas station on Elm Street. It had been agreed that Sarah would remain at the safehouse and the other three would make contact. Their hearts pounded in their chests as they approached the decrepit building, their senses on high alert for any sign of danger.
As they reached the entrance, they found themselves face to face with a group of survivors, their expressions wary but welcoming. The leader stepped forward, extending a hand in greeting.
"I'm Alex," she said, her voice calm but authoritative. "We received your message and are grateful for the opportunity to meet with you."
Dusty shook her hand firmly, his mind racing with questions. "What is this place?" he asked, gesturing to the abandoned gas station.
Alex smiled wryly. "This used to be a meeting spot for the Resistance, as we like to call ourselves. We are a group of survivors dedicated to helping others and fighting against the forces that seek to destroy us."
As they talked, Dusty, William, and Samantha couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over them. These were people who understood the challenges they faced and were willing to offer their support.
But as the conversation continued, a nagging thought tugged at the back of Dusty's mind. 'What about Sarah?' he thought, glancing around nervously. "We have another friend with us. Her name is Sarah, she's... different."
Alex nodded understandingly, "how is she different?"
Dusty went on to explain, "She has kind of been infected, she is a zombie and needs to eat flesh but she isn't like the others. She can control her actions, she can communicate and she has feelings."
"I understand," she said, "We've heard stories of the possibility of someone like her before. As long as she poses no threat, she's of course welcome to join us."
"We are working with a couple scientists that are trying to figure this out. I don't know what it means but I would suspect that would be very excited to meet someone like Sarah. Do you think she would be willing to do that?" Alex asked.
"I believe she would be willing to help out but we are not going to let anyone experiment on her like they did before." Dusty said, his look one of determination.
"I understand, we would just meet and they could talk to each other. I would need a few days for them to get here" Alex replied.
"That sounds good, we will sent that up, perhaps they could meet again in three days, if that works?" Dusty said.
Over the next few hours, Dusty, William, and Samantha shared their story with the members of the Resistance, recounting their journey from the small town of Florenceville to the heart of the city. They spoke of their struggles and triumphs, their hopes and fears for the future.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Alex extended an invitation to meet again in two days, here at the gas station. "We have much to discuss," she said, his eyes alight with determination. "But for now, rest assured that you have allies in this fight. Hopefully Sarah will agree to meet with us as well next time."
With a renewed sense of purpose and hope, Dusty, William, and Samantha bid farewell to their newfound allies and made their way back to their makeshift home.
With a sense of relief, Dusty explained the situation to Sarah, who had agreed to stay hidden while they met with the Resistance. Dusty outlined everything that had happened and the discussions that took place. He then told her about the meeting and asked her if she would be ok meeting with the scientists Alex had mentioned.
Although hesitant, with Dusty's reassurance that they would stay with her and protect her, she agreed to the meeting.
As they settled in for the night, the flickering candlelight casting shadows across the walls, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for what lay ahead.
For the first time in a long time, they dared to hope that they weren't alone in their struggle against the darkness. And as they drifted off to sleep, their dreams were filled with visions of a brighter future, where survivors banded together to rebuild the world that had been lost.