As they set off walking again, William's curiosity got the better of him. "Hey, Alex, how much further is our destination?" he asked.
Alex looked up at the sky, his eyes squinting against the bright sun. "Only four more days," he said, his voice filled with excitement.
The group's pace quickened as they walked, their spirits lifting with the prospect of reaching their destination so soon. They had been traveling for weeks, and the thought of finally finding a place to call home was tantalizing.
On the second day, they encountered a small group of zombies shambling through the forest. Sarah's instincts kicked in, and she quickly took charge of the situation. With her sword at the ready, she expertly took down each of the undead creatures.
As they finished off the last zombie, Sarah turned to Dusty and nodded discreetly. Without a word, they dropped behind the group allowing Sarah to feed again. She pulled out a piece of meat from one of the zombies and began to chew on it. Dusty watched her with a mixture of understanding and disgust. She had told him that for now, each day they encountered zombies she would eat since she didn't know how frequently they would encounter them as they continued further south.
Again, they quickly caught back up with the group without creating an issue. The group continued on their journey, their footsteps quiet on the open highway. As night began to fall, they stumbled upon an abandoned house, its windows boarded up but its door still intact.
"Perfect," Alex said, grinning. "We can stay here tonight."
The group settled in for the night, building a fire in the hearth and huddling together for warmth. As they drifted off to sleep, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this small comfort.
William and Samantha started making plans about what they would like to do when they reached their destination. They talked about finding a new job, building a new home, and starting a new life.
"Maybe we could get a house together" William suggested.
Hearing his suggestion, Samantha started to blush.
Seeing this, he quickly added, "and Sarah and Dusty can leave there too. Just like old times."
With that, Samantha gave him a quick slap on the arm.
Dr. Mullins and Sarah took more time to talk, their conversation lost in the distance as they walked ahead of the group.
As they walked, Sarah turned to Dr. Mullins with a curious expression. "What do you think we'll find when we get to our destination?" she asked.
Dr. Mullins smiled thoughtfully. "I think we'll find a community that's been working hard to rebuild and start anew," she said. "We'll find people who are struggling to survive, but who are also determined to make a better life for themselves."
Sarah nodded thoughtfully. "And what about us?" she asked. "What will we find?"
Dr. Mullins' eyes locked onto hers. "I think we'll find a sense of purpose," she said. "We'll find a reason to keep going, even when things seem bleak."
Sarah nodded slowly, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew that Dr. Mullins was right – they had been through so much already, and yet they had made it this far. What would it take to get them to their destination?
"When we get there," Dr. Mullins started to make more detailed plans, "they have a lab and have been working on a cure. We had sent them your blood that you gave us."
Sarah looked at her nervously.
"Don't worry, we won't make you do anything you are not comfortable with." Dr. Mullins continued, "We will ask for more blood if you are willing. Eventually, if we find a cure, we would give you a chance to take it. We aren't sure if it is possible, we are hoping to at least eliminate the desire to feed on flesh."
"I hate it you know," Sarah told her. "The reason Dusty and I stay behind after each attack is so I am able to feed." She confessed to Dr. Mullins.
"I know," she replied, "I saw you and figured it must be when you are eating. Don't worry, I'm not going to discuss it with anyone."
"If you find a potential cure for that, I will be the first in line." Sarah stated emphatically, "You can count on that."
As they continued on their journey, the group noticed that the landscape was changing. The trees were becoming taller and greener, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. The sound of birds chirping and buzzing insects filled the air, a stark contrast to the desolate silence they had grown accustomed to.
On the next day, they encountered a small stream running through the forest. The group stopped to rest and refill their water bottles, taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.
As they walked on, they stumbled upon a small clearing with a small abandoned cabin in the center. The group decided to take shelter there for the night, building a fire and huddling together for warmth.
Sarah and Dr. Mullins took more time to talk, discussing their plans for the future and their hopes for finding a cure for the zombie virus. Sarah shared her own fears and doubts, but Dr. Mullins reassured her that they were getting close.
The next morning, they set off again, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The weather was getting warmer, and they were able to build fires at night, keeping them warm and cozy.
On the final day of their journey, they could see the town in the distance. The group's excitement was palpable as they quickened their pace, eager to finally reach their destination.
As they approached the town gate, Sarah felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. They had made it. They had finally reached their destination.
Alex, turning to the group said, "Welcome to our new home."
The group followed Alex into the town, taking in the sights and sounds of their new community. They were greeted by warm smiles and open arms, and Sarah felt a sense of belonging wash over her.
As they settled into their new home, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. They had made it. They had found a new place to start anew.
And as she looked out at the people around her, she knew that this was just the beginning.