After the meeting with Dr. Mullins and Dr. Merchant there was nothing for Sarah to do but wait. She knew it would be at least a week before she knew anything. She still had to visit the lab every three days to feed. As much as she hated to get the flesh, she knew it was better than when she had to constantly hunt for her own food. It also allowed her to eat the flesh at the lab so it meant Dusty didn't have watch her consuming the meat someplace in a back ally.
Sarah spent the next few days busy with her daily routine, shopping and exploring the town. Each day, the town's small but vibrant community bustled with life, offering a comforting sense of normalcy that she cherished deeply. She couldn't help but think about the progress they had made and the new life they had built together in this resilient haven.
One crisp morning, as she strolled back to their house, the scent of freshly baked bread from the nearby bakery filled the air. Stopping, she stood there, simply breathing in the smell, never had she felt so comfortable. The town square, adorned with twinkling fairy lights strung across the shops, created a picturesque scene against the backdrop of a clear blue sky. Around her, children laughed and played, their joyous sounds mingling with the occasional bark of a dog and the gentle hum of conversation from the townsfolk.
Turning the corner onto their street, she spotted Dusty sitting on the porch, deeply engrossed in a book. The sight brought a smile to her face. Dusty had always found solace in reading, and it warmed her heart to see him so content. She walked up the creaking wooden steps and sat down beside him, the old porch swing swaying gently with their combined weight.
"Hey, what's new?" she asked, peering at the book in his hand.
Dusty looked up, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "Just reading about this new card game, Bridge," he replied. "It's pretty interesting. I was thinking we could teach it to Samantha and William, after all, they taught you how to play Hearts."
Sarah's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds like a lot of fun. I've never played it before."
Dusty smiled warmly. "I'll teach you. Then we can play a few rounds tonight."
Sarah nodded, feeling a sense of anticipation building inside her. The prospect of learning something new and sharing it with their friends was exciting.
Doing things like cards with her friends without having to worry about zombies attacking was a welcome change.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the town, Sarah walked into the cozy living room. Dusty was already waiting for her, the room bathed in the soft glow of the fireplace. William and Samantha were seated at the table, shuffling a deck of cards.
"Hey guys," Sarah said, taking a seat beside Dusty.
Sarah watched as Dusty deftly shuffled and dealt the cards, explaining the rules with enthusiasm. She, William and Samantha listened intently, absorbing the intricacies of the game.
Dusty handed her a deck of cards. "Okay, you can be the first to deal."
As they started playing, Sarah couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. She had never played a card games as a child, and she was pleasantly surprised by how much fun it was. The friendly competition, the strategic thinking, and the laughter that punctuated their game made the evening truly enjoyable.
For a second night in a row the four friends gathered around their table enjoying a game of cards and each others company.
With a serious look on his face, William spoke up. When we were packing up to leave Florenceville I couldn't imagine something like this was going to ever be in our future.
Dusty responded, "Let's make sure we enjoy every minute of this. It's not over yet but at least we have hope now."
After a few rounds of cards, they decided to take a break and get some snacks. Sarah walked into the kitchen, where she found Samantha pouring kernels into a popcorn maker.
"Hey, can I help?" Sarah asked.
Samantha smiled. "Yeah, you can help me make some cookies."
Sarah nodded enthusiastically. "I love baking."
Together, they whipped up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. The kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of melting chocolate and freshly baked dough, creating a comforting and homey atmosphere. Sarah felt a profound sense of happiness and contentment as she worked alongside Samantha, their hands moving in unison as they mixed, scooped, and baked.
As they walked back into the living room, they found William and Dusty still engrossed in their card game. The sight of the two men, so absorbed in their friendly rivalry, brought a smile to Sarah's face.
"Hey guys," she said, taking a seat beside Dusty once again. "I made some cookies."
Dusty's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah, let's have some."
They spent the rest of the evening playing cards and eating cookies. The room echoed with laughter and playful banter, the warmth of the fire casting a cozy glow over them. Sarah felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this new life they had built together.
As the night drew to a close, Sarah couldn't help but reflect on their journey. They had faced countless challenges and hardships, but they had also found a new sense of purpose and community in this small town. They had each other, and that was what mattered most.
As she walked to bed, she felt a deep sense of contentment wash over her. The simple joys of life – shared meals, friendly games, and the comfort of companionship – had become her most treasured moments. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together.
And as she drifted off to sleep, the comforting sounds of the town lulling her into slumber, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them. But for now, she was at peace, grateful for the present and hopeful for the days to come.