49
After that, I lay in bed for over a week.
There wasn't a proper doctor at the base, just a school nurse from a middle school who handled my emergency treatment.
With the protection of the seatbelt and airbag, the car accident didn't cause any fatal injuries.
Chris went back to the neighborhood under the cover of night.
This time, he changed the water and brought back enough staples for several days.
Due to the sudden drop in temperature, KK's bread lasted longer than usual.
"How's everything at home?" I asked him.
"It's fine," Chris replied.
According to him, KK survived with Kitty's help during our absence.
Kitty took on double duty, almost catching all the spotted doves in the neighborhood.
"No wonder she's called Kitty," Anne and I sighed in admiration.
"However… it seems she found a boyfriend."
"What?" I was shocked.
We had only been gone a few days, and Kitty had already found a new companion? That was too fast.
"Cat has grown up and has her own ideas," Anne said wistfully. "What's he like? Is he handsome?"
"I only saw his back; he looks like a black-and-white cat," Chris laughed. "Trust Kitty's judgment."
Ah, spring really is a season for love.
On March 20th, I finally got out of bed.
With Anne's support, I went to the rooftop for some fresh air.
The sky was high and blue, and the storm's presence was long gone.
Zenith Franklin was busy in the field.
The base had a lot of pressure to survive. With so many people, it was uncertain how much staple food they needed to grow to sustain everyone.
"Captain Franklin, thank you for your hospitality these past few days," I said awkwardly. "Although I'd love to continue freeloading here, there's a lot of mess at home that needs cleaning up…"
Zenith Franklin didn't insist on keeping us. He lowered his eyes and, after a while, looked up and smiled at us. "Alright."
"Leave tomorrow. Whether it's a celebration or a farewell party, let's gather tonight."
Looking at his expression, I couldn't help but waver.
However, staying at the base indefinitely wasn't a solution. Even if we were to move in, it would take careful planning.
"You two chat," I found an excuse to slip away, "I'll take a walk."
Old Grant was on watch at his usual spot.
After staying here for half a month, I had a general understanding of their security measures.
Dawn was the most dangerous time.
At this time, zombies would collectively move from indoors to outdoors. Most survivors would choose this time to act, avoiding zombies on the road and entering buildings as they emptied.
This period often required Old Grant to stand guard personally.
I walked over.
The view here was excellent, almost capturing the entire street's panorama.
"Hey? Why are you out dressed like this?" Old Grant started to shoo me back as soon as he saw me. "Go put on more clothes."
"Uncle… do you know how hot it is today?" I clung to the railing, refusing to let go. "I'll get heatstroke."
"Nonsense."
He put on a stern face, but that look no longer scared me.
After our last cooperation, Old Grant and I quickly became familiar with each other. He even took care of all my meals while I was bedridden.
Old Grant's cooking skills were average, but his presence in the kitchen was unparalleled.
Paired with his fierce expressions, I often felt like I was next to be put on the chopping block, ready to face the knife's judgment.
Really…
Cooking is such a warm activity; why does he make it so menacing?
So whenever it was Old Grant's turn to cook, Anne had to supervise him.
"Helen, Old Grant's expression is terrifying…" She rubbed her arms. "Every time he sprinkles salt, I feel like he's poisoning us…"
Poisoning was out of the question…
Though I had been seriously ill, I hadn't lost weight under Old Grant's care. In fact, I had gained some…
"Where's Ethan Jackson?" I looked around. "Is he slacking off again? Uncle, you're too lenient."
"That brat can't sit still," Old Grant said, disappointed. "No matter how much I scold him, it doesn't work."
Indeed.
Although we didn't interact much, from my impression, Ethan Jackson's abilities weren't outstanding, even less so than that girl named Emily Heath.
As if reading my mind, Old Grant shifted the topic to her.
"Emily is quite diligent, always eager to help."
"Zenith plans to open a new field in the park next door. She's been busy with that, coming and going early every day."
Emily arrived at the base a month before us.
According to Old Grant, she was always enthusiastic about collective matters and very capable. After this incident, Zenith Franklin trusted her with many tasks.
"What about… her and Zenith Franklin…?" I stammered.
During my bedridden days, Emily had visited several times. For some reason, I felt she looked at Anne strangely.
Could there be a love triangle?
"What about them?" Old Grant asked back.
"Nothing, nothing…" I scratched my head.
Maybe I was overthinking.
Perhaps she was focused on her career, aiming to take over Zenith Franklin's position.
Would Zenith Franklin consider leaving the base and joining us on our wandering journey?
I suddenly started seriously considering this possibility.
"Girl," Old Grant suddenly stared at me, "do you… like Zenith?"
"No, no, no," I shook my head, immediately denying the frightening idea, "absolutely not."
"I thought so. You're with that young man named Chris—"
Old Grant's eyes were already small, and when he squinted, they disappeared completely.
"Ugh!" I quickly interrupted, "Uncle, don't spread rumors!"
How could someone his age be so gossipy?
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