The convoy of vehicles rumbled down the dusty road, the sounds of distant walkers growing fainter as the group ventured away from the Greene farm. Tension was palpable, each person knowing that safety was still miles away, but it was better than staying in the increasingly dangerous location.
The First Hurdle
As they traveled, the group encountered their first obstacle: a blocked road. A cluster of abandoned vehicles once stuck in a pile during the early days of the outbreak, now stood like an impassable wall.
"Damn it," Marcus muttered, scanning the horizon for an alternate route. "This could set us back hours."
Rick pulled the truck to a stop. "We'll need to clear the way. Daryl, Glenn—take the lead. We're going to need to move fast."
Daryl nodded and hopped out, his crossbow in hand. "I'll take a look."
As Daryl and Glenn surveyed the blockage, Marcus gathered the others. "We don't have much time. The herd could be close by. We need to be ready to move as soon as the road's clear."
An Unforeseen Threat
The group's nerves were frayed as the sun began to dip below the horizon. The blockage was proving harder to clear than they had hoped. But just as hope was beginning to wane, a fresh threat emerged: a lone walker, dragged in by the noise. It shambled toward them, its eyes glazed, and its mouth open, drawn to the sounds of the group working.
"Walker incoming," Shane called.
The lone walker moved faster than expected, as though it had been waiting for this moment. Before anyone could react, it lunged at a nearby member of the nursing home group—a frail elderly woman who had been too slow to get out of the way.
Maggie rushed forward, taking out the walker with a swift strike to the head.
"We need to be quieter," Maggie said, her voice trembling slightly. "We're attracting too much attention."
The Journey Continues
The blockage was eventually cleared, though not without its toll. Everyone was on edge now, especially after the walker attack. The road ahead remained clear for the time being, but the group knew it was only a matter of time before more walkers would appear.
As the group pressed on, the thought of the prison remained in the back of Marcus's mind. Could they make it there safely? He glanced at the group—families, the elderly, the weary—and knew that their chances of survival rested on this decision. The prison wasn't just a sanctuary; it was their last hope.
A Brief Rest
They stopped for a brief rest in the woods, taking shelter behind a line of trees. The truck engines cut out as the group quietly unpacked small amounts of food and water. No one spoke much. Tension hung heavy in the air. Each person seemed to be lost in their thoughts.
Marcus pulled Rick aside. "I've been thinking," he said quietly. "The prison could be our best bet, but we need to move faster. Every delay increases the risks."
Rick looked over at the weary group. "I know. But we also need to think about the long-term. It's not just about surviving today—it's about surviving tomorrow."
The sound of distant moaning broke their conversation. It was faint but unmistakable. Walkers.
The Final Push
The group packed up quickly, knowing they had no time to waste. They pushed forward, hoping to make it further before nightfall. The road was rough, but as the night stretched on, they made significant progress.
The walkers were still trailing, their moans echoing behind them. But the group had learned to adapt. Their resolve had strengthened, and they pressed forward through the dark, the distant glow of the prison looming ever closer.
Marcus couldn't shake the feeling that this was their only chance. They had to reach the prison. It was the only place that could give them the protection they so desperately needed. The road ahead wasn't going to be easy, but they had no other choice. The journey had just begun, and every mile they covered brought them closer to safety.