The morning light filtered through the cracks in the safe zone's crumbling walls, bathing the camp in a pale glow. Alex stood near the makeshift table where the group had spread out the map the night before. His face was set with determination, but the weight of leadership bore heavily on his shoulders.
As the others gathered, Alex straightened and addressed them.
"We're running low on supplies," he said bluntly. "What we have left won't last us more than a couple of days. The closest storehouse is here." He pointed to a spot on the map circled in faded red ink. "It's about a day's journey there and back. I'll go alone to minimize risk and take one of the radios with me. If anything happens, use the other to call me immediately."
---
Nora frowned, her arms crossed protectively over her chest. "You shouldn't go alone, Alex. It's too dangerous out there. Let one of us come with you."
Alex shook his head. "We can't risk splitting the group, not with the kids here. You need to stay and keep them safe. Besides," he added, gesturing toward Carter."
Chloe tugged at her mother's sleeve, her voice small. "Will you come back, Alex?"
He crouched down to her level, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Of course I will. I promised, remember?"
Chloe nodded, though her worry was evident.
Carter, leaning against the wall with his usual detached demeanor, chimed in. "Just make sure your radio works. No point in having one if you can't call for help."
Alex glanced at him, his expression neutral. "It works."
---
Alex packed light:
A small backpack with a flashlight, a knife, and a canteen of water.
The radio, tested and functional.
A few scraps of leftover food for the journey.
Before leaving, he double-checked the map, memorizing the route to the storehouse.
Nora handed him a scarf. "Wrap this around your face if the air gets too dusty. And be careful."
"I will," Alex promised.
---
As Alex stepped beyond the perimeter of Safe Zone Alpha, he glanced back briefly. Nora was holding Chloe and Sam close, their faces anxious. Carter stood a few paces behind them, his expression unreadable.
"Keep the radio on," Alex reminded them before disappearing into the overgrown streets.
---
The city was eerily quiet, the only sounds coming from the wind and the distant creak of collapsing structures. Alex moved swiftly but cautiously, his enhanced agility allowing him to navigate the debris with ease.
As he made his way toward the storehouse, his thoughts wandered to the group he'd left behind. They're depending on me. I can't fail them.
The journey was not without its challenges. Alex encountered collapsed roads, overgrown alleys, and even the distant howls of zombies. But he stayed focused, pressing on toward the storehouse marked on the map.
---
Meanwhile, back at the safe zone, the atmosphere was tense.
Nora kept the children busy, teaching them small survival tasks to distract them from their worry. Sam practiced tying knots with a piece of rope, while Chloe helped organize their remaining supplies.
Carter, on the other hand, had retreated to a secluded corner of the camp. He checked his hidden TNT, a cold smirk flickering across his face. He had plans of his own, but for now, he played the role of the quiet observer.
The radio sat in the center of the camp, its static-filled silence a constant reminder of Alex's absence.
---
As Alex neared the storehouse, the sun climbed higher in the sky. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. This mission was more than just finding supplies—it was about keeping his promise, about proving that hope could still exist in a world so shattered.
He adjusted the radio on his belt and stepped forward, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.