I explained all this to Natalie. “How’d they make it safe?”
I Shrugged, “I never asked. I think the place was empty honestly. It’s the only scenario that makes sense to me.”
We sat in silence for a long time. The sun was shining and had been for about an hour. I wished I could help Natalie through her pain. I said a prayer for Shelly and hoped that she was safe and that she didn’t come across people like Natalie spoke of or like Aaron. I hoped and prayed there was still good in the world. After all, if there was ever a cure, humanity would have to be restored. It would probably take much therapy to move forward if a cure was ever found.
“Are you sure you want to take the first watch?” I asked.
She nodded, “Yes, I’m good.”
I got up and patted Natalie on the shoulder as I passed by.
I was suddenly very tired. I was emotionally drained after everything that night and just wanted to sleep. When I lay down on the bed next to Milo, I was out in no time. Amazingly I didn’t dream at all.
I don’t know how long I was asleep for. Natalie shook me awake and when I looked up at her she had her finger to her lips telling me to be quiet. Milo had his head perked up like he was listening hard to something.
“What’s going on?” I whispered.
“There are these two guys outside. I’m not sure what they’re up too.”
“Where?” I asked.
She pointed indicating that they were outside on the passenger side.
I crawled across the bed and separated the curtains slightly to peak out. I saw two men in the parking lot about five feet from the van. They seemed to be arguing about something. I could hear them shouting but I couldn’t make out what they were saying.
“What do you think they want?” Natalie asked.
“I don’t know.”
“You think they’ll try to take the van?”
“It’s possible. But we’ll be ready. Right now, let’s not draw attention to ourselves and maybe they’ll go away.”
Natalie nodded in understanding. We sat on the bed listening to the shouting outside.
“They’re going to draw zombies,” Natalie pointed out.
I sighed, “Most likely but if they get attacked by zombies we’ll make a break for it.”
The arguing stopped. Then there was a loud bang. What sounded like a gun shot rang out in the air and loudly in the van. Milo stood up. Natalie looked scared.
I took a peak outside and saw that it wasn’t a gun shot, their POS car back fired when they drove off.
I began laughing.
“What is funny at a time like this?” Natalie asked.
“The car back fired, they’re gone.”
Natalie began to laugh too when I told her.
“You should get some sleep,” I said. “I’m going to take Milo for a walk.”
Natalie nodded, “Okay. But you won’t go far?”
I shook my head, “No, I’ll stay close to the van. He just is probably about to pop a gut at this point.”
I got changed out of my pj’s and into normal clothes. Natalie was a sleep by the time I got my gun and knife and Milo leashed and ready. We hopped out of the van and I locked it behind me.
There was a small grassy area next to an old cart return that Milo and I walked over too. I was right, he needed to go. I was surprised that there weren’t more zombies around after the car backfiring but maybe there weren’t any close by.
I set up a chair outside the van and sat with Milo. It was nice outside. I wasn’t sure of the exact date but I knew that it had to be getting towards the end of October. I got Milo some water in a bowl and enjoyed the weather. I did have a few zombies to contend with but not many.
I couldn’t remember the last time I just sat and enjoyed being outside. Being able to just relax hadn’t been something I had been able to do since before the whole mess had begun. I had to always be on guard of the dead and of the living. No wonder I stayed tired most of the time.
In all truth I wasn’t really relaxing given that I still had to be on guard and keep Milo safe.
Though he could probably take care of himself, I would’ve rather not have him bite one of those undead things. I wasn’t one hundred percent sure how the disease worked. Yes, a bite from a zombie turned you if they didn’t continue to eat you after that first bite. A scratch also turned you. But would biting one or ingesting their blood turn you? I didn’t know and I’d rather not find out by having a zombified dog on my hands. I knew he could also get bit by one of those creatures and I could never live with myself if I let that happen.
I heard the door open behind me and Natalie came out of the van yawning.
“It’s quiet out here,” She stated.
I nodded, “It’s a nice change of pace.”
She knelt down and petted Milo.
“So what’s the plan?” She asked.
“I think we should move on at least a little ways. Put as much distance between us and the safe haven as possible.”
Natalie agreed. She took Milo for a quick walk while I packed up his bowl and the chair I was sitting in.
“How
