Both got out of the truck and Flynn let down the tailgate of the truck. He climbed up then turned and helped Xandra up. He could tell she was gaining weight; she was beginning to fill her clothes out again. Her face had regained its color and her face was now fuller, not so hallowed out. He smiled at her and she grinned back. Bringing the binoculars up to his eyes, he looked through, turning slowly in a tight circle.
As far as he could see, there was flat land. He saw tiny horses in the far distance. Perhaps the Amish were there.
“Look over that way, I see horses. I think we should head that way, see if someone is there.” Flynn pointed and handed the binos to Xandra who looked in the direction he’d pointed. She nodded.
“It’s as good a place and direction as any.” She smiled looking at him. He grinned. Hopping down from the bed, he helped her down and both got back into the truck. He pulled back onto the road and began to drive, keeping the truck headed in the direction he’d seen the horses. It was still startling, the silence around them. Even standing on the truck, all he heard was the soft buzz of insects, a bird calling here or there and nothing else. He thought about Adam and Eve. Them being the only two on earth. He knew there were people out there, he’d left a city full of fools. But, not seeing anyone for days shook him badly.
“You okay Flynn?”
“It’s just freaky not to see another living soul. I mean, I’m scared to see someone, afraid they might hurt us, but again, afraid I won’t see anyone else. At least it doesn’t stink here.”
“Sure, you’re right about that. I keep thinking, maybe they’re just hiding. You know, like me.”
“Yeah. But, away from the urban places, you’d think you’d see someone. I’m hoping that whoever has those horses, is still alive. I’m sure someone has to feed and water them.” Flynn said, nibbling on his lip.
“I’m starting to get used to the quiet. It’s nice. Especially if it doesn’t involve flies buzzing. I don’t mind insects, but living with those flies outside my window and outside the apartment really freaked me out.” Xandra said and shuddered.
Flynn reached over and squeezed her hand and smiled at her.
“Me too. I think we need to turn down this road, it will take us north, toward that direction.” He said and turned the truck northward. Their windows were down and Flynn kept the truck at about forty-five. They’d both agreed that they hated being closed in. The sun was beating down on the truck and it was hot, but the breeze had just the hint of rain in it. Perhaps tonight, they’d get a thunderstorm.
Flynn slowed down; he could see a house about half a mile down the road. There were several smaller buildings and out buildings. His heart began to beat a little faster, he could see someone, a man and it looked like he was dressed in the Amish manner. He looked at Xandra, who had hope in her eyes and a soft smile on her face.
The man saw them and began walking toward his house. Flynn began to slow down more and then pulled to a stop in front of the house. It was well back from the road and a fence surrounded the whole of the property, from what he could tell. He saw several goats in the yard, grazing away. The man stood on his porch, and stared at him and Xandra in the truck. Behind the man on the porch, Flynn could see another man, though without the hat, he was inside the house.
“Stay here. I’m going to see if they’ll talk to me.” Flynn said and turned off the truck and got out. He left his weapons in the truck, he didn’t want these people to think he might be a threat. His heart was slamming in his chest. It was kind of surreal, getting excited to see another person, that wasn’t pointing a gun at him. He approached the gate, but didn’t go up to it. The man on the porch watched him closely.
“Good day sir.” Flynn called out in a clear calm voice, though he didn’t feel anywhere near calm. The man nodded but said nothing and remained on the porch, watching. Flynn could now see several other men in the house, farther back. He didn’t see any women. The man on the porch was older, he looked to be in his sixties, with a salt and pepper beard. The flat brim hat shaded his eyes, but Flynn thought they were brown.
“Might I have a word with you sir? I’m not sick. I don’t carry the virus.”
The man looked at Flynn for a long moment, then turned and looked back over his shoulder and nodded. The men in the house disappeared and faded into the interior of the house. The man walked forward and stepped off the porch. He walked toward Flynn. Flynn’s mouth was dry. This was so important, to find a place that would accept them, help them.
“What is it young man?” The man asked. His faced was heavily lined with fine webbing. It was the face of a man that had spent his life outdoors, working in the fields. And, if Flynn were lucky, he’d spend the rest of his life doing the same.
“Sir, I’m sure you’re aware of the nightmare that has affected our country, our world in fact. I used to live in Philadelphia, which is now a dead city. Before we lost power, there
