“How do I know you won’t shoot me in my sleep?” The man called, and the other men shifted.
“Sir, I have weapons in my truck. Honestly, I don’t know how to use them. I’ve never shot anyone. But, you’re absolutely welcome to them. Sir, I don’t want anything I don’t earn and work hard for. We aren’t here for a free meal. We want, no, we need to earn our way, to learn. There is nothing for us out there. There are bad people and I don’t know how to keep Xandra safe by myself. If you won’t take me, then please sir, take her in. I can probably get by, but not with her and keep her safe.”
“Give me and my boys a minute.” Cliff Richland said and turned as the other men gathered around them. Flynn’s mouth was dry and he didn’t dare look at Xandra, for fear he’d break down and cry. He didn’t feel very brave or sure, he felt terrified that these people would send them away. His nerves were raw, as raw as they’d ever been.
The man turned back to face Flynn and then walked down the steps. The men behind him, remained on the porch, watching silently.
“Where did you come from young man?” Cliff asked, coming up to Flynn.
“I came from Philadelphia, sir. It’s a terrible place. There’s a gang running the city now. But honestly, they won’t make it very long there. They have food, but it can only last for so long. I knew it was important to leave that place. It’s only a matter of time before it implodes.”
“Alright. So, you know nothing on farming? What do you think you can do for me?” Cliff asked.
“Sir, I’ll do anything you tell me. I’ll shovel crap, haul water, dig holes, pick weeds, whatever you need, sir. We’ll do. I don’t know anything about farming, except that it is hard work, back breaking work, and I’ll bust my ass for you.” Flynn said, looking the older man in the eye. The man scrutinized Flynn for a long moment and Flynn didn’t flinch. Then the man looked at Xandra.
“She looks a little thin.” Cliff said and Flynn saw the older man’s eyes soften.
“It’s been a hard time for us, Mr. Richland. But, like Flynn said, we’ll work hard for you and you won’t hear us complain. If you’d just give us a chance, we’ll prove it to you.” Xandra said softly, though her voice was strong and firm.
“Alright then. We were lucky, when the virus first hit the country, all our farmhands stayed here. We’ve hunkered down and rode out the storm. We’ve only just started leaving the farm to see what is going on out in the rest of the world.” Cliff said.
“Sir, it’s dead out there. We’ve not seen anyone. In Philadelphia, when I left, there were less than a hundred people there. Out of over a million or better, less than a hundred.” Flynn said softly and saw the man go pale beneath the sun beaten bronzed.
“You didn’t see any military? Maybe the National Guard or FEMA?” Cliff asked, his voice strained.
“No sir. No one. I don’t think anyone is left. I think that virus killed the world. I might be wrong. But there wasn’t any looting that we could see while we drove here. I’m sure there are a few people out there, but there’s no need to loot, you just walk in and get what you need. The stores were still full when I left. There might be small pockets of people, like with the Amish, who kept to themselves, and your farm, but otherwise sir, I’m thinking there just isn’t a whole lot of people left.” Flynn said sadly.
“My God, so we’re essentially on our own. All we have is all we have.” Cliff Richland breathed, shaking his head.
“Yes sir. That’s why Xandra and I need to learn how to farm, how to survive. In a few years, all that food in stores and such will run out. Or people will die of disease and illness. We know people lived just fine hundreds of years ago, farmers and such. We thought if we could learn how to farm, to grow food, we could learn how to survive.” Flynn said, looking over at Xandra, who was nodding.
Cliff cleared his throat and then looked around as though waking up.
“Alright then, you’ll come and stay with us. We have a few small houses on the property. Our ranch hands live in small houses or the bunk house. We eat in the main house. My wife, Sarah, will help you get settled in. You can drive your truck to the side of the house and unload your belongings. Then drive the truck to the big red barn out back. That’s where we keep our vehicles. Once you get settled, come back to the main house, lunch is in about an hour or so.” Cliff instructed.
Flynn reached out to grasp Cliff’s hand with both of his own, shaking the man’s hand.
“Thank you, sir. Thank you. We have a lot of food supplies in the truck. Where do you want me to put those?”
“Leave those in the truck, I’ll have the boys go and fetch them and take them to our storage units. I’ll get Sarah to meet you at the cottage.” Cliff said and turned, heading back up to the porch. The men on the porch turned and went back into the house. Flynn looked over at Xandra, tears in his eyes and he pulled her into his arms and hugged her hard.
“Oh, my god, I can’t believe they’ll let us stay.” Xandra whimpered softly. Flynn nodded; his throat was too closed with emotion to say anything. He let go and turned to get back into the truck. He pulled the truck slowly around the side of the house and
