by S A Ison
“You’re just too thin. The wind will blow you away.” Beth had hugged her. Beth wasn’t fat, but she had meat on her. She bloomed health as did Mary. Both women worked hard, alongside Sarah. The married farm hands ate in their own homes. Their wives taking care of their needs, as well as their children. There were eight children on the farm, ranging from three years to twelve. The older children were given chores as well. The women of the farm workers helped in the garden along with keeping all the animals. There were no idle hands at the farm.
That said, food was plentiful and meals were loud with laughter and planning. The first lunch had been a solemn affair, since Cliff had asked Flynn and Xandra to tell everyone of their time after the virus struck. All had been shocked, especially at the lack of people as well as the lack of help from the government or military.
“I honestly don’t think there is anyone left to help.” Flynn had said.
“My goodness, I’m so thankful we didn’t leave the farm when this whole mess started. How did Claus seem?” Sarah had asked.
“As far as I could tell, healthy and fine. His people were inside the house, but there were a few of them. I think that anyone who stayed away from the public, survived.” Flynn had speculated.
“Perhaps I’ll take Jake and Randy and go visit our neighbors. Stop by to see Claus.” Cliff had wondered aloud.
“I’d go armed sir. It’s a different world out there, and perhaps because everyone is so separated, more survived in this farming community. Just be careful of the lawless.” Flynn warned. The heads around the table nodded solemnly.
Cliff and his sons had left the farm, Xandra had heard it all second hand from Sarah and Flynn. There were several Amish farms that had been affected by the virus. The surviving Amish farmers had been absorbed by other Amish families and farms if they could not run their own farms. One of Cliff’s neighbors, the Ziegler Farm had lost everyone. There were no survivors. The others were fine, and no loss of life. They too had isolated themselves when the virus had shown up. That had saved them. Now, months later, it would seem that they were all in the clear.
Turning off the water, she grabbed a towel. It felt good to be clean, every day. She showered in the morning and again at night. She couldn’t seem to be clean enough. She’d also put on weight and was happy about that. It was difficult not to pile her plate up, but she was encouraged to eat seconds, if she were so inclined. Most of the time, she did. The fear and the worry for food were slowly fading.
Wrapped up in a thick robe, she walked into the living room, she saw Flynn reading a book.
“Whatcha reading?”
“Stephen King, 11/22/63. It’s good.” He grinned.
Sitting beside him, she leaned into him. He’d not made a move on her since they’d been there. He was kind and sweet but she knew he was waiting for her to make a move. He’d told her early on, he’d not take advantage of the situation. She owed him nothing. And he didn’t want her to feel like she had to have sex with him. She knew she was falling in love with him, because she’d not been pressured. She loved the man for who he was, someone who was honest and caring and hardworking. He’d put her needs before his own.
She placed her hand over his and he looked at her, surprise in his eyes. She smiled sweetly at him and leaned in to kiss him. She almost laughed when he tossed the book over and took her into his arms. She felt his warm hand cradle her damp hair and she wrapped her arms around his neck. Then she pulled back.
“Let’s go to bed dear.” She grinned big and he laughed and got up. He picked her up in his arms and carried her into their bedroom.
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Casper lay in the park, leaning against the large fountain. He was dying and he knew it. He didn’t want to die in a structure, he wanted the sun on his face. Javier and Ramon had died. There were many around him dead as well. It hadn’t been food poisoning. He didn’t know what it had been, but nearly all of the people who’d been saved were dead. His body was beyond the cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. There was nothing left and his body a husk.
He thought about his long-lost friend, Flynn. He remembered that Flynn had wanted to leave and eventually had. He wondered where Flynn was and what would have happened if he’d gone with him? He’d never know now. He was alone, all the others having taken what they could and left. He’d not been able to stop them, nor did he care anymore.
He heard the grunting of a lion. It was near. He wasn’t worried about the lion killing him, though he wished it would. The lion would end his suffering quickly. No, his body was too corrupt, too diseased to be edible, he was sure. He moaned softly and looked around. Thought it was mid-day, he could not feel the warmth of the sun. He thought of Racheal, and a soft smile creased his face.
Around him, it seemed the sun was disappearing and it was growing darker around him. He could no longer see the buildings around him. Only the lion heard his last breath.
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BJ rolled down the window and the two people on horses ahead of him slowed down, looking over their shoulders. He smiled and lifted a hand in greeting. He wanted to be as nonthreatening as he could. Paadi had her Sig Sauer in her lap, hidden under a bag. He had his Glock in his lap. He wasn’t sure he could drive and shoot, but he didn’t want to face these people without the gun within hand’s reach. He hoped he wouldn’t shoot himself in the crotch.
“Howdi, how are you two doing? It’s been a while since we’ve seen anyone.” BJ said, his tone light and friendly.
There was a man, about BJ’s age on a light brown horse. He looked at BJ and nodded, his features guarded, but not hostile.
“Howdi yourself. Mam.” The man said, nodding to Paadi.
“How do you do? Good to see another person. We thought maybe we were the last on earth.” Paadi grinned. The man looked at Paadi, with a peculiar look on his face, then his lips twitched and he grinned. BJ grinned and tried not to laugh. Paadi’s Boston accent was so strong, it was sometimes startling. It was a great ice breaker.
“It sure is. I’m Jeff Simmons, this is my brother, Bradley.” Jeff said and leaned over and shook BJ’s hand.
“Good to know you, I’m BJ Hamm and this is Paadi Sullivan, by way of Boston.” He grinned.
“You folks living around here?” Bradley asked, he rode a light gray, his body relaxed and easy in the saddle. These men knew horses.
“Yep, we’re living over at Halfway Lake, in Winter state park. There are a couple others there as well. We’ve settled there, made it our home.” Paadi announced, a wide smile on her face. Bradley grinned back at her.
“We’re about a mile and a half up the road. We’ve a large spread there with our families.” Jeff said.
“It’s good to know we have neighbors. Hey, just be aware, there’s a small group of three men. Me and another of our group found them about five miles north west of our camp. They’ve got ATVs and from what we could see, there was a lot of drinking and drugs going on.” BJ said, he’d want to warn these folks, there was no telling how many people were in the area, but they should know of the threat.
“Good to know. Thanks for the info. You mind if we stop over for a visit in a few days? Bring the wives?” Bradley asked.
“That would be nice. It would be nice to know that there is someone else here. Are there any other folks around?” BJ asked.
“Yep, one other group that we know of. We just came from visiting them. They are east of here, about six miles back. They’re a mix of folks, kids and animals. Seem to be good people too. They are building around a large six-acre pond. There are seven adults. Four men and three women.” Jeff said.
“That’s wonderful. Just knowing we have neighbors, it’s a good feeling.” Paadi smiled.
“It is. Most of our other neighbors didn’t make it. Very sad. We’ll let you two get on your way. Please stop on by when you can.” BJ said and reached a hand out to shake Jeff’s hand. Jeff took it and nodded. Bradley moved his horse and leaned over and shook BJ’s hand as well. The horses moved to th
e far side of the road and BJ pulled slowly around them.
“Awesome, so good to know there are others out, near enough, that should something happen, we’re not completely alone!” Paadi smiled, her teeth bright against her dark skin. Her eyes were sparkling with delight.
“Yeah, I think Emma and Brian will be happy to know that there are others. Also, that there is another group. They’re a distance from us, but at least we know. That would be nice, perhaps later, we can trade information and maybe goods.” BJ smiled and turned into the park.
“Sure, and maybe, if they have children, there is hope for our own kids, when they grow up. They won’t be alone. They’ll have others out there.” Paadi said, her voice thoughtful.
Paadi was turning into a wonderful mother. He liked that about her, she had endless patience with the children and a childlike joy.
“We’ll raise them to be strong and with the ability to survive this new life.” BJ said. He grinned when she reached over and patted his shoulder. He drove the secondary road and they pulled into the parking area. BJ saw Brian and Emma working on the insulated storage shed. They were putting tongue and grove pine siding along the sides. The shed looked good. The shelves he built would hold a hell of a lot of canning jars. It would also keep foods cool in there. They’d started storing the eggs in there. They’d built up quite a batch of eggs. The surplus of eggs helped supplement the dog’s food.
They still had plenty of dog food, but since Daisy got pregnant, they gave her a little bit more. They wanted healthy pups. Brian and Emma stopped working and the kids came running around the house. Everyone looked forward to unloading the truck. There was always something new. BJ grinned when Dillan ran behind, a determined look on his face. He’d started calling BJ daddy and it had melted his heart. He caught Dillan in his arms as the boy launched himself. He lifted the child above him, laughing, then brought him in for a hug.
“We just met our neighbors, nice folks.” BJ said, putting Dillan on his shoulders as he began to pull bags out of the back of the truck.
“Do we? Tell all.” Brian smiled.
“Apparently, out the backway, a couple miles down the road, they have a farm. They were on horseback. They said they’d met another group about six miles away, east of us.” BJ said.
“Seemed like good folks then?” Emma asked, coming up behind.
“Yeah, got a real good feeling about them. They said the other folks were good people as well. Like us, they seemed like they got together to survive. I’m glad we’re not totally alone.” Paadi said, Hailey glued to her side.
BJ smiled at her comment, he knew it bothered her quite a bit, to think they were all alone and so isolated. He too worried about it, but not for himself. For the children. In twenty years, these children would be grown, and with so few people left in the world, he’d hate to think of them so isolated. Now, knowing there were other good people close by, that was a blessing. It eased his heart and his mind. He swung Dillan up to his shoulders, the child squealed in delight.
“Wow, this is a nice haul. Thanks for getting all the material.” Emma chirped happily, carrying several bolts of cloth in her arms.
“I tried to get a variety and also heavy cottons. There are a few light weight cotton fabric, figured those would be good for summer. I also picked up some simple patterns, figured we could teach each other how to make clothing.” Paadi grinned.
“You’re not going to let Paadi near a pair of scissors, are you? Isn’t that dangerous?” BJ laughed and that earned him a punch in the arm from Paadi.
“You’re lucky you got Dillan on your shoulders. I don’t need a pair of scissors to be dangerous, young man.” She said in mock threat, a wide smile spread across her face.
“Looks like we’re going to have to dig a root cellar after all BJ. The temp inside the cool storage is at about fifty-five. If we want to store smoked meat, we’re going to have to have it cooler than that. For the canned foods, it’s fine. But I think we’ll want something a lot cooler.” Brian said, carrying a box of DVDs to the house.
“I was afraid of that. I’d really hopped we could get away with it.” BJ said, he didn’t look forward to digging.
“I have an idea. I saw it in one of the videos before everything completely died. Some people were digging on the north side of their homes, up against their home. They dug it deep enough to put a chest freezer in. Then, they drilled vent holes, and put PVC pipe in the holes. Sealed it and then put a tight mesh over the PVC so mice and things couldn’t get into the freezer chest. We can then cover it with a heavy plastic sheeting along with bundles of rigid insulation. That way, it stays watertight and the top has insulation. We can store our meat in there.” Brian said.
“Wow, that sounds a hell of a lot easier than trying to build a structure underground. I think we have a run back to Lowes, tomorrow. That’s a great idea.” BJ laughed, relieved that they could actually build several modified root cellars behind the building.
“You know, if we get a couple of chest freezers, we could use one to store meat and the other to store vegetables, like the cabbages, carrots and potatoes.” Emma said, excitement in her voice. “I’ve been reading one of my food preservations books, and we can keep a lot of the root vegetables in the ground. We just have to put some kind of insulating on top of them, like straw. One method suggested filling big black bags with leaf litter. Place those bags over the root veggies you don’t want to dig up yet. Even if it snows, the veggies will be safe underground. We can keep potatoes in the chest freezer, but a lot, we can keep in the ground.”
“That’s a great idea. We have a ton of potatoes; I was kind of worried that a lot of them would rot if we dug them all up.” Paadi grinned.
“You Irish and your potatoes, honestly Sullivan, do you think of anything else?” BJ laughed and was rewarded with another punch to the arm. He sniggered at her and got another punch.
“We’ll put two large chest freezers and heavy plastic and large black plastic bags on our list. I’m wanting to go hunting soon. I’d like to get a boar. I’ve seen tracks and spoor, about three miles south of here. I want to try the smoker out with the hickory wood. Maybe get some nice hickory bacon going.”
“Oh, if we could have that, I’d be your very best friend.” BJ laughed wiping at his mouth.
“Oh, heck yeah. Bacon and eggs, I’ve not had bacon in months.” Emma said dreamily.
“I thought all that would give you a heart attack, you’re supposed to be a nurse.” Paadi said, shaking her head.
“It’s be worth the risk, for BACON!” Emma crowed, causing the group to laugh. Dillan laughed hard as well, though he had no clue as to what he was laughing at. This caused them all to laugh harder. BJ swung the child down.
“Here, take these movies to the RV, I got you a few ABC videos, champ.” BJ handed Dillan a bag of educational videos for toddlers.
“Thank you, daddy.” Dillan squealed, clutching the bag to his chest, his large dark blue eyes sparkling. He turned and ran to the RV. Amanda helped him open the door and they disappeared inside.
“When do you want to go hunt that pig?” Paadi asked.
“I’m thinking after we get the root cellars put in. I’d feel better about it after smoking the meat. I’m sure it would do fine in the canning shed, at least for the short term.” Brian said.
“I want to come with you. I think you’re going to need help bringing that pig back.” BJ said.
“I hate to leave you gals here without one of us.” Brian said, his hands on his hips and a worried look on his face.
“Paadi is the best shot here. I don’t think we have to worry.” BJ laughed, seeing the storm brewing behind Paadi’s glasses.
“That’s true. Sorry Paadi and you Emma, I didn’t mean it to sound like because your women you couldn’t handle things. I know you can. It’s just that if those assholes see two women alone, I’d be afraid they’d be more likely to strike.” Brian shrugged.
“Those bastards show up; I’ve got
a bullet or two to cure their ills.” Paadi snorted and patted her Sig Sauer at her hip.
“I’ve also gotten pretty darn good as well. Don’t worry, I’ll shoot first, ask questions later.” Emma assured the men.
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Brian paused in his digging, long enough to drink down cold water. It was hot as hell and the sun was blazing down. They were nearly finished with the two holes. He and BJ had gotten two fifteen cubic foot freezers for the meat and vegetables and fruits. He and BJ had started digging two days ago, against the north side of the building. They’d manhandled the freezers, with the help of the kids and women. The children had wanted to help dig, but Brian had put the kibosh on that.
He could hear their squeals and splashes in the lake and it was an inviting sound. He and BJ had also gotten more bags of gravel and pea gravel. They would line the bottom of the holes for good drainage. Both had agreed to leave a four-inch lip above the hole for the freezers. No need in having dirt and water go into the chests.
“I think my pit is about ready for the gravel.” BJ said, looking down at the tape measure.
“How in the hell did you get your hole dug so quick? I’ve got about another hour’s worth of digging.” Brian asked, wiping the sweat from his face with a bright blue bandana.
“Less rocks on my side. You look like you could build a chimney with all your rocks.” BJ laughed.
“No kidding, hell, just about every time I shoveled, I hit a rock. Digging it out is no fun in this confined space. Let me help you put the gravel in and we can get the freezer into the hole and get it filled in.” Brian suggested. They’d already put the venting piping on the sides of the chest freezers. The pipes went up three feet, to ensure that even with deep snow, the vents would be clear.