by Cuff, L. J.
“I don’t see any more from up here,” The person from the window called down. Mary looked up to nod at her then stepped forward. She slowly made her way back to the house where everyone was still inside.
Along the way, she saw the limp bodies of the infected laying on the ground. Looking over to Claire she shook her head.
“Didn’t get all of them, huh?” Claire asked.
“Diane, Ted, and the one with scars aren’t here,” Mary responded, looking over to the fields.
“Well, if they’re out there then there’s nothing we can do at the moment.”
Mary slowly nodded and made her way inside. She glanced over to Ben who had a giant, celebratory smile. He gave Mary a warm hug of appreciation.
“Don’t celebrate yet, they may still be upstairs,” Mary stated.
Owen shook his head. “We checked there, it’s completely empty.” He responded.
“What about the truck?” Mary asked.
“That was driven into a ditch a few miles down the road. Bob and Adam should be returning shortly.” Ben stated confidently.
Mary stepped outside and stood next to Claire, they looked out at the field together.
***
A few days later, Dennis was able to walk and the time had come to part ways.
Claire gave Ben a firm handshake. “Are you sure you want to stay here? Paul knows you’re here, he will return.” She pointed behind her. “You guys are more than welcome to join us.”
Ben shook his head politely. “Thanks for the offer but not everyone has decided to leave and while they still want to be here then that’s where I’ll be.” He nodded over to Mary then Dennis.
Owen picked up his bag and gave Ben a hug. “Thank you for everything.”
“Are you sure about this?” Ben asked.
Owen looked back at the SUV, then over at Ben. “I have to… This place… It has good memories but…” He stopped and stared down at the ground. A single tear streamed down his cheek and Ben patted him on the shoulder.
“If you ever want to return, you know where to find us.” He stated and waved goodbye to them.
Mary, Claire, Dennis, and Owen climbed into the SUV. Claire put it into gear and drove up to the road then stopped.
“So where are we going anyways?” She asked, turning to Mary.
Mary raised her eyebrow then looked back at Dennis and Owen. “Well, maybe we could try going to your old military base? You know, the one you guys lost contact with?” She suggested.
Dennis and Owen looked at one another then back at Mary and Claire.
“Ok, then it’s decided…” Claire responded, pulling out onto the road and driving north.
© 2017 L.J. Cuff. All rights reserved.