I wrote “GIA” in simple block lettering on the rock, and looked for a place to put it down. A little shady glen near the oak’s sheltering roots became its final resting place. I stood back, and stared at the newest rock in the memorial garden.
“Well, Gia,” I said quietly to myself. “I never did find you, but I hope you can rest in peace.” I bent down to wipe off a few errant blades of grass off her rock. “I will always love you, and I will never forget you.”
Before I could break down and cry, I stood up to walk away. I looked up to see Claire standing at the edge of the garden. Just like in the dream. Spooky. “You gave her a real nice rock,” she said.
“It was the least I could do.” I joined her at the edge of the garden. We stood there in awkward silence. Claire touched my arm. “I’m sorry I disturbed you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”
I put my arm around her. “I’m all right. I feel fine. Just wanted to get a little closure, I guess.” We started walking back to the admin building. Ryan was standing across the street, leaning on a cane. The doctor told me he might need it for the rest of his life due to the injury. He was waiting for Claire.
I gestured across the street. “So, you and Ryan are an item, huh?”
“Yeah…I guess. It kind of happened while I was taking care of him. I got to know him a little better, and I started to like him.” We stopped walking for a minute. “You don’t approve of it, do you?”
“I’m not your father. You’re a big girl. You don’t have to seek my approval.”
Claire shifted her feet nervously. “I actually want your approval. I really do like him.” I think she was afraid to use the word love. “I talked to Denise a few days ago. I asked her to prepare a house so we could live together.”
I looked down at my friend Claire in the middle of the dusty street. The pink highlights in her hair were almost gone. She looked so grown up. It was a far cry from the half-starved rag a muffin I found in that zombie-infested intersection.
“As long as you love him, and you take care of each other. Just seems kind of quick,” I said.
Claire’s face brightened up. “Yeah…maybe a little quick. Ryan and I talked about that. We decided to go ahead and do it anyway. These days, you’re not guaranteed a tomorrow. So we decided to be happy now. I didn’t want to waste my second chance. I want the same thing for you, too.”
“What are you talking about?”
Claire held my hand. “You know. Cannon Fields is our chance to build a new life.” Her tone changed. It became a little more hesitant. “I know you loved Gia. You’ve told me so many stories, I feel I know her. I know she would want you to have a happy life. You can remember her and come visit the garden, but she would want you to move on. Someone here likes you a whole lot, and I think you need to let it happen with her. I just don’t want you to spend the rest of your life in mourning.”
Claire’s words were very similar to what my wife had told me during my dream. Take a chance. Live a good life. Remember, but move on.
Let Gia go a little.
“Message received, Claire. I get it.”
“Good.” She sighed with relief. “I practiced that little speech all day yesterday.”
We shared a little laugh, and started walking towards Ryan. He looked a little worried. “How did you get to be so smart, Claire?” I asked.
“Some guy I met on the road during the zombie apocalypse taught me a few things.” Despite her new grown-up attitude, she giggled a little.
We reached the side of the road where Ryan was standing. As Claire and I approached, I decided to have a little fun. I put a disapproving, nasty scowl on my face. Claire noticed, and said, “Be nice, Tiger.” I waved her away.
Claire ran to Ryan and gave him a big hug and kiss. It was a long, passionate one. I stood by, trying not to stare. I was happy for both of them, but Claire’s new found romance still made my heart ache a little. All of a sudden, I felt like I was losing a daughter.
They finished with their public display of affection, and Ryan looked at me. “Hey, John.”
“Hello, Ryan. You look well.”
Ryan tried to look me in the eye, but my pretend dirty look made him nervous. “You, too. Glad to see you up and around.”
“You, too. So, you and Claire, huh?”
“Yeah.” Ryan looked me in the eye, defiantly.
“Do you love her, Ryan?”
“Yes. I want to be with her.” He put an arm around Claire, and brought her closer.
I looked him in the eye. “Well, there’s only one thing I can say about that.” Ryan backed away a little. “Congratulations.” I slapped Ryan on the shoulder. He breathed a little sigh of relief. “But don’t you dare break her heart. Remember, I know where you live.” I turned to walk away.
“John?”
“Yes, Ryan?”
He took my hand in a hardy handshake. “I wanted to thank you for dragging my sorry ass back to Cannon Fields.“
I returned his handshake. Ryan was an good guy. “Least I could do. Besides, Claire would have killed me if had left you behind.”
We joined the throng of people entering the admin building. Denise was outside, as usual. Ben was standing with her. They waved as I passed. Everyone looked happy and healthy. I recognized a few faces, but most were strangers. I had plenty of time to meet everyone, as I would be sticking around. Karen was sitting alone, holding some places. I sat on the bench, and Claire and Ryan took two places nearby. All around us, conversation, gossip, and rumors swirled about Denise’s coming speech. Up front, at another table, Doctor Connelly and the association members talked among themselves. The doctor must now be part of the governing body of Cannon Fields. Very smart move on Denise’s part. The doctor was very bright.
Denise walked in, followed by Ben. Denise stepped to the front of the room, and everyone began to applaud. She was loved by the residents.
“Thank you. Thanks for coming,” Denise said. The applause died down. “Before we eat today, I wanted to speak to you about a few things.” She shuffled some papers in her hands. “I wrote it all down, but I think I’ll just wing it.” Denise rolled up her speech, and placed it in her pocket. “First, I would like to welcome our newest residents. One of the best parts of my job is to introduce new residents to our community.” She swept a hand toward the doctor. “First, there is Doctor Johanna Connelly.” The doctor stood and waved to the crowd, and applause filled the room. “She brings us badly needed medical help,” Denise continued. “I have placed her in the association so that she can lend her expertise to the problems facing Cannon Fields. Welcome, Johanna.” There was more applause.
“Next, we have Claire Miller.” Claire stood up, and applause followed. “She comes to us from the road. Already, she has proven to be a great addition to our family.”
I was next. I really didn’t want to stand up. “Claire was not alone. She had a companion while she was fighting the demons on the outside. He has already proven to be an essential part of Cannon Fields by helping bring home our doctor.” Denise stepped closer. “He also almost gave his life in our defense. For both acts, I am eternally grateful to him. Everyone, please welcome John Linder to our community.” I wasn’t going to stand, but Karen and Claire made me. I waved to the crowd as the applause swelled to a fever pitch. Several people actually stood. I felt a little embarrassed, but graciously accepted their praise.
Denise walked back to the front of the room. “He’s very humble. I know he won’t accept it, but I’m calling him a hero.” A ripple of laughter went trough the assembled masses. “Oh. I almost forgot our smallest newcomer. She’s with the other children, getting used to her new surroundings. So, although she’s not here, I would like to formally welcome Amy, the little five-year-old orphan, to our ranks. It always warms my heart when we find a child. Makes me hopeful for the future. To Amy, and all our new survivors, welcome to Cannon Fields. All of you will be great additions to our community.”
More applaus
e. Denise paused to let it die down.
“Unfortunately, there has also been some loss. Please join me in a little moment of silence for all those we lost recently, both here and out on the road. All lost their lives in defense of our community, and they will be missed.” We all bowed our heads in silence.
After a minute or so, Denise continued her speech. “My friends, we face a challenge. Initially, Cannon Fields was set up as a temporary solution for short-term survival. It was a solution to escape the undead while we waited for rescue. Now, we realize that the old world we knew is gone, and rescue is probably not coming. We now face the challenge of long-term survival. Last week, I had an inventory done of our current supplies.” She picked up a small piece of paper from a nearby table. “Cannon Fields has about twelve to fourteen months of food and water remaining at current population levels. Actually, it will probably be less, since I expect to find and add more survivors to our group. So Cannon Fields is going to have to become self-sufficient. In the coming weeks, I will be sending out groups of people to find seed, information about crops, and other things we need to grow our own food. There are some empty grass areas, both inside and outside the gates which may be able to grow crops. Right now, I’m thinking corn, wheat, and maybe a little barley. We’re also going to grow some vegetables among those crops to give us some extra food, and to make sure we get full use out of the land. We are also going to have to learn how to harvest and process the crops to make them into food we can eat. We don’t know how to do this yet, but I am counting on getting some information from the local libraries in the area to help us learn. I am hoping the equipment can be built or acquired along the way. Also, each household is encouraged to grow their own garden. Don’t worry if you don’t know how. We’ll have to learn together.”
Denise paused to take a sip of water. You could hear a pin drop in the room.
She continued. “We are also going to have to hunt for our food. One of the strange benefits of the human race being destroyed by zombies, is that nature is returning to the woods. Scouts have told me about deer, wild turkey, rabbit, and other game returning to the area. All would be a great addition to our diet. Volunteers that know how to hunt can teach anyone who wants to learn. Someone also brought up the possibility of fishing. We’ll look into that as well. Sal? Where are you?” A balding man of about fifty stood up. “Ah, there he is. Poor Salvatore. He retired to Cannon Fields, and now I am putting him back to work.” More laughter came from the assembled crowd. “Sal is an excellent butcher. He can take care of any meat you bring him. He is also learning about preservation and storage techniques to keep any meat safe for us to eat. I am also putting Sal in charge of our food supply. He has a sharp mind and is very organized. Like me, he writes everything down. One of my priorities in the future is to build him a smokehouse, and maybe a small storage shed with an office. If we need food, we’ll see Sal.”
Sal waved to the crowd, and sat down. Denise paused to let the applause die down.
She walked to the center of the crowd. “My next point is a little controversial, but bear with me. To ensure our continued survival, the association and I have decided on a new food system. Any food hunted, fished, grown, or found by any individuals in the community becomes the property of Cannon Fields. The food will be placed into storage and used for the whole group’s survival. Sal will keep track of any and all food that comes in. In the coming weeks, Doctor Connelly and I will come up with a diet plan to ensure everyone has enough to eat. We are going to set it up so that in good times we’ll eat more, but still have enough in reserve. Conversely, if times aren’t so good, we can reduce the number of calories to keep an adequate supply of food for the group. I am not going to take anyone’s food. If you have anything in your cupboards at home, it’s yours. From now on, our new food plan is in effect.”
Denise’s new food plan was met with a less than enthusiastic response. People began to mutter. “This sounds like a lot of control,” someone called out. “How do we know you’re going to be fair? Why do people who work less get the same amount of food? And what about water?”
“I know, I know. It sounds a little weird, but the association and I think it’s the only way to ensure our survival. I only hope that we can all work together to get food on the table. Our system will help make it fair. I am also instituting a system where ten percent of the food will be given back as a bonus. So if you hunt it, grow it, or find it, you give it to Sal for the group, and receive ten percent back to do with as you please.”
This seemed to quiet the crowd. “What about the water?” someone from the back asked.
“We are pretty lucky with water. The taps are still flowing, although I don’t know how long that will continue. Several of the houses had wells dug before the outbreak, and we have a large stream south of us that is reasonably clean. This is all supplemented with a few pallets of bottled water. So, I think we’re okay with water for now. We still need to conserve it though. For future consideration, I think we’re going to have to fit all the houses with rainwater collection systems. That will help our supply.”
The crowd quieted down a little. They seemed to be satisfied.
Denise went on. “Okay…weapons. I’m not going to take anyone’s weapons away. If you have any weapons at home, you can keep them. I also encourage everybody to start carrying something at all times to defend yourself. You never know when you’ll come face-to-face with something terrible. All the weapons in the storehouse are considered community property, and will be used for our defense. Ben? Where are you?” Ben stood up. Denise put her arm around him. “I put Ben in charge of the armory. If you need a weapon, see Ben. He also brought up a good point. We all should take some kind of weapons training, or at least become familiar with shooting a gun. You never know when we may need to defend ourselves against the living, or the dead. Thank you, Ben.” He waved to the crowd, and sat down. Denise stepped into the middle again, coming towards me.
“That brings us to security. It’s no secret that things are not so good outside the gates. Based on reports from Ben from his recent excursion, the zombies are getting smarter. I need someone to organize our defense. Someone who can make sure that we’re all safe and sound. Jenny, God bless her soul, did a terrific job. However, sadly, she’s gone.” Denise stepped beside me and put a hand on my shoulder. “I can think of only one man who could do it. Would you like to be in charge of our security, John?” I didn’t know what to say. It would be a challenge, to say the least. It would also be an awesome responsibility, keeping everyone safe. I nodded, and said, “Sounds good. I think I can do it.” A ripple of applause that turned into a torrent filled the room.
Denise stepped back to the front. “Thank you, John. I believe you’re the man for the job.” She looked out to her people. “Okay, folks. That’s all I have to say for now. We will continue our meetings each month, or as needed. I’m not going to lie. A big challenge lies ahead for us. There’s about a million things we’re going to have to learn. I just hope we can pull together. I’m pretty optimistic about the future. I think we can do it. I think we’ll make it. We just have to stick together.” Denise paused to look around the room. “Like a family, I guess. Thanks for listening. If there are any questions, the association and I will be here after dinner to answer as many as we can. Are there any questions now that I can answer now?”
I raised my hand. I had a question. “Yes, John.”
I stood up. “You’re our leader. What should we call you?”
Denise smiled, and said, “You may call me Denise. However, the occasional ‘ma’am’ would be appreciated.”
The entire population of Cannon Fields stood and applauded. Denise also shook a few hands. “Okay…enough with the talking,” she said. “Let’s eat.”
Chapter 21
New Lives
The freshly sharpened axe head cleaved through the soft wood with a satisfying thump. Two perfect wedge-shaped pieces of wood fell to either side on the ground. Another t
wo pieces to keep us from freezing to death in the winter. It was fuel to feed the newly installed wood-burning stove in the kitchen that cooked our food and heated my morning coffee. I picked up another log, and lifted the axe to split it like the last one.
Splitting wood was good therapy. It was now a few weeks since I had gotten out of the hospital, and my arm grew stronger with each blow of the axe. Doctor Connelly was right. It would never be the same, but at least it was coming back a little. To fight zombies, you have to be as close to one hundred percent as possible.
It was now July, I think, and the heat was in full force. After splitting a few more logs, I decided to take a break. I sat down on the only remaining grass in the yard to watch Karen plant her garden. Like a general putting her troops in the field, she crisscrossed the large dirt patch laying out the plants- fall vegetables, as we were getting closer to the cooler months of the year. I watched her in her big sunhat and tank top, placing her new plants in tidy rows, and smiled.
Karen and I were now living together.
The small spark of romance that had flashed into life at the hospital, was now a full-fledged fire. We were now living together in a medium-sized brick house, across the street from Claire and Ryan. I asked Karen if she wanted to live together one night during a visit to Claire’s house, and she agreed. Claire was pretty excited, as well. I thought she was going to blow the roof off the place with her girlish screams.
Karen and I wanted to keep it low-key, but Claire wouldn’t hear of it. She told Denise, who planned a little cookout to celebrate all the new couples. We didn’t have any holy men to conduct a ceremony, but Denise had us stand in front of the community. We said our vows to each other as our new friends stood as witnesses. Claire and Ryan went first. I actually felt a slight tugging at my heart as I watched my friend declare her love to Ryan. She was so grown up. We had both come so far.
Sometimes We Ran (Book 2): Community Page 19