[28] Setting off

The early morning light cast a gray glow over Morgan's farm as the group gathered their supplies, loading them into the bus. The newly modified vehicle looked different now—rugged, stripped of its original school-bus feel, and fortified for survival. With the back seats torn out, a large section was covered with netting, ready to hold fuel cans, bags of food, and whatever else they could scavenge on the road.

Morgan straddled her motorcycle, checking her rifle strapped to her back, her face as stoic as ever. She scanned the group as they shuffled around, double-checking supplies and making last-minute adjustments.

"Load it up and get in," she called, her voice firm and leaving no room for questions. "We're on a tight schedule. Dawn's burning, and we don't want to run into any crowds along the road."

Jean climbed into the bus, helping stack the last of the supplies. Ms. Heather took the driver's seat, her hands gripping the wheel with a mixture of determination and nervousness. It had been years since she'd driven anything this large, let alone on what could be the start of a dangerous journey.

Jean turned to the rest of the group. "Alright, everyone, get settled. This might be the longest road trip we've ever taken, but let's not get too comfortable."

Lucas shot him a grin, plopping into one of the front seats. "Bro, longest and deadliest. You're acting like we're just taking a Sunday drive."

Chloe rolled her eyes, slinging her bag onto the floor. "Just as long as we don't get zombie traffic, I'll be fine."

Brittney laughed sarcastically, adjusting her seat. "Right? I mean, imagine the views if we went live with this road trip. Too bad cell towers are dead."

Jordan snickered from the back, lounging with his feet up. "Honestly, this is like the ultimate apocalypse flex. Rolling out with our own squad, guns, and a tricked-out bus. Peak survival mode."

Evan, more nervous than the rest, glanced out the window. "Uh, I just hope we actually… you know, make it. Canada isn't exactly next door."

Ms. Heather looked back, giving them all a quick nod. "We'll make it if we work together. Just remember—stay alert, keep calm. We're in this together."

Morgan gave a sharp nod from outside the bus, her helmet on, visor down. She revved her motorcycle, the engine roaring to life and cutting through the quiet morning. She looked at Ms. Heather and gave a quick signal with her hand.

"Follow my lead," she barked, voice muffled slightly through her helmet. "Keep up, and don't stop unless I say so. If we get separated, stay off main roads and stick to the plan. Got it?"

Ms. Heather nodded, her grip on the wheel tightening. "Got it, Morgan. We're right behind you."

With a final look at the group, Morgan gave a sharp nod and pulled her motorcycle out in front of the bus, the engine growling as she set off down the dirt path leading off the property. Ms. Heather took a deep breath, pressed her foot down on the gas, and the bus rumbled to life, following closely behind Morgan.

The teens peered out the windows as they left the farm behind, the sprawling fields and distant tree lines fading into the background as they hit the open road. It was strange—after days of being stationary, Morgan's place had almost started to feel like a haven, and now they were leaving it behind, heading into the unknown.

Lucas leaned forward, looking over at Jean. "Think we'll actually make it to Canada? Like, the land of maple syrup and moose?"

Jean smirked, though there was a flicker of worry in his eyes. "That's the plan, right? Less people, more resources… at least, we hope."

Jordan chimed in from the back, "Yeah, 'til we freeze our asses off in the tundra. You all better learn how to start fires with sticks."

Chloe groaned, leaning her head back against the seat. "I swear, if we end up camping for real… I didn't sign up for this to become a mountain woman."

Brittney laughed. "Oh, come on. Imagine the content. 'Surviving in the Wilderness 101: Apocalypse Edition.'"

Tyler snorted, looking out the window. "You all can complain, but honestly, we're better off than most people. I mean, look at us—squad goals for days."

The bus bounced along the rough road, Ms. Heather carefully steering as they picked up speed. Morgan's motorcycle stayed just ahead, her form steady and confident as she led them along winding country roads, keeping clear of the main highways. Occasionally, she would glance over her shoulder, making sure they were still close behind.

Jean watched her through the windshield, feeling a mix of admiration and awe. Morgan had taken them in, given them direction, and now she was leading them into uncharted territory. He couldn't help but feel grateful, even if he'd never admit it out loud.

Ms. Heather glanced over at him, noticing his serious expression. "Jean, I think she trusts you. That's rare for her, I can tell."

Jean shrugged, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I think she just wants us to survive. She's… she's like a survival robot."

Lucas leaned in, overhearing. "Dude, she's like an action movie character come to life. Total badass."

The road stretched out ahead of them, bordered by dense trees on either side. The sun was starting to climb higher in the sky, casting long shadows over the asphalt. Every so often, they'd pass an abandoned car or see debris scattered along the roadside—a chilling reminder of how quickly everything had fallen apart.

The bus rolled over a large pothole, jostling everyone in their seats. Chloe yelped, clutching the edge of her seat. "Ms. Heather, watch it! This isn't some off-road adventure!"

Ms. Heather laughed nervously. "Sorry! Just… hang on. The roads aren't exactly well-kept anymore."

Up ahead, Morgan raised a hand, signaling for them to slow down as they approached a small intersection. Ms. Heather gently pressed on the brakes, and the bus rolled to a stop behind her.

Morgan turned, lifting her visor as she addressed them. "Take this road up here on the left. Less populated area. Should keep us out of sight."

Ms. Heather gave her a nod. "Got it."

Morgan glanced at each of them, her eyes hard but with a flicker of something almost… protective. "Stick close. And keep quiet," she warned before pulling her visor back down.

With that, she revved her engine and led them onto the smaller road, winding their way further from civilization and deeper into the unknown. The bus followed, rumbling along behind her, the teens exchanging nervous looks as they gripped the armrests, feeling the gravity of what lay ahead.

They were on their way—no turning back now.

Q: What would you do if you end up in a zombie apocalypse with your classmates?