The Journey Continues

The next morning the group set off on their journey, feeling more confident with each step. The warmer weather seemed to be a welcome change, and the snow-covered terrain was slowly giving way to bare ground. The air was filled with the sweet scent of melting snow, and the group's spirits were lifted.

As they walked, they noticed that the landscape was changing. The trees were no longer covered in snow, and the once-frozen ground was now thawing. The group's footsteps were quieter on the bare ground, and they could feel the warmth of the sun on their skin.

On the first day, they encountered a small herd of deer grazing in a clearing. The group watched in awe as the animals moved calmly, their large eyes taking in the strange group of humans. They had been eating canned food for weeks, and using a bow and arrow, one of the people was able to kill a deer. The thought of fresh meat was tantalizing, they all knew the next night they would have a feast.

As the group trudged along the still snow-covered road, their breath forming clouds of mist in the chilly air, a sudden rustling in the nearby trees caught their attention. Before they could react, four zombies burst forth from the dense foliage, their vacant eyes fixed hungrily on the unsuspecting survivors.

Instinct kicked in as the group swiftly drew their weapons, meeting the undead assailants head-on in a flurry of desperate blows. With practiced precision, they struck out at their foes, their movements fueled by a potent mix of fear and determination.

Despite the surprise attack, the group's superior numbers and combat prowess quickly turned the tide in their favor. With each well-placed strike, another zombie fell to the ground, its lifeless body succumbing to the relentless assault.

As the final undead foe crumpled to the ground, the group took a moment to catch their breath, their hearts still pounding from the adrenaline-fueled encounter. 

With a nod of silent understanding, Sarah and Dusty volunteered to stay behind, their keen eyes scanning the surrounding landscape for any sign of further danger. As the rest of the group continued on their journey, the two survivors remained vigilant, their weapons at the ready as they watched over their companions from a safe distance. Once they were out of sight Sarah dragged one of the bodies off to the said. As Dusty turned away to give her privacy she began to chew on the flesh of the newly defeated zombie. As much as she hated the task, she knew that if she didn't do this she would be putting all of them at risk.

As she finished, she looked over at Dusty, "I'm sorry I have to do this."

"Don't be sorry," Dusty replied, "this isn't your fault, and we will find a cure."

Once Sarah was finished and cleaned up, the two of them moved quickly to catch up with the rest of the group.

As they caught up with the others the walked past Alex. Alex stopped them. "Hey, you two want to hear something?" he asked, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Sarah nodded, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?" she asked.

"I've been talking to some people living south," Alex said. "They've got some power, although it's rationed. They've got food and they're starting to grow crops again. They've even got fences around the city and regular patrols to keep the zombies out."

Sarah's eyes widened in amazement. "That sounds like a real community," she said.

Dusty nodded, his eyes shining with hope. "It sounds like a place we could really make a new start."

Sarah nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "Let's get there," she said.

Dr. Mullins approached Sarah privately as they walked along with the others. "Sarah, can I talk to you for a minute?" she asked.

Sarah nodded, her heart pounding with excitement. "What is it?" she asked.

Dr. Mullins smiled nervously. "I've been wanting to discuss some of our studies," she said. "I think we've made some real progress, and I'd love to get your thoughts."

Sarah nodded, her mind racing with possibilities. "I'd love to hear it," she said.

The two women walked off from the others, their conversation lost in the distance as they moved far enough away that others could not hear what was being discussed.

As they walked, Sarah felt a sense of hope that she hadn't felt in weeks. They were getting closer to their goal, and they were starting to see glimmers of a brighter future.

After three days of travel, the group finally reached the outskirts of a small town. They had been walking 12 hours per day, and their bodies were tired and sore. But they were determined to make it to their destination.

As they approached the town, Sarah saw that it was surrounded by a high fence. She could see guards patrolling the perimeter, and she could smell the scent of food cooking on fires.

Alex, spoke up, "This isn't where we are staying but we will be safe for tonight and we will be able to get a good nights rest."

Seeing the community that had been built Sarah's heart started to pound with excitement.

Alex nodded, his eyes shining with hope. "This is one of the places where all of us will find our new start," he said.

The group approached the town gate cautiously, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. But as they entered the town, they were greeted with warm smiles and open arms.

The group was led to a large community center, where they were given hot food and warm blankets. They spent the rest of the day resting and recovering from their long journey.

As night fell, Sarah lay down on a comfortable bed, her eyes fixed on the ceiling above. Dusty laying in the bed beside her. She knew that tomorrow they would be off on the road again, but for now, she was content to rest and recharge.

As she drifted off to sleep, she knew that there was a new home out there for her. And she knew that she would do whatever it took to make sure that this new home lasted for generations to come.

The next morning, Sarah woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned loudly, feeling like she was finally ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

As she walked out of the community center, she was greeted by Alex and Dr. Mullins. "Hey, are you ready to keep moving" Alex asked.

Sarah smiled broadly. "I'm ready," she said.

Dr. Mullins nodded solemnly. "We'll make sure that you're taken care of," she said, "when we have a few minutes I want to finish our discussion.