Chapter 7

Fred took a deep breath. "Fine. We'll leave and look for a solution. But you have to promise me—you will not harm those people. Do we have a deal?"

Enoch laughed mockingly. "What if you don't make it out there? Do you really think you'll survive? They are many zombies out there. But, Good luck."

The head of the family gestured to his men. "Open the gates for Fred, Margaret, and Harrison," he commanded. Turning to the group, he added, "Goodbye. Don't come back unless you have the vaccine you promised."

Fred, Margaret, and Harrison left the community. On their way, Harrison couldn't hold back his curiosity. "Fred," he called, "why did you promise that gangster the vaccine? Do you even have a plan? We don't even known the origin of this bullshit!"

Fred's face darkened. "The only person who might save us left D.C. long ago. I don't even know if he's still alive." Fred said, as they walked away.

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Meanwhile, Jane, Michael, and Cassandra approached a soldier camp. The eerie silence can't be over looked. "I guess there are people here," Jane muttered.

As they moved closer, the faint sounds of laughter and chatter reached their ears. Jane drew her gun, moving cautiously toward the camp. Suddenly, a woman emerged from the camp, clearly looking to relieve herself.

Jane pointed her gun at the woman. "Who are you?"

The woman froze but responded calmly, "Lower the gun, and I'll tell you."

Cassandra gave Jane a subtle nod, signaling her to lower the weapon since the woman is not harmed. Reluctantly, Jane complied.

The woman straightened. "Our leader isn't here. He left us instructions to stay safe here."

"Who's your leader?" Jane asked.

"Fred," the woman replied.

Jane's eyes narrowed. "When will he return?"

"Tonight. Or maybe tomorrow morning—we're not sure," the woman answered.

Jane hesitated. "Can we stay here until morning?"

The woman paused. "I'll need to check with the others." She gestured for them to follow her into the camp.

Inside, the woman called for attention. "Everyone, listen up! I found these three outside. They need a place to stay for the night and will leave first thing in the morning. Is that okay with you all?"

A familiar voice rang out. "Jane, is that you?"

Jane turned to see Susan standing. Confused, Jane replied, "Do I know you?"

Susan smiled. "You saved me, Williams, Harrison, and Gladys with my child. Remember?"

Recognition dawned on Jane. "Oh, it's you! How are the others? And Fred? Margaret?"

"They're alive. Only Williams… he didn't make it. He sacrificed himself for us," Susan said, her voice heavy with grief.

Jane smiled softly. "Where's Fred?"

Susan sighed. "He, Margaret, and Harrison went to a nearby community. The community look dangerous. They went to ensure our safety."

"When will they return?" Jane asked.

"Tomorrow morning, hopefully," Susan said.

That night, immediately everyone slept off, Gladys broke down in tears. Overcome with emotion, she stepped outside, tears streaming down her face. "I can't bear this pain anymore," she sobbed, her cries echoing into the night. Unknowingly, her loud outburst attracted nearby zombies.

Moments later, chaos erupted as the zombies attacked. Jane, Cassandra, and Michael woke instantly, grabbing their weapons and firing at the undead. Susan, her child, and two others managed to escape to the van, locking themselves inside.

Gladys, panicked, ran toward the van. Jane shouted, "Run faster! You're almost here!" But just as Gladys reached the door, a zombie grabbed her leg, sinking its teeth into her. Gladys Horrified and screamed, Jane knew they couldn't save her, so, she drove off.

Inside the van, Cassandra exploded in anger. "What the hell just happened? How did those zombies get in? I thought that place was secure!"

Susan, shaken, stammered, "We don't know. We've been here for four days and cleared the area before settling in. There's no trace of any zombies!"

"Calm down everyone!" Jane snapped. "Let me focus on driving!"

Michael, his voice tense, added, "Everyone, shut the hell up! Gladys got what she deserved. She went outside, screaming her lungs out. She attracted them!"

Cassandra crossed her arms, furious but silent. "Where are we going now? It's still dark!" She muttered.

Jane glanced at Susan. "Where's the community, you said Fred and Harrison with Margret visited?"

Susan hesitated. "We're heading there," she replied softly. Jane was just driving without knowing where she's heading.

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The next morning, Fred, Margaret, and Harrison arrived back at the camp, only to find it overrun by zombies.

"What the hell happened here?" Fred exclaimed in surprise.

"Maybe someone did something stupid," Harrison responded.

Margaret tugged at Fred's sleeve. "We can't stay here. We'll get attacked, they are coming towards us!."

Harrison argued, "Let's go back to the community!"

Margaret shook her head. "Which community? Come on, we can't. Not without the vaccine. We made a deal, except we want to toy with our lives."

Fred nodded in agreement. "She's right. we can't go back there."

Harrison sighed. "Then what? We can't just drive aimlessly until we get attacked!"

As they debated, they spotted a van on the roadside with a flat tire. Fred got out to help, only to see Jane step out of the van.

"Jane?!" Fred's voice broke with emotion. He hugged her tightly. "I can't believe it. You're still alive!" Both of them hugged each other.

Jane smiled, gesturing to Susan. "We found her at the camp. But Gladys… she attracted zombies, and the camp was overrun."

Fred's expression darkened. "So, where are you heading?"

Jane explained, "Susan mentioned a community. She said you guys visit there, so, we thought we'd meet you there."

Fred shook his head. "That community doesn't welcome outsiders. They believe some people caused all this shit."

Jane frowned. "Why not join forces with them? If they have a secure base. We could use it for research and experiments. Together, we might find a solution or what do you think?."

Fred hesitated but nodded. "Let's talk to their leader. Maybe we can strike a new deal."

"Come on Fred, Enoch did not look like someone who will listen to us." Harrison said.

"But we have no choice! No matter how tough he looks, we need to talk to him because we have no other option, except we want to die roaming about on the street." Jane said. They'll get into their van and drove off, heading back to the family community.