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That's interesting, because Tom begged me to go with you. He said you were afraid to go alone or ask anyone else."

Uncle Lou's face drops.

"I don't know what game he's playin' but when we get back, we gotta talk to him."

Time moves slowly as you travel around the Old Pine Woods, and the hum of the motor and sway of the old van lulls you to sleep. Though your eyelids are heavy and focus drifts, you remain awake and keep watch for any signs of trouble, be it living man or zombie. The dull gray road extends endlessly before you, painted yellow line dividing the highway, a striped snake trailing beyond the end of sight. Beside the road, the forest goes on for miles in each direction. You make a game of finding any differences in the scenery. The trees and earth seem unchanged as you look upon the silent wilderness. A Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd plays on the CD deck, turned down low.

"Ten miles from the Cathedral already," Uncle Lou belts out, rousing you from near slumber. "Twenty to go. If you want to sleep, go ahead. I'm wide awake."

"Thanks Uncle Lou," you say.

"Yeah, no problem. You've been working hard since taking over as leader, even before that. You deserve a break. It's another reason I'm glad you came."

Uncle Lou smiles and looks back at the road, one arm lazily perched on the wheel, the other tapping the dashboard to the beat of the music.

"I really hope you and Emma come with us when we leave the Cathedral. I know you haven't known me for long, but it's like you two are my kids, you know, family. I'd miss you both too much."