484

You spend half an hour separating the food and figuring out how much can be used for a meal today versus saved for future consumption. Without a way to predict the timing of an end to the outbreak, you have no way of knowing when more food will become available through normal means. There's no going to a store, and you don't know if aid is available from emergency services. The food and water in front of you may need to last a while.

You look around the camp at the other survivors. Many are sitting on blankets on the ground, trying to rest for the first time in many hours. Those who are working to set up camp are sluggish and weak, milling about as if imitating the languid walk of the infected. Giving them a hearty meal would replenish their bodies and spirits, making them more capable of surviving the day ahead. How much can you spare? Should you conserve now and proportion out future meals, or give the group a feast and risk leaner meals in the days ahead?