The world outside their safehold isn’t changing. It’s as if the undead–the zombies, rather– simply keep coming back, no matter what they do to stop them. One day there are none outside, and just a few hours later the moans are back, exhausting, overwhelming, constant. The locals have told them over and over there is simply no way out of Solomon Island. She’s not ready to believe it, though. There has to be something, some road or path, some place the fog isn’t quite so thick. Supplies are running low again, too; food, bullets, and medical equipment quickly go when you spend all your time in survival mode. It’s taking its toll on both of them. There has to be something else out there.
“I’m going out for supplies,” she announces one evening, already dressed for the occasion.
Brydon is sitting on a beanbag chair in the living room of the house they’re occupying, still in the clothing he’d slept in. He starts to rise from where he’s seated. “I’ll come with you.”
Marie shakes her head. “It’s too dangerous,” she says. “I’m gonna venture a little further this time… See if I can find anything.”
He watches her curiously, but doesn’t say anything just yet.
“I might be gone for a few days,” she states quickly, “I don’t know if we would find adequate shelter or what else is out there or if I could protect you from, well… whatever is out there. If we went together, I mean. You’re safe here. Mostly safe.”
“Oh,” he says simply, looking somewhat confused.
She hesitates a moment, but finds her voice again. ”I want to see if I can find us a way out of this place. We… We can’t just stay in this. It’s… too much.”
Brydon releases a slight, knowing sigh. “Yeah. It’s really bad.”
“Do you think you’ll be OK for a few days if I’m gone that long?” she asks. “Food should be good and I can set new traps before I leave…”
Brydon nods quickly in reassurance. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine.”
Marie gives a soft smile. “I know you’re tough.”
The girl moves for him, leaning down to press the gentlest of kisses to his forehead.
“Be careful out there,” he says quietly.
She nods, still close. “I will. And… you too. If… if anything happens? Don’t… don’t try to do anything crazy and heroic. Save yourself. I’ll be OK.”
Brydon nods again and Marie starts down the hall. They use the attic for entry and exiting the home since reinforcing it.
“Marie,” he calls quietly after her. She turns, looking back at him.
“Don’t get eaten.”
She grins, showing the sharpened points of her fangs.
“Never happen.”
Originally Posted Mar 24, 22 · OP
