Zombie Exodus: Side Stories, Brody & Madison, scene 15 (Patreon)

continued from scene 14

Three months later…

Three months have elapsed since that harrowing night when Madison and Brody found themselves trapped in their uncle's fortified basement. What began as a fight for survival has evolved into a new normal within the confines of the house.

Time had stretched in a haze of uncertainty, and as the minutes turned into hours, they had braced themselves for an onslaught that never came. The relentless zombies finally gave up their pursuit, leaving Madison and Brody with a small window of opportunity.

With cautious steps, they had ventured from the basement. The main floor of the house was eerily quiet, the signs of the undead invasion still evident in the shattered glass and discarded belongings. Madison and Brody had taken charge, fortifying every possible entrance with makeshift barricades.

Days had turned into weeks, and the siblings had found themselves piecing together a strategy for survival. They had scoured the house, collecting tools, supplies, and rations to last them through the uncertain days ahead. The sprawling property, complete with a three-story house, a basement, a backyard with a pool, and a cabana, had become their haven against the chaos outside.

Working together, the twins had methodically secured every entry point, nailing boards over windows, reinforcing doors, and setting up warning systems to alert them to potential threats. They had adapted, learned to rely on each other's strengths, and found a way to coexist even within dire circumstances. They sometimes argued over the next steps or even the simplest things. At the end of the first month, Brody became angry over his workload compared to his sister, which turned into an argument. They didn't speak for three days.

When not working on the house, Madison had managed to establish contact with the outside world through SurvNet. This network had emerged as a lifeline for survivors. It was an updated version of ARPANET, a remnant of the past woven into the fabric of the new world. With this connection, they had gained access to information, resources, and, most importantly, hope that others were still out there, fighting to endure.

As the months wore on, Colorado had transitioned from the scorching heat of summer to the cooler embrace of autumn. The leaves had begun to change, casting a golden hue over the landscape.

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In the backyard, bathed in the gentle late September sunlight, Brody stands beside the generator, his brow furrowed as he studies the fuel gauge. A knot of worry tightens in his chest. Madison steps outside, cradling a cup of tea in her hands. She settles onto a lawn chair nearby, her gaze meeting his with curiosity and anticipation.

Brody breaks the silence, his voice carrying the weight of his thoughts. "We're running low on fuel. Low enough that we might need to think about finding more fuel to make it through the winter."

Setting her cup down, Madison's features darken with concern. "But we can't leave, not until the outbreak is over. And the outbreak is far from over."

Leaning against the generator, Brody lets out a sigh. "I know, Maddie. But we can't stay locked up here forever. Winter's coming, and we'll need more than just food to survive."

Madison's fingers tighten around her cup. "I understand that. I don't know. It worries me. Where would we even go?"

Brody straightens, his gaze meeting hers. "There are a few options. We could head to the gas station nearby. It's close, but it's likely to be crawling with infected. Then, there's a convenience store a bit farther down the road. It's got a gas station attached. We might find more supplies there, but it could also be picked clean or just as dangerous."

"I don't like the sound of either. Is there anywhere else?" Madison asks.

Brody's expression turns more serious. "A fuel depot. It's a bit of a trek, but it could have a substantial amount of fuel. However, it's also likely to be heavily guarded by infected and possibly other survivors."

continue to scene 16