Punks Versus Zombies - episode 32 of the post-apocalyptic zombie serial
Welcome to episode 32! In our last installment, Tommy, Roxy, and Zero fought their way through Denver. But down to just one van, it's going to be cramped from now on...
As the first light of dawn crept through the warehouse windows,. Tommy emerged from his bedroll, muscles aching from the previous day’s trials. He watched as the others slowly came to life, stretching and rubbing the sleep from their eyes.
Laila was already up, hunched over a map spread out on the van’s hood. She looked up as Tommy approached, offering a weary smile. “Morning. How’re you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a damn truck. But I’ll live. What’s the plan for today?”
Roxy appeared at his side, her hair tousled from sleep. “Well, we still need to find some methadone for Micky. And after yesterday’s fiasco, we’re running low on just about everything else too.”
Jimbo ambled over, stifling a yawn. “Food, fuel, ammo…the holy trinity of the apocalypse.”
“Sounds like we’ve got our work cut out for us,” Tommy said, studying the map. “Where do you think we should start, Lai?”
Laila tapped a finger on the map. “We head towards Kansas – should be able to make it by mid-afternoon. There’s towns along the way. Might be our best bet for finding supplies without running into too much trouble.”
Zero joined them, his rifle slung over his shoulder. “We should get moving soon. Daylight’s burning.”
As they began to pack up and load the van, Roxy turned to Jimbo with a grin. “You know, I’ve been thinking about these zombies we’ve been dealing with.”
Jimbo raised an eyebrow. “Oh yeah? What about them?”
“Well, they’re not exactly the sprinty kind, are they? More like the classic Romero shamblers.”
“True that. I guess we should count ourselves lucky. Can you imagine trying to outrun the ones from 28 Days Later?”
Roxy shuddered. “No thanks. I’ll take the slow and steady type any day.”
Zero paused in his packing, glancing over at them. “You ever think about how this whole thing started? I mean, what’s causing people to turn into walkers?”
“Gotta be some kind of virus or bacteria,” Roxy said, shoving a duffel bag into the back of the van. “Something that gets into the blood and rewires the brain.”
“Or maybe it’s one of those parasitic fungi that turn ants into zombies,” Zero said. “I saw a documentary about that once.”
Tommy furrowed his brow. “You know, I haven’t seen any zombie animals since this whole thing began. No undead cats or dogs, no birds dropping out of the sky. It seems to be a strictly human problem.”
Jimbo let out a low whistle. “Damn, I never even thought about the possibility of a zombie moose. Thanks for the new nightmare fuel, dude.”
Laughter rippled through the group.
As they finished loading the last of their gear into the van, it became clear that space was going to be tight. They all stared at the vehicle, trying to figure out the best configuration.
“I can drive for a while,” Zero said.” Give the rest of you a chance to catch some more shut-eye.”
Laila hesitated, glancing at Tommy. “I don’t know. I feel like it should be me or Tommy driving.”
Zero shook his head. “No offense, but you look like you’re about to fall asleep on your feet. And Tommy here looks like he could use another eight hours himself.”
Tommy wanted to protest, but he couldn’t deny the exhaustion tugging at his eyelids. “Zero’s right. We’ll be no good to anyone if we’re too tired to think straight.”
Laila sighed, then nodded. “Okay, fine. But wake me up if you need a break, alright?”
“You got it, boss,” Zero said, climbing into the driver’s seat.
The others piled in, arranging themselves as best they could in the cramped space. Tommy found himself wedged between Roxy and the passenger window. Laila and Jimbo sat in the back with Micky stretched out on the floor at their feet.
As Zero guided the van out of the warehouse and onto the open road, Tommy felt his eyelids growing heavy. The gentle rocking motion of the vehicle lulled him into a drowsy state, his head nodding against his chest.
Beside him, Roxy had already drifted off, her head resting on his shoulder while Micky snored softly from his spot on the floor.
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