I don't know how long I can do this anymore. I tried. I really did try. It has just been so nerve-racking to finally realize that I can just give up and it wouldn't matter. These thoughts that fill my head makes more sense than anything left in this world. Ha! What world? Since the infection spread and everyone that I knew and loved died I couldn't find a reason for me to live anymore. It wasn't necessary for me to even try. It doesn't even…

Some movement pulls me out of my thoughts and back to reality. I get my ax from the holster and slowly creep up to rows of bushes where the noises came from. That is it! I become so furious that I get ready to strike whatever thing is behind these bushes. Living or dead it doesn't matter anymore. Suddenly about 13 walkers came out of the bushes; one pushing me to the ground. I begin to fight when the thoughts came back to me. "I tried…", "You're not necessary", "Just DIE!" I stop fighting and just… give up. The walkers start chewing on my lace up combat boots as I start to hear gunfire. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. I look up startled at the sounds the gun was making and how long it will take to attract all the walkers on this goddamn planet. My vision is blurred with confusion as I see the shooter. It is obviously a guy; he looks about my age, 14.

"Thanks," I said dryly, not even believing the words the come out of my mouth.

"You're welcome." He replied with a deep almost practiced tone.

"Are you bit, scratched?" His voice filled with concern.

"I-I don't think so."

"Come here."

I walk over hesitantly not knowing what this complete stranger was about to do, but at this point, like I said before it doesn't really matter. I guess he's looking for any scratches or bites. Annoying as hell.

"You're good. So… where are you coming from?"

"I don't know; maybe east."

"Oh from Richmond."

"Yeah. Listen I really need to be goi-"

"Are you with a group" He asks as his head slightly tilts to the right.

"Well no but I have to-"

"Would you like to come with me; I have a group," His voice interrupting mine once more. Oh. Dear. Lord. That is really starting to piss me off; but what the hell.

"Sure."

"Oh and my name is Carl by the way."

"Iris."

"That's a pretty name."

I barely know him and here I am blushing. Dammit.