HUNGRY
The sign that Andy held over his head made Kenneth's heart break a little. He had really come to like this guy. He made a quick decision in his head. He wrote a sign back.
WE'LL HELP YOU, BROTHER
He took up his spyglass and saw a frail-looking Andy smile weakly. He gave Kenneth a little wave and went inside.
He turned on his video camera.
-"See, baby-girl, I told you it was gonna be alright! God, I'm hungry. Well, maybe I'll try to sleep a little. Despite that god-damned MOANING!"
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-"So, we need to get the food to Andy somehow." Kenneth's voice held no argument. He looked over to where Nicole sat on the floor with Chips.
Nicole looked up at the silence that followed Kenneth's announcement.
-"No, way. You're NOT sending Chips out there. No, frikkin' way.
Kenneth sighed.
-"Come, on, Nicole, they won't want him. I promise."
The girl glared at him, but patted Chips' head.
-"Be a good boy now, okay. Get the food to Andy."
She kissed his furry head.
Terry walked up to the pair sitting on the floor.
"Come, Nic, somebody has to get the bus ready for take-off, we'll fill it up with food and stuff. And maybe we can find necessities for the boat. It'll get your mind off things."
She smiled.
"Okay." She turned to Kenneth "If he doesn't make it back okay.. I'll.."
Kenneth nodded.
"Come on everybody. Let's get up on the roof then."
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Chips was safely winched down to the ground and followed the sound of Andy's whistle towards the gun-shop.
Kenneth picked up his rifle and started to shoot several zombies covering the area where Chips would get into the shop. It was just a feeling he had.
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Andy almost cried with relief as Chips came in through the small hatch, unharmed. He quickly locked the hatch and took the dog into his living area.
The walkie-talkie scratched.
"Andy! Andy, brother, are you there?"
"Yeah, man, I'm here. Is that Ken? Man, it's good to hear your voice."
Kenneth laughed a little.
"We'll see each-other real soon, brother, you just build up your strength now. There's some dog food for Chips as well, don't let him eat your food!"
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The days went by a lot saner for Andy as he had Chips' company to enjoy. The food helped, and he was getting stronger. The batteries to the walkie-talkie faded to an end, so he and Kenneth went back to 'signing' each-other.
On the fifth day, a final sign came from Kenneth.
LEAVING IN 20. WE'LL COME FOR YOU"
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The two men hugged as an exhausted Andy fell into the zombie-proof bus.
"Thanks, man, couldn't have done it without you."
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As the small group of people, and a dog, sailed away on the boat, the future seemed a bit brighter. They had enough food to last them for months; they had gas and tools, weapons and water.
Andy felt the first rays of the sun on his face and drew a deep breath; he pulled back his long hair from his face.
It was a fine day to be alive.
