The Dead Awakening

Chapter 2

The Unfortunate

May 20th

11:00 am

Rita's heart shattered into a thousand pieces. She couldn't tell if she heard the man right or not. She was just told that her husband had been in a car crash which sent him to the hospital. It must've been an accident, she kept telling herself that it was just an unfortunate accident. What was she going to do? What was she going to tell her kids? She tried her very best not to break down crying that very spot.

"U-um...a-a car crash?" She asked.

"Yes, i'm afraid he's been involved in an accident involving a man wandering into the road he was driving. According to witnesses he crashed into the man and lost control of his vehicle. He crashed into the utility pole where the vehicle itself was damaged and sustained injuries from the force of the airbag. He is fortunate enough to have resisted enough to only have a few minor injuries, however he has sustained heavy injuries. He is currently being held at the Benjamin Franklin Memorial hospital in downtown Royal Woods. You and your family are welcome to visit him."

"T-thank you Dr. Ritter." She hung up her phone.

After that dreadful phone call she couldn't help it. She broke down into tears over hearing her husband's accident. She didn't completely break down but she was crying plenty for her to feel terrible for Lynn. She stood crying her eyes out silently for the next five minutes before she gathered herself to regain her breath. She had to see him. Not by herself, but with the kids. They're gonna hear about this soon. She wasn't going to hide this from them.

She told Dr. Feinstein about the recent phone call she had received and that she had to leave on an emergency. He understood completely and let her go. She thanked him gracefully and headed out. She didn't know how she would get there since Vanzilla was involved in the accident. She needed a way to get there all while bringing her kids along.

She pulled out her phone and called Howard McBride. He was someone she could trust very well with a favor. He always told her that if she ever needed anything that she could always ask him or his husband Harold. They were on excellent terms with each other and trusted each other very well.

A few rings later the call was answered. "Hi Rita, how are you?"

"Hi Howard, I'm...not doing too well."

"Is everything okay sweetie?"

"Howard...no things aren't okay. I just received a call from the downtown hospital telling me that my husband was involved in a car crash. He's been submitted this morning."

"Oh my...I'm so sorry to hear that. Is there anything you need Rita? I'll be very happy to help."

"Howard i was hoping if you could help me with picking up the kids and visiting Lynn at the hospital. We don't have our family van anymore so i was wondering if you could help me out on that? I know there's a lot of us but we'll try to work it out." she asked. Howard could hear the desperation in her voice.

"Of course Rita, It's no problem at all. Is there anywhere you want me to pick you up?"

"I'm currently outside of the Dr. Feinstein's dental office. Could you pick me up here?"

"I'm on my way Rita, just sit tight. I'll see you soon."

"Thank you Howard...I really don't know how i could-"

"It's okay Rita, I'm glad to be of help."

"Well Thank you Howard I'll be here waiting."

"No problem sweetie."

The phone call ended shortly. Rita was relieved to have someone helping her at her time of need. Right now she was just wondering how her kids are going to take this sort of news.

Back at the high school things were going shortly for the day. Luan and Dana spent most of the time at study hall talking. Luan even tried her basic comedy routine and Dana seemed to like it a lot. She had plenty of laughs. BY the time Luan and Dana left study hall the 2nd bell rang marking the end of first period. Lori arrived at study hall shortly afterwards completely missing the two.

She didn't bother trying to go to her next class considering that more than half of her class all belong there. It's not like they'll show up anyways. She found it strange however that no one not even the principal was ding anything about most of the kids skipping class. As a matter of fact she hasn't even seen the principal at all today.

Usually he would be in the main office for most of the time and when she gave her dad the keys to Vanzilla, he was nowhere to be seen. He hasn't even made any announcements in the morning. Lori found this to be a weird instance.

She spent most of her time in study hall on her phone texting Bobby about how boring the school day was and how empty today was.

- its so boring booboo bear, literally almost no one is here today

DING

~ Dam babe, did the seniors hav cut day today?

- We didnt even hav a whole discussion about it i swear its like they literally made it a big secret

DING

~ Coltrane would never keep it a secret, the guy literally announces everything like its a whole news article

- Well hes not here today anyways maybe ill wait monday to talk 2 him

DING

~ Anyways babe Me mom and Ronnie Anne are coming to visit Royal Woods for next weeknd. We rented our old home for that weeknd to stay

- I literally cant wait Booboo bear ;* do u think we would have time to spend time in a room together before u go the follwing monday?

DING

~ Ill find time ;) just like last time babe

- Last time was so perfect babe i swear i can still feel u inside me ;)

DING

~ Ill make this time even better for u babe ;*

-Im literally looking forward to it ;)

DING

~ Hey babe gotta go, gotta go to the bodega to help out grandpa

- U better hurry back i will literally die of boredom here, but ill talk to u later booboo bear ;*

DING

~ U know i will ;*

Lori was now disappointed. She was hoping Bobby would text her for the entire period, or school day at most. She was hoping Bobby would text back within the first minute he's free, otherwise she'd be pissed.

Time was going super slow for Lori. It's as if each minute on the clock was going ten times slower as she kept looking at it. She started to regret coming to study hall, but it wouldn't have been better to go to class considering no one would be there. Luckily for Lori she felt like she wouldn't be alone once she saw her red headed friend Becky. She saw Lori and gave her a relieved smile. It seems like she wasn't having any luck with her classes at all either.

Becky sat down next to Lori. "Lori OMG you have no idea how relieved i am to see you. I thought for sure no one was here!"

"Ditto on that. My entire first period was literally invisible. I thought i was the only senior here until you showed up."

"Oh? Carol's here too actually. I saw her last period with Bryan. They were both just leaving study hall. You didn't see them leave?"

Lori shook her head. "No actually, i came here pretty late. Had to go to the main office to give my dad the keys to the van."

"Well Carol wasn't the only senior here either. Dana left study hall with your little sister Luan."

"Luan? Oh right! She literally has study hall as her first period class."

"She's lucky really. At least she could do her homework here if she didn't do them last night or something. I used to love doing that freshman year."

Lori laughed a little "Yeah me too, I would always never do my homework because i knew i could just do them here instead of at home. I miss doing that too."

Lori's phone vibrated indicating she has a new text message. She figured it was Bobby since he did say he would text her back. But upon reading the message, her smile faded away.

~ Lori, i just got a call from the hospital. Your dad was involved in a car crash on his way downtown. We're going to see him today. I'm coming to pick everyone up. I'll be there to pick you up in 5 minutes. Leni, Luna and Luan told me they'll meet us there.

Lori's heart sank. Her father was now hospitalized from an accident on the road. She felt like crying but she knew now wasn't the time for that. She needed to stay strong for her sisters, mother and especially her father.

"Becky, i gotta go...something important came up. Look i'll...talk to you later" she said getting up from her seat.

Her friend gave her a worried expression. "Lori, is everything okay?"

"...No...it's not." She left study hall and was now on her way to meet her mother.

The red SUV pulled up in front of the high school. Rita unbuckled her seat belt and headed inside to excuse Lori out from school. As soon as she saw Lori, they both ran into each others arms. She tried so hard not to cry but given what her mother had just told her she just couldn't take it. Lori began to cry on her mother's shoulder.

"I know sweetie...I know" She told her daughter while gently caressing her blonde hair. Lori's tears began to soak into her mother's shirt but she didn't care. Her daughter had every right to cry right there and then.

Rita and Lori arrived back to Howard's red SUV and proceeded to pick up Lynn from middle school.

The car ride was silent. Lori didn't even look at her phone throughout the entire ride over there. She gazed out the car window looking at the passing scenery of suburban Royal Woods. Rita worried for Lori, ever since they got into the car she hasn't said a word. She figured maybe she's trying to process the entire thing in her head. What more can you think of when you're told that your father had just been in a car accident? She wanted to say something to her daughter but she beat her to it.

"Is dad okay?" she asked

"I...I don't know sweetie. But you're father is a strong man. He'll be okay i just know it. He's staying strong for us." she hoped she was right.

Howard didn't know what to say. He wanted to show sympathy for the poor girl. He just couldn't find the right words. He knew that he'd do everything he can to help them out in this tough situation.

They arrived at the middle school. Rita told Lori that she would be picking up Lynn and that she could stay in the car if she wanted. Lori chose to stay behind and let her thoughts flow. She just didn't know what else to do. Rita understood very well and made her way to the building.

Howard wanted to say something to the poor girl. She's going through a tough time as of now. He wanted to say that he's sorry to hear about what's happened but he knows very well that it won't make her feel any better. He thought about letting Lori sit in silence but he wanted to help. He wanted to be a guidance for the teenage girl just like he was to his son.

"Lori? Look I...I really don't know what else to say...but...wow...I'm at a loss for words..."

Lori looked over to Mr. McBride. She knew how kind and generous of a person he was. She could sense that he's trying to provide some sort of help. The way he's trying to play out his words seem to say it all.

"Lori I-I'm just shocked to hear about what happened to your father. I can't imagine what you're going through. But i just wanted to say that you don't need to be afraid or shy about how you're feeling. It's completely normal to feel upset or sad about these kinds of things." He turned to look at her completely. "Just know that everyone in your family will be there for you and for each other. Family is the key to surviving in a terrible world that causes both good and bad to us all."

Lori managed to smile a bit after hearing 's words. She knew how much he cared for everyone in her family. He was a very caring person.

"Thanks Mr. McBride...Really."

Howard gave her a comforting smile. "Anytime sweetie."

Lori looked to the building just in time to see her mother walking out with Lynn hugging her closely by her side. She looked carefully at Lynn. Her eyes were red and her mother's side was drenched. She could tell that Lynn took the news terribly as well.

The two stepped inside the car. Lynn sat down next to Lori without even looking or acknowledging her appearance. She just sat down buckled her seat belt and stared out into the world. Lori felt terrible for her. Seeing her sister in distress really broke her heart. Lynn wasn't one to cry in front of people but this proved otherwise. She scooted closer to Lynn and put an arm around her. To her surprise Lynn then hugged her closely digging her face into her chest and started to cry again. Lori held Lynn tightly and let her show her current emotions, the two sisters sat in the car silently.

At the Elementary school it was confirmed that they would leave earlier due to the absence of many staff. Unlikely a good reason but it was done. Rita received a recorded message indicating that all elementary school students will be released early for the day. Notified, she made sure to pick up her five kids from school. She would have to tell them the news of their father, whether she wanted to or not. She wasn't sure how they would take it. If Lori and Lynn were a crying mess, she figured her younger kids would be just as worse.

Arriving at the school Rita saw that all of the kids were being released from the building. Lola and Lana were walking out holding their lunchboxes in hand all while they had a smile plastered on their faces, unknown to the terrible news coming to them. Rita, Lori and Lynn walked out of the SUV all while Howard got out and stood by his car. He left it to the Loud family to break the news, as much as he wanted to help further this was a family crisis.

Rita stared at her twin daughters smiles, knowing that when she tells them the news of their father, those smiles will turn upside down. Lori looked at her mother, she knew exactly what was processing in her mind.

"How do i tell them what happened to their father?" Rita somberly asked. Lola and Lana were both only 6 years old, Rita knew that they wouldn't take this lightly.

As the big sister, Lori decided to comfort her younger twin sisters. She put a hand on her mother's shoulder. "I'll do it mom."

She didn't know what to say. Rita nodded to her oldest daughter, letting her walk up to the twins. Lori approached Lola and Lana, who greeted their older sister with smiles. Lori smiled weakly for them and greeted the two. She bent down to eye level and put a hand on their shoulders. Her left on Lola's and her right on Lana's. Rita could see Lori telling the two what had happened to their father. She couldn't hear her but she could see Lori talking to the two. As predicted, both Lola and Lana's smiles faded into blank expressions, which then turned to lips trembling and eyes tearing up. The two started to cry together to which Lori started to comfort them as the big sister she is. She gave them a smile and told them what seems to be her telling them that they needed to be strong for their father. The twins nodded together and were pulled into a hug.

Lisa, Lucy and Lincoln walked out of the building together. The three were talking about their day at school and how it went. Usually this wasn't a topic they would talk about but it didn't seem to bother them to do so. They spotted their mother from afar along with Lynn by her side. They also spotted Lori, hugging Lola and Lana much to their confusion.

Lynn walked up to the three without saying a word to her mother. Rita was going to stop her but chose not to. She had a gut feeling that Lynn wanted to play the big sister role to the three.

"Hey Lynn, is...everything okay?" Lincoln asked his older sister.

Lynn had her hands in her pocket all while looking down at the pavement. The laughter of children around seemed to be taunting her. Their laughter sounded as if it were mocking their happiness. Truth is she wasn't happy, not of lately at least. She wanted to find a way to drown out their happiness but there was nothing she could do.

"Lynn?" Lucy asked.

"Guys...dad's been in an accident. Mom says it was a car crash...we don't know how he is exactly. We're going to see him today."

The three continued to stare at their older sister with a blank expression. They didn't burst into tears like she, Lori and the twins did much to her dismay.

Lynn got worried. Seeing the three just stand there emotionless was very unnerving. That is until Lincoln nodded and spoke. "Lets go then." He grabbed Lisa's hand. Lisa grabbed Lucy's. Lincoln reached out for Lynn's, who received it the same. The four walked back to the SUV in silence.

Luna met up with Leni and Luan. They all received the same message and chose to meet at the hospital. The three girls met at the same time and comforted each other once they met up. Tears were shed which were calmed down with hugging. On the way to the hospital they didn't say a word.

Luna walked with her axe in it's case that was strapped on her back. Leni walked with an arm around Luan's shoulder. Luna told her band mates the news and mentioned that she wasn't going to have practice at the garage for the day. They all agreed with her, thinking Luna should have some space after what had happened. Leni's friends did the same. They cancelled their plans to the mall and left it to be postponed for another day. Luan didn't have any plans for the day, but needed to make sure that she didn't have any birthday events set up for Funny Business.

They arrived at the hospital just in time for a red SUV to pull up and drop off the rest of the family. Rita went off to pick Lily up after having Lincoln, Lucy and Lisa come along. Lily sensed something was wrong by the way her family looked and acted. While she was still an infant, she still had some sense of knowledge.

The three girls ran up to their mother and gave her a hug. Rita knows well that her children would've reacted to the news pretty bad. Still, as their mother she had to make sure that they would still go on as the wild yet lovable kids they are. She wouldn't want it any other way.

Howard came along with the Loud family. he at least wanted to be there to support them in their time of despair. They all entered the building together.

Inside, the hospital was packed. Everywhere they looked they saw someone who was in need of medical attention. They thought maybe that flu was taking a bigger till than expected. They weren't too sure if that's the case. Rita approached the receptionist and asked for directions to her husband's receptionist seemed to be in a hurry taking calls. She looked at the list and quickly told them the room number for Lynn Loud Sr.

The halls were even more crowded. With doctors and nurses alike. Patients were coming in and out of each room. It seemed like a really busy day. They arrived at the room to which a doctor was just about to enter. It was Dr. Ritter, who was on the phone with Rita earlier. His tall slender appearance and grey hair made it seem like he was the same person Rita talked with.

"Ah, Rita i presume?" He asked holding a clipboard.

"Yes that's me."

He looked at the Loud children. "And they are?...Your kids?"

"All 11 of them." she replied nonchalantly unbeknownst to his questionable matter.

"Oh i see...quite a handful of children i'd say. Anyways i assume you're here to visit your husband?"

"Yes! Doctor is he alright?"

"Is daddy okay?!"

"What is the current status of my father?"

"Please! How is he?"

Dr. Ritter was bombarded with questions back and forth. He seemed to be trying to hide behind his clipboard from the mob of questioning children. Rita stepped in as soon as she saw that things were getting out of hand.

"KIDS! Please!" The kids all went silent. "Thank you." She turned back to Dr. Ritter who was still hiding his face behind the clipboard. "Dr. Ritter i apologize for all of that. My kids are just so worried about their father. Please, how is he?"

He moved the clipboard away from his face. 'Ah yes, it's quite alright. It's normal for a child to be worried of a loved one in a terrible situation as this."

He walked over to the counter to set his clipboard down. "Mrs Loud, we have found that his hevier injuries has become to be in critical state. His legs have been severely damaged in the crash. It seems that the car itself may have crushed them. He won't be walking for a while, give it a week or so, but by that time I can allow him to be discharged and return home. The best thing I can say is that he will need plenty of rest. He'll be taken care of here for the week and when he returns home it would be best if your husband takes it easy when he walks. For the most part he will be fine, but he's staying for a week for that matter."

It hurts to know that someone you care deeply for is in such a depressing state. They were lucky enough to know that he won't be paralyzed. They can only hope for the best as of now.

"You can all visit him if you'd like, just be very careful. He is still in pain. And try not to cause a scene please. Every staff here is extremely busy, we've been getting patients in like flies." Dr. Ritter informed.

Lincoln was quick to jump into a question. "Is it with that disease going around?"

Lynn jumped in as well "Yeah, we've been hearing a lot about that lately. What's with that anyways?"

Like a never ending cycle, the rest of the sisters with the exception of Lily and Lisa all start to question the doctor.

"KIDS! Please! Enough!" Their mother yelled. They all silenced.

"As far as I know kids, I'm not sure. I'd say that's still a mystery science has to solve. Anyways I must be going along before I hear it later today. Please everyone, be careful, don't break anything and be gentle. Your father can't receive any more injuries as of this point." They all agreed to the doctor's request. When the doctor walked away they all proceeded inside.

Upon entering the hospital room, they noticed that it seemed very peaceful. Outside in the halls the noise was raising to be even louder than the loud house itself, however that wasn't the case here. It was quiet. The sunlight's rays shined through the room, giving more light on everything. A single bed was shown to be housed by an injured and sleepy Lynn Loud Sr. who was wrapped with bandages on his arms and legs. He turned to his left and opened his eyes slightly, only to see his family and Howard McBride in the doorway. They all slowly walked up to him, trying not to crowd him and mob him with questions. It seemed like they waited for him to speak.

"Hey fam. Hey there Howard, nice to see you again." He said weakly.

"It's good to see you too Lynn."

Rita held a hand to Lynn's lap. "Hey honey, how are you feeling?"

"Terrible, but it's not as bad as it was earlier this morning." He turned to his children. "Hey kids, how is everyone?"

Lori spoke up "We're doing fine, knowing you're okay dad."

"Don't feel bad kids, this was an accident." He managed to give them a smile.

Lisa walked up to where his X-rays were left over, seeing his bones in critical conditions. She thought about something before she finally remembered. She happened to have something to help her father, Now it's only a matter of time to get home and retrieve it.

"So dad, are you okay to walk?" Lincoln asked.

"Sorta, my legs still hurt pretty bad but i think i can still walk. It's gonna take more than a car crash to paralyze this man here." He said in a light hearted tone. He managed to make his family smile in that bad attempt of humor, still it worked.

"Pops, are you sure?" asked Luna. The tone in her voice was desperate form some answer. She wanted to be sure that her father was okay. He turned to his third oldest daughter "I'm positive honey, as a matter of fact i think I'll be good by tomorrow. I'll just rest up for another week and then come back home with you guys."

His kids were relieved, and his wife was now calm. They would only have to wait a week to see their father again which wasn't so bad when they thought about it. Sure the house will be empty with one less family member but they'll make it through the week. At least they can visit him in that time period.

Rita then remembered something. "Honey, do you know anything about what happened to the van?"

Lynn Sr. tried remembering vaguely abut the whereabouts of his first car. "They must've towed it or something? I think we'll need to call the place and ask about it."

"I'll do it today when we get home." Rita replied.

The 11 kids all surrounded their father in a soft and careful group hug to which he gracefully accepted. He wanted to ensure his family that he'll be okay. When his kids let go his wife walked up to him and gave a hug that came from her heart. She gave him a kiss on the forehead and wished him well.

Howard drove the Louds home after their visit to the hospital. Rita gave her thanks to the man for everything. She promised to return any gratitude whenever he is in need of aid. Howard simply told Rita that he was doing what he thought was right. She couldn't have asked for a better friend.

Lincoln went up to his room and threw his bag under his desk. He was a bit exhausted from today so he went on to lay in bed. He then remembered that he made plans with Clyde to hang out at the arcade today, but with the recent incident he never told his wing man why he never showed up or told him why. He reached for his radio and called for his best friend, hoping that he was still available to answer.

He spoke into the radio. "Clyde! Come in Clyde!"

For a few seconds it was silent on the other end, until a voice replied to his call. "I'm here Lincoln. What happened? We were supposed to hang out at the arcade today?"

"I'm really sorry buddy, but things recently were sorta...bad. My dad was in an accident and we went to visit him at the hospital. I'm sorry i couldn't tell you any sooner."

"That's okay Lincoln. I'm sorry about your dad. I hope he's doing okay." He responded sympathetically.

"Thanks pal, he's doing good i believe. He's coming back home tomorrow but he won't be able to do as much as he used to, probably for a while too."

"Well if you ever need any support just know that i'm here for you buddy." Clyde spoke

"Thanks Clyde, i couldn't ask for a better best friend. Hey whaddya say we go to the arcade tomorrow?"

"That sounds good to me, I'll meet you around noon at your place."

"Sounds like a plan, over and out."

After their chat on the radio Lincoln proceeded to lay in bed. It was still early so he was unsure of what to do for the rest of the day. He figured maybe a little nap will get him on track. He laid back and closed his eyes.

Luna was a bit bummed that she had to cancel today's practice. Her band told her that they would give her today to give her some space after what had happened. She ensured that her father was alright and that he was coming home. They wished her the best of luck. She was too excited for the mall gig, it's the biggest one she's had. This was her chance to finally score her big break and move further into the music industry.

She had lyrics written and notes all checked. This had to be perfect, who knew what kind of person had their eyes for new talent. She was looking forward to follow the footsteps of her idol, Mick Swagger. Maybe he'll be there for all she knew. He did make an appearance at the family fair a while back, the man was full of surprises.

She just hoped that there would be a big crowd considering that the news of that new sickness was scaring people. Sam was right, it was probably all nonsense just like Ebola and Zika. They scared people off for a while before it was unheard of again. For all she knew, this could've been the same case. This whole thing should be over a month or so from now.

Yet again maybe all of Royal Woods would've taken this seriously. She remembers when the news of that crazed killer, Eric Wayne Freeman, was on the loose in Royal Woods. People were scared to go outside. His whereabouts are still unknown but for all she knew he was either dead in a ditch or the law finally caught up to him. She didn't care really, all she cared about was her possible future that the mall gig can shine the spotlight.

Her phone started to vibrate. She picked up her phone and saw that Sam was calling. She must have been worried about Luna since she left school.

"Hey Sam." She answered.

"Luna! How's everything? How's your day? Is he okay?"

"He's doing okay. He won't be back for a week which is a bummer. But we'll see him again. Hey Sam look... I'm sorry I had to bail on band practice... I know how important this gig is-"

"Hey don't worry about it. Family is more important and from what you told me I knew it was some serious stuff. Besides we still got some time to get ready."

"I suppose. So where did you guys end up going?" She curiously asked. Since they couldn't use the garage, she wondered where the band voted to go.

"Well George's rents were gone for the weekend, he has the house all to himself. He suggested that we take this chance so we did. We did a good run in practice but it isn't any better without the moon shining down on everyone."

Luna smiled at that. Sam really did have a choice of words. She was happy for them of course.

"Thanks dude, that really brightened up my day."

"Well we all need to be in those happy moments, even during something like this."

"Couldn't agree more brah."

A couple doors down Lisa was frantically searching her cabinet. "Where is it? I know i had it here!"

She knocked over empty tubes and glass flasks, to which she'd clean up later before Lily plays with the shattered remains. Lisa had knocked over books and papers looking for her item, she just couldn't remember where she left it.

After what seemed forever she had found it in her desk. She had a small vial with a blue colored liquid filled to the top with a cork closing it in. It was fairly small but she knows that it was capable of more.

"I knew you were hiding somewhere! Now we finally put you to use." she said. Lisa took the vial and poured its contents into an empty Gatorade bottle she took from Lynn. She closed the top and set it on her desk.

"The prototype proved to be completely successful when Lynn broke her knee just a few weeks back, but yet again that was merely a minor injury that only needed a week to heal. Father unit's injuries may take more than a week to restore to health. I just hope you prove worthy of yourself."

Her stomach growled. She seemed to be hungry. "Hmm i am in a mood for one of Lincoln's PBJ sandwich customs, i should request his presence." She told herself as she walked out of her room into the hall.

She approached Lincoln's door and opened it slightly. Upon taking a peak at the linen closet she found her older brother sleeping on his bed.

"He is in a state of slumber i presume. Oh well, i should probably leave him be for the moment. He must be exhausted from today. I hope your slumber is in excellence eldest brother."

She silently closed the door. When she turned around she jumped in fear from Lucy's apparent jump scare. Lucy didn't flinch as always, she just watched Lisa jump in fear and waited for her to be in the right moment to speak.

"My goodness gracious!" Lisa shouted.

"What were you doing in Lincoln's room?" Lucy asked with her usual tone in voice.

"I simply went to request Lincoln to make me one of his PBJ sandwiches. I was getting malnourished for a moment. I didn't know he was in a current state of slumber so i simply left him to be alone." Lisa said adjusting her glasses.

"You know...i could make one for you." Lucy suggested.

"You can? Well i am simply used to our elder brother making them for me. He has a mysterious strategy in making them to complete perfection. How would you be able to match his excellence?"

Lucy shrugged. "I've seen him make them before. It's not as hard as you'd think it is."

"Well i don't want to disturb him from his slumber, so i guess i could use your help. But why would you want to help me make them?" Lisa asked. It wasn't everyday Lucy would offer to help Lisa with something she doesn't do on a normal basis. Lucy offering to make her one of Lincoln's PBJ style sandwich was odd for the toddler.

"Why not? I may be silent and isolated on the outside, but that doesn't mean i wouldn't care to help one of my younger sisters." She said.

"I suppose that's fair. But...Thank you Lucy. I appreciate your effort in helping me."

"Your welcome, now come on. I'll show you what I've learned from Lincoln making them in the kitchen." She put an arm around Lisa's shoulder and walked her downstairs to the kitchen.

A/N: Welcome to chapter 2 everyone. I know it seems slow but i just want to make a build up to the outbreak before we go straight into the apocalypse. I'll tell you this now, we are now chapter short to reaching the beginning of the end. If you believe there are some OOC moments with some of the characters then I don't know what else to say other than that I believe this would be a realistic approach to certain things. I'm just trying to put a bit of realism into this story. We've got a long journey ahead of us folks, stick close and you'll see how it all plays out. Till the next chapter, FrostbiteFear out.

P.S. I wonder if you folks can spot a little Flagg1991 easter egg i put in this chapter. For all you Flagg readers this should be an easy one for you. I hope.