Thanks again for all the reviews. This is short, but should give you a pretty clear idea of where we're going...

Joe smirked as he walked through the ruins of the grocery store. His team had to put down at least 20 of those rotters, and there wasn't much to really glean from the store, but there were benefits. If he were being honest, he enjoyed watching his men fight over the last can of chicken soup that had a foot print in it. If nothing else, this would be a good place to camp for the night, before moving on. Joe's team survived mostly as scavengers, picking at small groups or individuals, ripping them of their supplies before moving on. Joe's thoughts were interrupted by the raucous laughter emanating from across the room, as his compatriots kicked and pointed at something on the floor.

"What's so funny, boys?" he smiled, as he sauntered over across the room to join them. Their circle parted to reveal what used to be some poor sap's body, chewed and mostly dissolved by rotters. His ribs were completely visible, with scraps of clothing strewn about around what at one time was a 'him.'

"Poor Bastard got chewed up."

"Least they didn't eat his shoes. Claimed!"

"Nuh-uh, no way, there's not a chance they'd fit you anyway. The only thing bigger than your feet is your damn mouth."

"Yeah, at least I have something big!"

Joe laughed and left the boys to argue it out themselves. He may be the defacto leader of this said group of assholes, but he didn't get as much joy out of standing over a desecrated corpse as they did. He figured that to be him one of these days.

Joe walked aimlessly around the store as he heard the men arguing in the background. He kept his gun aimed, and was kicking around the dirt and debris that littered the store, when he noticed something. He dug the flashlight he had pulled off of a dead rotter lady out of his bag, and shined it against the wall. The letters were faded mud:

We waited as long as we could.
We had to go. The dead and the living surrounded us.
We will try to come back here and find you.
-M&C

There was a response below it.

Have Beth, Daryl is gone.
We're in a Cabin about 8 miles north of here. Follow the Creek.
We'll check back if you don't come.
Please stay safe.
-R&B

Joe grinned to himself, as he lightly ghosted his fingertips across the letters. He had his next target.

Dun Dun Duuuuuun. Let me know what you guys think.