This isn't listed in the categories but I think more people should probably give it a chance. It's inspired by the old radio dramas and is about a group of survivors trying to live in a world overrun by zombies. This started out as a recurring dream and I couldn't get it out of my head. The characters are mine and not from We're Alive. I hope you like it. All comments are welcome.

Chapter 5

I left the medical lab before Aenne and Gabriel had completed their round of tests. I needed to speak with one of the caretakers to see if they had room for Hope. I wasn't sure if her staying with us was an ideal living arrangement and needed to be certain she would be well looked after when we were gone. I knew there were other children here with us but it had been so long since I had visited, I wasn't sure what to expect.

"Hailey! This is a surprise! What brings you down here at this hour?" Sarah asked once she spotted me outside the classroom door. She had been a school teacher before this all started and it was only logical that she take charge of the younger kids that are brought in. Every adult had responsibilities and some like Sarah, were given ones they had been trained to do.

"We rescued a little girl today and I was hoping to get her set up with you," I said and looked around the empty room. "She's getting checked out right now but Aenne should be bringing her once she's gotten properly cleaned up and fed."

"Of course! We always have room for new arrivals," she said as she straightened the papers strewn across her desk. "Have her living arrangements been settled yet or does she have a guardian?"

"Unfortunately she does not," I said and crossed my arms, leaning against her desk. "I was wondering if you had anyone in mind to foster her."

"Well most of the couples who were willing to help have already taken in children," she said. "But if you think you can watch her for at least tonight, I can ask around and get back to you as soon as I find out any information."

"You might want to mention she has a dog with her," I added and watched her make a slight face at that bit of information. "That won't be a problem, will it?"

"I'm not entirely sure but I'll ask around. Will you be coming around tomorrow or are you heading out again?" she asked.

"No, we should be sticking around at least for another week or two, depending on the rotation schedule. I'm sure Aenne won't mind sharing her room until you find her a place," I said and headed to the door. "Good night, Sarah."

"Good night, Hai…Moll," she corrected when I stopped and looked back at her.

I made my way slowly back to my room, knowing that Aenne and Gabriel would be done with the exams and most likely getting settled. I started to undress as soon as I walked into my private rooms, throwing clothes at the nearest basket and sat down long enough to kick off my boots and remove my socks. I grabbed my last clean towel and headed into the bathroom, wanting only to get a hot shower before heading down to the common room to get a decent meal.

I stood under the scalding water, trying not to cry over my conversation with my cousin earlier and it brought me back to thoughts of my family. I slid down the tiled wall and sobbed, wishing as I did every night that I could find a safe way back home. I stayed there until the water ran cold and I finally reached up to turn off the water. I stood up shakily and walked out to wrap my towel around me, shivering in cool air. I looked at myself in the steamed over mirror and wiped my hand across the slick surface, sighing as I stared at my blood shot eyes and decided I was not showing my face in the common room.

I dried my long hair as much as possible before wandering back into my bedroom to find something comfortable to wear. I opened my closet and flipped through my choices, settling on a green full skirt with dark brown tank top. I twisted my hair at the back of my neck, twisting it into an impromptu bun as I slipped into some simple sandals and grabbed a shawl that I had hanging on the back of my door.

By now I knew everyone would be settled in the mess hall. There's always a mini celebration when someone new is found, especially after surviving this long after the outbreak. And finding children always called for some happiness but in my sorry state I knew I wouldn't be the best company to be around. I made my way to the offices at the back of the compound, as it was the best way I could get to the roof. It wasn't normally allowed to anyone, but the guards finally got tired of having to tell me not to use the roof access.

I easily climbed the ladder, pulling myself up one rung at a time while holding on tight to my shawl as I pushed the heavy metal hatch up, dreading the loud clang it caused. I wanted to be alone, looking up at the stars as I often did on nights where thoughts of my family haunted me. I headed to the north side of the roof, walking around pipes and various obstacles that separated me from the open spot that I picked out long ago. I pulled out the sleeping bag from a cooler I managed to haul up with me to store a few things in.

I spread the gear out and lay down. I looked up at the distant stars and mapped out every possible road I would need to take that would get me home the fastest, along with towns I would need to bypass in case they were still overrun. It was scenario I often replayed in my head, seeing it all so vividly, I could smell the grass as I drove along with the windows down.

"I often wondered where you disappeared to," a voice startled me out of my thoughts. I turned and looked up at Gabriel, having been so lost in thought that I didn't hear his approach. "I wasn't aware anyone was allowed up here."

"They're not but the guards got tired of chasing me away," I said and sat up, making room for him to sit beside me. He handed me a bottle of cold beer before settling carefully beside me. I twisted off the top and took a sip of the cold brew, watching as he stretched out his long legs. "I often come up here when I need to be alone. Guess I need a new place where no one can find me," I joked as I tapped my bottle against his.

"I don't mean to intrude…" he said and made to get up.

"No, you don't have to go," I said, placing my hand on his arm to keep him from leaving. "It's just…well, this is a little awkward."

"I don't want you to feel pushed into anything, Moll," he said and looked down at my hand on his arm.

"With the way things are, I knew things were bound to cause problems. From what we've seen, there's just so few of us left," I said and watched as he slipped his hand in mind. It was warm and strong, just the way I had imagined it would be. "And I…"

"I know you've been reluctant to get close to anyone and if this makes you uncomfortable, I'm fine with everyone believing what they want," he said and I looked up at him.

"I see the ones we bring in, the ones who have lost a loved one while trying to survive and it breaks my heart," I finally admitted.

He pulled me closer to him and at first I tensed up, not used to being this close to him before relaxing against him. I breathed in the cologne he wore, a scent I could not place but enjoyed it because it reminded me of him.

"I had forgotten what it was like to be held," I said when I moved away.

"I'm sorry," he apologized for his impulsiveness.

"No, it was nice," I reassured him quickly.

"I don't want to rush you, Moll," he said and brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Now will you share with me what brings you up here while everyone is celebrating downstairs?"

I sighed and moved so I could lean on his shoulder, feeling his left arm wrap around my waist as I made myself comfortable next to him. "I was thinking about my family."

"What that argument you were having with your cousin earlier?"

"Yes," I admitted. "I know it's impossible but not knowing what's happening with them is eating away at me. Every night I convince myself that I will find a way home and every morning I convince myself that it's nothing more than a death wish."

"I understand that your father and brothers were in the military."

"They were. If anyone could find a way to remain safe, I would bet on them," I said and smiled, picking up the bottle to take another sip.

"But you still worry about your baby sister," he said.

"I thought of Bethany when we rescued Hope today," I admitted. "She has her same green eyes."

"I was glad we found her when we did. She wouldn't have lasted much longer in the heat, without someone to look out for her," he said and I nodded as I took another sip.

I sat up and laughed as a bit of the liquid overflowed and dripped down the side of my chin. Gabriel reached out his hand to wipe it away and I looked back up at him as he leaned forward to kiss me softly.