It was almost sunset when Rosey finally returned to the old couple's home. There were no zombies nearby, so she hoped that meant they were okay. She ran up to the front door and knocked. Hopefully that was a good enough signal. Rosey waited for them to answer. And finally, she saw Harriet opening their door with a big smile.

"Man alive! Rosey! Your back!" She hugged her like a long lost relative. "I was so worried 'bout you that I about asked Wilbert to get the car and drive us on over!"

Rosey laughed it off. "I almost wished you did… I have the medicine."

"Aw, Ah knew you could do it! Ah knew!" She pulled Rosey inside, "Come on, I cooked up some chicken. Least Ah could do for you if yuh came back!"

Wilbert looked up at her from the dining table and squinted at her then sniffed and looked away. He might have looked a tad relived. It was impossible to tell for Rosey. She was guided to a chair then got a plate placed in front of her. She would be lying if she said she didn't want it. and with the grumbling in her stomach, she knew it was time to give in and eat. She set the medication on the table and put Pequod on a chair beside her then washed her hands with a baby wipe from her bag. She didn't waste any time to eat after that.

"Ah, don't suppose yer plants eats chicken… does he?" Harriet asked cautiously.

"Um… I don't think so. Do you, Pequod?" Rosey asked.

"huh?" Pequod made a quizzical kazoo then shook his head and seemed to rant on it for a few seconds.

"Yeah, no… He doesn't."

"Di'n't think so," Harriet said as she set some food down for her and her husband. It was then Harriet actually took time to look at Rosey. "Oh, my lands. Rosey, you're a bit of a mess. What happened?"

Rosey sighed. "I… don't want to talk about it… Still a little shaken up."

"Ah understand," Harriet pat her hand then continued to eat in silence.

The table was quiet as they ate. Rosey had just about finished when Wilbert finally spoke. He cleaned his hands off with a napkin and set them on the table. "A promise is a promise. You got the meds for Atticus. We'll take you past the city the long way. Less zombies that way. We'll put the bike in the back 'a mah truck so you can take it when we drop y'all off. We cain't take you too far. But we can make up f'r yer lost time. We don't got much gas 'n 'or truck, but we know a gas station that'll do jus' fine. When you wanna leave?"

"Wilbert!" Harriet stopped him, "She's exhausted. Let 'er stay the night! It's almost sun down!"

"That's why Ah gave 'er the choice!" Wilbert glared. He gave Rosey a glare too then lifted a brow. "Well?"

Rosey looked outside. She wasn't sure what would be a good idea. Staying the night then making up for the lost time tomorrow? Or just going now. She weighed the optioned quickly. Wilbert wasn't a patient man. Rosey eyed Pequod who let out a loud yawn as if he were blasting a trumpet. But he shook his head and began looking around the room again apparently not paying any mind to the competition. In the end, rest sounded better. And Rosey wanted to recover from today's scare.

"I guess staying the night wouldn't be too bad… if you'll let me."

Harriet was ecstatic, but Wilbert was indifferent. "Fine. There's a room upstairs you can use. Jus' don't make a mess."

"And don't forget to make yerselves at home," Harriet added. Rosey thanked them then stood up to take her plate. "Oh, don't worry none about that, dear. Ah'll take care of it."

"Thanks again," Rosey smiled as she picked Pequod up and wrapped her bag around her back. "Come on, Pequod."

Rosey climbed the stairs to the guest room and sat Pequod on the nightstand. She sat on the bed, laid the bag up against the foot, and took her boots off. She huffed when she finally laid on top of it then curled into a fetal position taking out her purple bandana and picking a corner to chew. She was facing a way from Pequod. He kazooed a question, but it didn't take knowing his language to understand he was checking on her.

"I'm okay, Pequod… I'm just tired," Rosey sighed taking out her bandana and playing with it. She unfolded it all the way then began wrapping it around one hand and gnaw at the portion on her pointer finger. As he started pressing the matter, she guessed, she understood she wasn't fooling him. Even for a plant, he was quite observant, and he could tell she wasn't doing well. So, he said something else. Rosey sighed again, extending the bandana, and flicked it with one hand as she sat up. She tossed her feet over the bed and faced him. Truthfully, she owed him this explanation. She did just leave him out in the open to face a giant zombie alone.

"I guess your probably wondering what got to me at the vet, right?" He nodded twice. Rosey sighed for the third time and picked him up, so his pot was sitting on her lap, and she began playing with his soil. "Well, about a year and a half ago, I lost my parents. When that giant zombie was stomping around, I panicked. I guess I felt like whatever turned my parents into zombies came looking for me too." She shook her head and flicked the bits of soil she had gripped with her fingertips back into the flower pot. "I shouldn't have left you like that. I was just so scared…" Rosey started to trace the scratch mark on Pequod's face. "My dad told me to hide under a desk if I was scared. Right before he and my mom disappeared. Two years later and I'm still hiding…"

Pequod spoke softly, to her as she was nearly brought to tears. She wished she could understand him. Whatever he said, she probably needed it. She needed someone to talk to, to encourage her. Pequod tried his hardest, but he just couldn't say more than a kazoo hum. But he placed his head into her chest like a hug and that actually sufficed.

"I wish I was as brave as you, Pequod," Rosey said, hugging his big head and caressing the little leaves on his head. Pequod tried to retort her, but as always, she was oblivious.

Rosey yawned and set Pequod back on the night stand then picked up her bandana and wrapped it around her hand again. "I think, It's about time to turn in for the day. It's not really night yet, but… I could use the extra sleep." She scooted back and laid down then covered herself up. "Good night, Pequod… And thanks again… I don't think I would have lasted much longer without you." Pequod smiled and kazooed a good night then continued to stand watch over her while she slept.

Rosey awoke a bit early in the morning thanks to the early night. She heard Pequod humming quietly to himself. It was the same tune from yesterday. It was probably the only song he knew. Rosey yawned and turned to look at him. She smiled as she saw him still looking back and forth at the room like the faithful guardian he was. He looked left and straight, bouncing to the tempo of his little tune, then right and straight again. It was kind of cute. But then Rosey noticed a little elephant in the room. He was taller! And she could see two little green leaves growing on his stem. They were hardly more than an inch, but they were coming in nicely. He must be still growing! She excitedly concluded. She could only imagine how strong he could be when "fully grown."

"Morning Pequod," She said, sitting up then gave him a large grin. "Hey, you're looking taller!" Pequod let out a quizzical kazoo then looked down and wiggled his tiny leaves. Rosey giggled. It looked absolutely comical to see him wiggle the tiny leaves and jump in excitement. It reminded her of a T-Rex. "Got some new leaves coming in too. Isn't that exciting?" Pequod started ranting as he managed to make the pot twitch with his flailing. "Yeah, I bet it is." She stood up and picked him up. "How about some water?" Pequod nodded affirmatively.

Rosey cupped her hands beneath the faucet and poured the water over his head. He seemed to enjoy that. She did it a few times to make sure he was properly hydrated. Then she dumped all his loosened soil from her backpack back into his pot. Mostly to clean out the bag, but, so long as the soil was still good, it would keep him a healthy, happy plant. She checked over her supplies once more and prepared to leave. She wanted to make sure she left the room better than when she got it. After making the bed and putting on her boots, she did a final once over to be sure and gave a nod of approval. All was packed, her bandana was in her pocket, backpack in her hand, and Pequod was in her bag. Perfect.

"Okay, Pequod, it looks like we're back on the road." Rosey left the room and climbed down the stairs. Wilbert was enjoying a cup of coffee, Harriet was cooking breakfast, and Atticus was laying next to Wilbert's feet. "Good morning."

"Good mornin,' Rosey," Harriet greeted warmly. "I've just finished with Breakfast. How 'bout some before you leave?"

"Thank you, I would love some," Rosey smiled. She sat down at the table and set her bag and Pequod in the chair beside her."

"Atticus is doin' much better now," Harriet said joyfully, "He actually played a little with his favorite toy! Thank you so much f'r doin' that f'r us."

Rosey smiled and pat her bag. "Pequod did most of the hard work. Believe me. But I'm glad Atticus is doing well." Atticus jumped up on Pequod's chair as if called then started to sniff at Pequod. Pequod was happy to see him. He kazooed a hello at the black cat and leaned in as it pressed its head against him like Pequod was trying to pet him. Rosey giggled and pet Atticus' head as he needed his paws on her bag. "Good kitty."

Rosey caught Wilbert watching them, but he wasn't scowling like he did yesterday. He made a little, "Feh," and got back to reading a newspaper. A very old newspaper. Rosey smiled to herself. If she didn't know any better, she'd say Wilbert was starting to warm up to them.

"Here you are, darlin'," Harriet set a plat of what she thought were pancakes. "Flitter bread, fresh from the skillet. Enjoy."

"Thank you so much," Rosey smiled as she started to butter the bread up. "She poured some syrup over top then took a bite. "Mm, these are some great pancakes, Miss Harriet."

"Flitter bread," Harriet proudly corrected. "They're a little different, darlin'. Much easier to make 'n much better if you ask me. 'Specially with a hint 'o vanilla inside."

"Heh," Wilbert scoffed then he took a drink of his coffee. "Kids 'n pancakes. Heh."

Rosey smiled in response then began to eat again. She finished rather quickly since the flitter bread wasn't very big. But she did have three of them, so she was full.

Seeing as she was done, Wilbert put his paper down then cleared his throat. "Lemme see that there map 'a yers."

She pulled the map out and placed it on the table. Wilbert looked it over and pulled out some glasses. He looked it over and nodded. "Hmph. Yup. We might be able tuh take yah 'bout a good hour 'a drivin' up north. We'll drop yuh off at this spot here. Gas station we'll visit is jus' right there and it'll be a good spot f'r us to fill the old truck up and get you on yer way."

Rosey tensed but put on a smile. Sure, the trip seemed to take off a chunk of the journey, but… there was still so much to bike after that. There was no guarantee she'd be able to keep the bike, even if she stayed on Kernel Corn's suggested road. She traveled a whole country on foot since she was ten, this was easier than that by all accounts. But after all she encountered in the last two days, she was less confident in her chances than she was when all there was to zombies was walking around in hordes and chanting "brainz" all the time.

"Uh, yeah… great! Thanks for… doing this. Your helping me out a lot." She was sor to lying through her teeth. For what she had to do for them, she suddenly felt like she got the bad end of the deal. But she was too nervous to bargain for longer distance. Especially since they were so old.

"Hmph." Wilbert folded the map then gave it back to her and got up. "I'll get the truck ready 'n load the bike in the back. Don't take too long, Harriet. And you come whenever you like."

"I'll be right out, honey. You mind helpin' him with the bike? I swear, he thinks he still fifty," Harriet laughed.

"I'll help him," Rosey replied. "Let's go, Pequod." Pequod kazooed affirmatively then both of them met Wilbert outside. He was struggling to get the bike up off the ground and down the stairs. "Here, I'll take it." Rosey took the bike then easily transported it to the truck. Wilbert nodded approvingly then opened the driver's side. She sighed and nodded awkwardly the smacked her lips. "Right then…" She put the bike in the bed of the truck then went around the back to get in on the other side. Wilbert sniffed as he stuck the keys into the truck and tried starting it. It whined and skittered but didn't ignite.

"Darn trash engine. It better not've seized up again."

Rosey gulped quietly then gave Pequod a nervous look. "Uh, is it because it hasn't started in a while or…"

"Doh, this old thing's always been giving me trouble. Come on you stupid machine!" He beat the stirring wheel and it finally roared to life. "Feh! There we go."

Rosey sighed in relief and looked at Pequod once more then got in, setting he rbag on her lap. "Is… Harriet coming with us?"

"Unfortunately, yes," He replied with an impatient sigh. "I tried talkin' her out of it but she's 'bout as stubborn as a mule."

She's no the only one, Rosey thought to herself.

They waited for a sometime before Wilbert had finally impatiently sighed again. "Whut n' tarnation is that woman doin'? She does this every time we go out."

"Maybe she's getting dressed up," Rosey chuckled as a joke. But then Harriet came out wearing a Sunday getup, a purse, and Atticus. Rosey had to register what was happening. She stifled a laugh as she scooted out to let Harriet in, so she'd be sitting next to Wilbert.

"Ah'm here," Harriet said with a big smile. "Sorry Ah kept you waitin'. Ah, Brought Atticus!"

"Land sakes, woman, we're not goin' tuh church!" Wilbert sighed and facepalmed. "And yer really bringin' the cat?"

"Well, we don't git out much now that zombies 'r wanderin' around! Ah'm makin' the most 'a this drive and that's that. Now hurry up, 'cause Rosey don't got time to waste!"

"You don't say…," Wilbert muttered and dragged his hand down his face. Harriet took a seat inside the truck and Rosey jumped in after her. "Alright. You didn't f'rget nothin'?"

Rosey nodded. "I double checked. I've get everything that's mine."

Wilbert sniffed and gave a satisfied nod then put his truck in gear and reversed onto the road. Rosey reclined in her spot of the seat and exhaled. Pequod stared outside the window. His innocent amusement was rather charming to watch. As the outside world started getting faster he staired intently out the window. He had gotten so close that his mouth suction-cupped to the window. He tried to pull away but to no avail.

"Oop, hang on, Pequod," Rosey giggled. She lightly tugged and he let go of the glass with a loud pop. He kazooed a thank you and continued to watch the passing environment at a distance. Rosey giggled again as she leaned against the door and did the same. It had been too long since she had ridden in a car. It was nice to be going somewhere while technically not moving. She was exhausted with walking and even more so with traveling solo. Even if it was temporary, Wilbert and Harriet's company was nice enough.

The drive was quiet. Atticus wandered around the front seat and even rested on Rosey's lap, right next to Pequod. He was taking a nap while enjoying Rosey's stroking. Rosey was never fond of cats before. She considered herself a dog person. But after today, and the amount of time it had been since she'd last seen a pet animal, she was no longer picky. Pequod seemed to enjoy the cat's company the most. Rosey figured that in the short time they had, they'd taken a liking to each other. It seemed apparent enough.

Still, despite all the good that surrounded her now, she knew the limited time she'd have to enjoy it was going to expire in the next hour. It kept her from relaxing. She was glad she had a bike to make the trip easier, but that didn't change the fact she still had about a two days walk ahead of her still. And who knew if she'd run into trouble that made it longer. Worse still, she couldn't expect to always be on the move. She had limits. Especially now that she knew the zombies were able to communicate much like humans could.

Rosey sighed and continued to stare outside the window. All of it was stressful. She just wanted to be done with this journey. Fined a place to live, live peacefully, and maybe pick up and play guitar. Or maybe she'd play piano; she hadn't decided yet. She just knew she wanted to pick up an instrument. Or some other hobby at least. She gave Pequod a glance and a smile grew. Maybe gardening wouldn't be so bad.

Before she knew it, she felt he car slow and turn into an offramp. The gas station was in view. Rosey took a deep breath. It was time to travel the hard way again.

"Here we are," Wilbert sighed. He pulled into the station and parked next to one of the pumps. "You can stick 'round f'r refulin' or git on it. Don't matter to us."

"Wilbert!" Harriet scolded, "Don't be rude!"

Wilbert grunted and hobbled out of the car then started to refuel it. Harriet rolled her eyes and smiled at Rosey then pat her hand. "Shall we, then?"

Rosey gave her a smile back and opened her door. "Come on, Pequod. It's time for us to go."

The both of them scooted out of the car, leaving Atticus alone, who debated whether or not to leave the car. Rosey placed Pequod against the car and took the bike out of the truck bed and started to check its durability. It was an old bike. Had those skinny wheels and oddly shaped handlebar, but it looked alright. Rosey adjusted the seat and sat on it to test it.

"Well? Is it alright?" Harriet asked with a smile.

"It looks fine," Rosey replied. She began to ride circled around the parking lot then returned to Harriet. Pequod watched in excitement. "What do you think, Pequod? Will it get us to Neighborville?" Pequod excitedly agreed. He probably wouldn't really know. He was just a freshly grown plant after all.

"Ah sure hope it does, Rosey. You blessed us yesterday. Ah sure hope we did some'n good f'r you."

Rosey shrugged. She didn't want to be ungrateful. She knew the journey she had ahead of her. But she did, in some way, manage to make up for lost time thanks to them. So, she gave Harriet a smile. "The last time I rode in a car, I was thirteen. Thanks for taking me this far."

Harriet's smile grew. Wilbert only watched as he leaned up against the car. He wasn't very emotional, but he didn't have that big scowl he had before. "We wish you luck, Rosey. Ah do hope you make it to Neighborville."

Rosey wrapped her bag around herself and smiled. "Thanks for everything, Harriet. And you too, Wilbert."

Wilbert grunted and spat then gave her a hand motion to go. "You got a lotta ground to cover, Rosey, now go on! Git!"

"Wilbert!" Harriet scolded again.

Wilbert didn't change his tune, but he did stand up and approach her. "Now you listen here. You and that alien plant watch out f'r yerselves. Y'hear? Don't go letttin' no zombie, alien, 'r werewolves 'r vampires go bitin' you and waste'n our kindness. Eh!" He poked her and sniffed. Wilbert eyed Pequod who looked around and then started right back at him. "Feh!" He threw his hand at them as if to push them away, but it didn't touch either of them. He shoved the map in Rosey's hands and returned to the truck. "Ah don't care none what y'all do. Jus' do it right and get yerselves to Neighborville."

Harriet smiled softly at her husband then shook Rosey's hand and pat her cheek. "That's the nicest thing Ah think Ah ever seen him do. Ah think he likes you."

Rosey scoffed and scratched her head. "I'll take your word for it."

Harriet laughed and pat Pequod's unscathed cheek. "You take care 'a her, y'hear? She's a nice girl, and yer lucky tuh have 'er." Pequod nodded gladly. "Take care now… Good bye, Rosey."

Rosey smiled one last time. "Bye, Harriet."

Both elders mounted the red truck and drove away. Rosey watched them leave then opened her map. There was an "X" where she believed Wilbert Marked the gas station. She took a deep breath and looked back up once more to watch the red truck return to the highway and sputter off. Pequod watched with her then seemingly said something to her.

"I hope they'll be okay, Pequod. They're so old and live alone… I wish they decided to come with instead…" Pequod said something else in response, but Rosey ignored it. "Well… I guess it's time we thought about our own problems… Ready to go?" Pequod nodded eagerly. Rosey's smile grew and she let out a breath. "Okay… then let's go."