Happy late New Year y'all! hope y'all enjoy this one!
Chapter 10: Ambition
Part I - A Playful Companion
-One Month Later-
The Sun shines through the gloomy sky, the wind blowing softly throughout Houlton. JuJu is in his garage doing pull-ups on the squat rack in the corner of the room. He's wearing a black beanie with his dreads hanging from each side, a gray long-sleeve T-shirt, scuffed white sneakers, and gray, baggy sweatpants. When he goes up and down, counting his reps, he hears footsteps behind him.
"Yo! Cali Boy!" says the voice.
JuJu drops from the bar, wipes his hands with a towel, and turns his body to see that it's Lynn. She's wearing a bright red pullover hoodie, black joggers, and black sneakers.
"Cali Boy?" JuJu says with a smile. "That's a new one."
"Well, you are from California, right?" Lynn smirks. "Not a fan of it?"
"Eh, don't care all that much. What's up?"
"Nothing really, just fighting for our lives like always, ya know?"
"True that."
After a couple of seconds of silence, Lynn breaks it.
"How are you doing JuJu?" She asks. "You okay? You haven't talked much recently."
JuJu thinks about what he experienced in the past weeks. Byron's death, Emmanuel's death, his mental state changing, and so on. He crosses his arms and leans against the squat rack and runs one hand through his dreads hanging from the side of his head.
"You know me LJ, still hanging in there… No pain, no gain right?"
"Bro, I know you. Don't hide it. You know it's not healthy."
JuJu sighs again before speaking.
"It's just the pain of loss, Lynn. I'm tired of losing people. Byron, Emmanuel, CiCi, my little sister, my Mom… I can't take any more loss. God forbid if it's you or Marcus next. I don't know what I'll do."
"JuJu, you know me, man. It's gonna take some effort to take me down."
He lets out a small chuckle.
"Yeah, you're right LJ, you're one of the strongest people I know."
Lynn smiles back at him and places a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"We've been through a lot, but we're still here. And we're still fighting. You don't have to carry it all on your own."
JuJu nods, appreciating the support.
"I just feel like I need to be strong for everyone, you know? For Marcus, for you, for everyone who's still standing."
Lynn gives him a small smile.
"You are strong, JuJu. But being strong doesn't mean you can't lean on others when you need to. We're a team, and we've got each other's backs."
As they talk, Marcus enters the garage, a serious expression on his face. He glances at JuJu and Lynn, sensing the weight of the conversation.
"What's going on?" Marcus asks.
JuJu takes a deep breath.
"Just talking, man. Lynn checking in on me, making sure I'm not losing my mind."
Marcus nods.
"It's important to talk, Little bro. We can't afford to keep things to ourselves in times like these."
Lynn chimes in.
"We've lost people we care about, but that doesn't mean we're alone in this. We've got each other. We're a family, and families support each other."
The trio shares a moment of solidarity, understanding the gravity of the challenges they face. Outside, the sun continues to cast its warm glow over Houlton, a stark contrast to the struggles that persist within the community.
"Let's keep each other strong," Marcus says, breaking the brief silence. "We'll get through this together."
And with renewed determination, they prepare for another day in a world that demands their resilience. As they exit the garage, the sun's rays seem to symbolize the hope that persists even in the darkest of times. Marcus goes back into the house and leaves the two to be alone together.
Lynn turns back to JuJu, giving him a playful grin.
"So, Cali Boy," she winks. "Got any plans for today?"
JuJu smirks back, trying to hide his blushing.
"Well, besides busting my ass every day, I've been thinking about heading out and getting a few supplies. Like canned food and stuff. You in?"
"Sure, I'm up for it. But JuJu, you know you gotta take a break once in a while, right? I know being active and constantly fighting is a benefit for us, I get that, you just gotta take it easy bro."
"I'll take a break when Roamers stop walking the Earth."
Lynn chuckles softly.
"Fair enough JuJu. Let me get my bow real quick. Meet back here in a bit?"
JuJu nods before wiping sweat off his face with the towel in his hand and goes into the house to grab his weapons.
After some time, Lynn meets up with JuJu at the front of the house with her bow around her shoulder and her quiver on her back. JuJu has his revolver on his side and his Honey Badger rifle over his shoulder on a sling.
As they're walking together, JuJu can't help but appreciate the time he has had with Lynn, ever since they met in Detroit. He still hopes to make her his girlfriend one day.
"Lynn?" JuJu asks as they exit the walls. "Can I ask you something?"
Lynn turns her head, her blue eyes focused on her friend.
"What's up, bro?"
"What was your dream before the world went to shit? Like your future?"
Lynn looks down and runs a hand through her bangs.
"Well, of course, a professional athlete. But to be specific, I wanted to be in the Olympics as a sprinter. I loved running, and I was the fastest person at my school. Why do you ask?"
"Just curious."
"What about you JuJu? What was yours?"
"I always wanted to play in the NFL… Football, as you already know, has been my life. I don't think I ever told you, but I went to the University of Michigan for an unofficial visit like a day or two before the world ended."
"No way, are you serious? How come you're telling me this now? That's awesome dude! What was it like? Did you meet Jim Harbaugh?"
"Yeah. It was pretty dope. I wanted to commit there, but I had to wait until I was a Junior."
Lynn's eyes widen in surprise.
"Wait, so you were on the path to playing college football? That's incredible, JuJu!"
JuJu nods, a mixture of nostalgia and regret in his eyes.
"Yeah, things were different back then. I had big dreams, but life had its plans. Once everything fell apart, my dreams shifted from football stadiums to survival in this messed-up world."
Lynn puts a comforting hand on JuJu's shoulder.
"You're still a warrior, JuJu, just in a different arena. And who knows, maybe one day, you might get to play ball again."
He manages a small smile, appreciating Lynn's optimism.
"Yeah, I hope so, but dreams will be dreams..."
As they venture further into the desolate streets outside the walls of the community, the remnants of the world they once knew, they navigate the abandoned stores and houses with caution. They move silently, alert to any signs of danger. Occasionally hearing growls from Roamers in the distance.
As they enter a grocery store, they work efficiently, grabbing canned goods, water bottles, and other essential supplies. Lynn uses her bow to silently take down a Roamer that wandered too close, and JuJu keeps watch, his eyes scanning their surroundings. They then heard a growl that didn't sound right.
"Did you hear that?" says Lynn.
"Yeah, I did. That didn't sound like a roamer."
They look through the aisles and they find a scared, small, malnourished German Shepherd among the shelves.
"Lynn, it's a dog."
JuJu walks up closer to it and the dog backs up in fear.
"Poor thing," Lynn says as she walks behind JuJu. "He's so little."
JuJu takes out a water bottle and takes a cup from one of the shelves to pour water for the dog.
"Here boy, I'm not gonna hurt you… Have some water."
The dog walks up slowly and starts to stick his tongue in the cup. JuJu then slowly pets the dog as it keeps drinking the water.
"You got any fruit or something to give him to eat Lynn?" He says to her.
"Uh, yeah, let me see."
She gets on a knee and opens her backpack to look for something the dog can snack on.
"Oh!" She says. "I got some apple slices."
"That'll work. Thanks, LJ."
Lynn smiles as she takes out the bag of apple slices and gives one to the dog. As the dog eats it, Lynn pets it as well and it starts to lick Her hand.
JuJu smiles as he watches the scene unfold. Lynn turns her head and smiles back at him.
"Should we take him with us? He's too small to be alone out here," Lynn asks.
"I don't see why not. What should we name him? He doesn't have a collar on him."
Lynn thinks for a little bit, the dog sitting on his hind legs, sticking his tongue out and wagging his tail happily.
"How about Lucky?" Lynn says. "I mean, he's lucky we found him right?"
"That could work. Lucky it is. He'd be a good friend for Kimi, don't you think?"
"Kimi?"
"Yeah, Hana's dog, remember?"
"Oh! Yeah, you're right."
The two of them then stand up and they walk together as Lucky follows them, staying close and occasionally nuzzling his head near Lynn's leg.
After some time, the three walk along the road, occasionally glancing at Lucky happily trotting next to them. JuJu takes out his rifle, preparing himself for any dangers on the way back to Houlton. He sees a few Roamers in the distance and shoots them both in the head with his suppressed rifle.
"Nice shot bro," Lynn says as she nudges him.
"Thanks, LJ," JuJu replies. "I've been practicing to be a better shot."
"Well, it's working."
He smiles as they approach the walls, meeting Marcus at the front.
"Yo," he says. "Where have y'all… Who's this?"
Lynn introduces Lucky and explains how they found him in the grocery store.
"Well damn," Marcus says as he pets Lucky. "Welcome to your new home Lil' Homie."
Suddenly, Lana walks near them and sees the puppy.
"Oh my gosh!" She says. "He's so cute! What's his name?"
"This is Lucky," JuJu says. "Me and Lynn found him scared in a grocery store."
"That's so cool! Was he alone?"
"Yeah, he was in the store all scared. We couldn't just leave the little dude there to die."
"True. Well, I hope he'll bring us a lot of luck."
"I bet he'll bring us lots, Sis." Lynn chimes in as she gets on a knee and pets Lucky again.
Lana chuckles before petting Lucky as well.
"Hey, can I play with him for a little bit?" She asks.
"Sure Lana," JuJu replies. "Go ahead."
"Thanks!"
Lana calls Lucky to play with her and he goes and follows her.
JuJu smiles as he watches the little dog play with Lana before turning and facing Lynn.
"Hey," He says in a slightly broken voice, "Lana reminds me a lot of my little sister. Her positive energy, caring for others, and her love for animals…I still can't believe she's gone, so young…"
"I know JuJu," Lynn says as she puts a hand on his shoulder. "People are assholes man, but look, she'd be so proud of you right now. Even your mom.
She then playfully hits JuJu's chest.
"Stay strong man, for me, Marcus, the group, even Lucky."
JuJu nods and takes a deep breath, appreciating Lynn's support.
"You're right. I can't dwell on the past, it won't change anything."
Days pass as Lucky becomes a beloved member of the community. He roams freely around Houlton each day, either playing with Kimi, being with JuJu as he works out in the garage, or jogging around the community, and even out on patrols with Lynn, building up his protectiveness for when he gets bigger. He gives reminders to other survivors that even in the darkest of times, moments of happiness and companionship can emerge.
As the Sun sets over Houlton one night, JuJu and others stand around a makeshift bonfire as he leans against a wall, watching Lucky chase a ball around while playing with other kids. He looks to his right and sees Lynn walking towards him.
"Who would've thought huh JuJu? Lucky's a star here."
"Yeah," he replies. "Life always finds ways to surprise us."
Lynn smiles at JuJu.
"Seeing him play with the others, it brings back memories of time before the outbreak ya know? The good times."
"Yeah, one step closer to a normal life I guess."
"Hey, we're creating our version of 'normal' right here. We're building something great here. No matter how far away from home we both are."
JuJu smiles again as he glances back at Lucky, still playing with a ball.
"Hey Lynn?" JuJu continues.
Lynn looks back up at JuJu, having all of her attention.
"I don't know where I'd be without y'all. You, your siblings, Marcus, and the rest of the group. Y'all will forever be family to me."
"I think I know what you'll be doing. Probably still doing pull-ups until the end of time in that garage," Lynn says jokingly. "But for real, you're family just as much as anyone else dude. Don't think otherwise."
"Hey, I always gotta be fit, you know this. Speaking of which, how about a little competition then? I bet I can do more pull-ups than you."
"Oh! You're on Cali Boy! Did you forget who I am? No one can beat the great Lynn Loud Junior!"
The two laugh as they both walk toward JuJu's garage. Lucky stops playing with the ball and follows them as well, trotting without a care in the world.
And so, as the sun dips below the horizon, casting long shadows over Houlton, the residents of the community find solace in the simple joys of friendship, shared laughter, and the unwavering loyalty of a little dog named Lucky.