Vol2 chapter 1
A day had passed since the chaos at the CDC. Exhausted and disheartened, Jackson's group gathered around their makeshift camp, unsure of what the future held. Trip spoke up, breaking the heavy silence. "I know of a place," he said, his voice carrying a faint sense of hope. "A farm. It's surrounded by open fields, hard for walkers to overrun. The farmer, Gabriel, and his family have been holding out there. We might be safe."
Jackson saw the glimmer of hope in everyone's eyes and agreed. "Let's go," he said. "We need to keep moving, and if this farm is as secure as you say, it could buy us some time."
The group made their way to the farm, a sprawling stretch of land surrounded by fields that provided a clear line of sight in every direction. As they approached, they were met with a tense standoff. Gabriel, a rugged farmer with a shotgun in hand, stepped forward, his eyes wary. "Stop right there," he commanded, leveling the barrel at Jackson.
Trip stepped up quickly, his hands raised in peace. "It's okay, Gabriel," he said. "It's me, Trip." A moment passed before recognition dawned in Gabriel's eyes, and his hardened expression softened. The two men embraced, and Gabriel agreed to let the group stay on the farm.
Gabriel introduced his family: his wife Patricia, and their two daughters, Maggie and Beth. A warm but weary hope blossomed as Gabriel invited the group to rest and recuperate. "You can stay here," he said, "until the world sets itself right."
That night, they listened to the crackling voice of a military broadcast on the radio. The news was grim. Reports came in of massive hordes of walkers converging from different directions, overwhelming the last line of defense. The military had fought bravely, but the undead numbers were too great. The final words from the broadcast were haunting: "They're coming… we've done all we can… God save us."
Jackson clenched his fists, feeling the loss of his family like a fresh wound. Conrad and Francine sat together, hands entwined, silently mourning the world that was slipping away. Gabriel stood nearby, his eyes shadowed with a deep sadness. "We're going to have to survive without help," he said
The next morning, as the sun rose over the farm, Jackson was approached by Gabriel. The farmer had a haunted look in his eyes. "There's something you should know," Gabriel said. He led Jackson to a large, padlocked barn. "I've been keeping walkers in there," he confessed. "They were once our loved ones… I couldn't let them go. But I realize now it's a danger to all of us."
Jackson took a moment to process this revelation. He knew what had to be done. With Gabriel's permission, Jackson and his group prepared to clear the barn. They stood ready as the doors were opened, and the walkers stumbled out, teeth gnashing and limbs reaching. But Jackson's group was prepared. With practiced precision, they took down the undead, ensuring the barn was finally safe.
The scene shifts to the ruins of the Skinners' camp. Lance Carnage, the ruthless leader, listened to the echo of gunfire carried on the wind. A twisted smile curled on his lips. "I guess we found them," he muttered. The Skinners were already a fractured community, and news of the military's fall only threw them into further chaos. Fights broke out, buildings were set ablaze, and desperation overtook the survivors.
Lance watched the mayhem with cold calculation. He knew that their hope for salvation had been shattered, and violence was the only currency left. "Give it thirty days," he ordered his remaining loyalists. "We'll let them tear each other apart. Then, we'll finish what we started. We'll take the tanks, and we'll crush anyone left standing."
The farm had become a fragile refuge, but danger was never far away. The clock was ticking, and with each passing day, the survivors would have to prepare for the inevitable storm that was coming.
Jackson and the others on the farm, their newfound peace hanging by a thread. In the distance, the first hints of autumn leaves began to fall. But hidden in the shadows, the Skinners were already plotting their next move.
The threat was growing, and as the days counted down, the farm's temporary peace would soon be shattered. All they could do now was prepare for the war that was coming, a fight that could decide their fate in this brutal,
vol2 chapter 2
Day 29 began with an uneasy sunrise. Jackson gathered his group, knowing it was time to fortify Gabriel's farm for the challenges ahead. The farm had served as a sanctuary, but it was far from secure without proper defenses. Jackson knew their old campsite outside Atlanta held valuable supplies: strong fencing, tools, and whatever materials could be salvaged to help rebuild the farm and make it safer.
Morales, Dale, Trucker Bob, and Jackson loaded up into the semi-truck, with Trucker Bob behind the wheel. The drive back to their old base was filled with an uncomfortable silence, each of them haunted by memories of the past. They knew returning to the ruins would be painful, but survival left them no choice.
Chapter 26: The Haunted Campsite
Arriving at the campsite, the scene was a ghostly reminder of everything they had lost. Half-collapsed cabins stood among overgrown grass, and the air was heavy with the scent of decay. Walkers still wandered among the wreckage, groaning aimlessly. The group moved carefully, taking out the undead with swift, practiced efficiency.
Once the area was secure, they began the hard work of salvaging materials. Jackson directed them to gather the strongest fencing still standing and the beams from cabins that hadn't completely fallen apart. Morales and Dale pulled apart old barricades, using every scrap they could find, while Jackson and Trucker Bob reinforced the truck's load, ensuring nothing would fall out on the bumpy return journey.
Jackson took a moment to visit the graves of their fallen friends. The simple markers were weathered, but he whispered a promise to never forget them. The group worked quickly, loading up wood, fencing, nails, and anything that could be useful. As they finished, the weight of the past hung heavy over them, but the urgency to protect their future pushed them forward.
Chapter 27: Rebuilding the Farm
Back at Gabriel's farm, the group returned with their haul of supplies, exhausted but determined. The whole community pitched in to rebuild. Using the salvaged materials, they constructed a sturdy perimeter fence, reinforcing it with extra layers to hold off both walkers and any human threats, like the Skinners.
Under Jackson's guidance, they built simple, solid homes for everyone. Francine and Conrad shared a house, finding a sense of comfort in each other's company. Jeremiah, preferring solitude, built his cabin on the outskirts of the farm, where he could stand guard. Trip and Jess constructed a practical home together, still managing to make it feel warm with the small, meaningful belongings they had saved from before the outbreak.
Jackson worked on his own house near the entrance, where he could keep watch over the farm. Morales and Dale built their cabins side by side, leaning on each other's support. David and Karen, though still mourning the world they had lost, constructed a cozy place to call home. Trucker Bob built a garage next to his living quarters, ensuring the truck and vehicles were always ready for whatever came next.
Chapter 28: Strength in Unity
Gabriel, along with his wife Patricia and daughters Maggie and Beth, helped the newcomers adjust. The farm had transformed into a fortified community, stronger and more hopeful than before. Gabriel approached Jackson one evening, a look of deep gratitude on his face.
"You've done more for us than I could've imagined," Gabriel said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for giving us a fighting chance."
Jackson nodded, but he couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. The radio crackled with grim updates: reports of massive walker hordes moving through Georgia and the military struggling to contain them. It seemed the world was growing darker with each passing day.
Despite the looming threats, the group found solace in small moments—sharing meals together, laughing at old memories, and training to defend their newfound home. The armory they had set up in one of the barns was stocked, and each member of the community took turns practicing with weapons, preparing for whatever might come next.
Chapter 29: Shadows of the Skinners
Unbeknownst to them, danger was indeed drawing closer. The Skinners, a ruthless gang led by Lance Carnage, had caught wind of activity at Gabriel's farm. Hidden in the woods, they watched and waited, planning their next move. Lance knew the military had fallen, and he relished the idea of using their stolen tank to crush any remaining resistance.
"Thirty days," Lance muttered to his crew, his eyes glinting with malicious intent. "Thirty days, and then we take what's ours."
As the sun set on Day 29, Jackson and his group stood together, looking out over the farm they had built from the ashes. Their defenses were strong, their spirits high, but the shadows of the past and the threat of the Skinners loomed ever closer.
The countdown had begun.
Let me know how you'd like to continue, or if there are particular characters or events you want to dive deeper into
Vol2 chapter 3
The sun was setting over the farm, casting long shadows across the fields. Maggie approached Jackson and David with a worried expression. "It's Gabriel," she said, her voice strained. "He's up at the old bar. He hasn't touched a drink since the world fell apart, but… with everything going on, I'm worried he's fallen back into it. If he drinks too much, we could be in serious trouble. We need to get him before anything happens."
Jackson and David exchanged a concerned look but didn't waste any time. They grabbed their weapons and headed to the bar on the outskirts of the small town nearby. The streets were eerily quiet, save for the occasional groan of a wandering walker. They moved cautiously, aware of the danger.
The Bar Encounter
When they arrived at the bar, they found Gabriel sitting at a dusty table, an empty bottle beside him and another half-full in his hand. His eyes were red, and the pain of the world's collapse was etched deeply into his face.
"Gabriel," Jackson called out gently, approaching his old friend. "You need to put the drink down. We have to get back to the farm."
Gabriel looked up, his gaze heavy with sorrow and exhaustion. "What's the point, Jackson?" he muttered. "The world is gone. Everything we knew is gone."
David stepped forward, placing a hand on Gabriel's shoulder. "We're still here," he said. "Maggie, Beth, Patricia… they need you. We all do."
Gabriel hesitated, but before he could respond, the bar door swung open with a bang. Two men, rugged and loud, burst in. They were Irish, and their accents rang clear as one of them laughed, "Well, well, what do we have here, ladies?" They were clearly looking for trouble.
Jackson and David tensed, their hands inching toward their guns. The Irish men's demeanor quickly turned from playful to hostile as they noticed the weapons. One of the Irishmen drew a pistol and aimed it at Gabriel's head, grinning. "Now, no need for any heroics," he said.
A Tense Standoff
Without missing a beat, Jackson and David pulled their guns, aiming at the two Irishmen. The room was thick with tension, fingers hovering over triggers. It was a deadly game of chicken, and everyone knew that one wrong move would lead to bloodshed. Before anyone could act, gunshots erupted outside, echoing through the empty streets.
The Irishmen looked alarmed, and in the moment of distraction, Jackson and David made their move. A quick scuffle broke out, and Jackson managed to knock one of the Irishmen's guns away, sending it skidding across the bar floor. David elbowed the other man in the gut, and before the Irishmen could recover, Jackson and David aimed their guns, ready to fire.
"Enough!" Gabriel shouted, finally finding his voice. "We don't need more bloodshed."
The sounds of more voices and footsteps outside grew louder. The rest of the Irish gang had heard the gunshots and were converging on the bar, trying to figure out what was going on.
A Sniper's Shot
Realizing they needed to get out fast, Jackson and David grabbed Gabriel and bolted for the truck they had parked nearby. As they ran, a bullet whizzed past them, narrowly missing Jackson's head. A sniper was stationed on a nearby rooftop, one of the Irish gang members taking aim.
Jackson ducked behind cover and, with precise aim, fired a shot that struck the sniper in the leg. The man let out a cry of pain and toppled off the roof, landing with a sickening thud on a spike protruding from a piece of debris below. His comrade rushed to his side, panic in his eyes. "I'm sorry, lad," he whispered to the fallen sniper, but it was too late.
Despite the danger, Jackson's instincts to help overrode his desire to escape. He, Gabriel, and David rushed over and managed to pull the sniper off the spike, doing what they could to stop the bleeding. They bandaged his leg, tying a makeshift blindfold over his eyes so he wouldn't be able to see where they were taking him. It was a risky move, but Jackson knew that helping the injured man might prevent further bloodshed.
They loaded the sniper into the back of their truck and drove away, leaving the rest of the Irish gang behind in confusion.
The chapter ends with Jackson and his group heading back to Gabriel's farm, carrying the wounded Irish sniper as a potential bargaining chip or ally. Tensions are high, and the danger from both the Irish gang and the looming threat of the Skinners continues to grow.
vol2 chapter 4
It had been 20 days since the chaotic encounter with the Irish gang, and life on Gabriel's farm was beginning to stabilize. The fences had been reinforced, houses were built, and everyone had settled into their new routines. Gabriel's mood had improved since Jackson and the others had helped him through his personal struggles, but there was still a quiet sadness in his eyes. The farm, while a safe haven, couldn't erase the haunting memories of the world they had lost.
The Irishman, Randall, who had been injured during their escape, was kept locked in the shed with his hands cuffed. Jackson, though uncertain about whether they could trust him, hadn't killed him outright. There was something in Randall's eyes—guilt, maybe—that made Jackson think he could still be useful.
The Medical Supply Run
One morning, David and Otis set out for the abandoned school, which had once been a hospital before the outbreak. The farm's medical supplies were running low, and they needed more bandages, antibiotics, and other essentials. They had been told by some locals that the school might have what they needed. The group knew the risk—it was close to a walker-infested area—but they couldn't afford to wait any longer.
David and Otis had become a reliable team on the farm, and when they asked Jackson to join them, he declined, choosing instead to stay behind and watch over Gabriel, who had been drinking heavily again. They couldn't risk having Gabriel lose control, so Jackson kept an eye on him, making sure he stayed sober.
David and Otis, however, were eager to go and get the supplies, as they had been on a few runs before. With their plan in mind, they packed up the truck with the supplies they'd need and headed out, taking a quiet but steady approach, knowing the dangers they would face along the way.
Inside the School
The school was eerily quiet, save for the occasional creak of the building. The trio made their way inside, using their flashlights to navigate the dark hallways. The smell of decay filled the air, and the walls were scarred by years of neglect. They had learned quickly to move silently. A single mistake could bring the walkers down on them, and they weren't in the mood for a fight.
They found the makeshift hospital in the back of the building, where they managed to find shelves stocked with much-needed medical supplies. They loaded up on bandages, painkillers, antibiotics, and anything else they could find.
But as they turned to leave, disaster struck. Otis accidentally knocked over a chair, its metal legs scraping loudly against the floor. Immediately, the sound triggered a response—a growl from one of the classrooms. Then another. And another.
"Shit," David muttered as the first walker appeared in the doorway. They hadn't been alone.
A group of walkers began stumbling toward them from the nearby halls. Otis and David quickly took the lead, while they backed up toward the exit.
The Escape
As they turned to make their way to the exit, the walkers began closing in. The group was barely moving fast enough, but Otis managed to fight off a couple of walkers with his knife, while David grabbed what supplies they could carry and hurried toward the door. Just as they neared the exit, one of the walkers managed to grab Otis's leg, dragging him to the ground.
"Go!" Otis shouted. "I'll hold them off!"
David hesitated, but Mike, the quiet and steady member of their group, pulled David towards the door. "We can't afford to stay, Dave. We'll lose all of us!"
David reluctantly left Otis behind and sprinted towards the truck, but just as they reached it, more walkers spilled out from the building, overwhelming them. Mike, now with a rifle in hand, fired a few shots, but the horde was too great.
"Drive!" David shouted as the truck started moving.
With the walkers in hot pursuit, David slammed on the accelerator. It was a race against time, and they barely made it out alive.
Back at the Farm
By the time they reached the farm, night had fallen. They unloaded the supplies from the truck, their bodies bruised and exhausted. Gabriel was already waiting by the gate, looking concerned. When he saw them, a look of relief crossed his face.
"You made it back, thank God," Gabriel said, his voice shaking with the remnants of his own fears. "What happened? Where's Otis?"
David's face was grim. "He didn't make it, Gabriel. We couldn't get to him in time. The horde was too big."
Gabriel lowered his head. The weight of their loss hung heavily in the air. As much as they had tried to keep everyone safe, there were always risks.
But Jackson wasn't there to hear the news. He had been with Gabriel, trying to keep him from slipping further into his own despair. The last thing Jackson wanted was to see the man drowning in his sorrows, as he knew the dangers of losing hope in this world.
David, Otis, and Mike settled into the farm's routine the next day, and life tried to find a new rhythm, though it was always threatened by what was out there. Jackson helped with more construction—reinforcing the fences and setting up new barriers—while Gabriel stayed close to home, still haunted by his own demons.
Post-Credit Scene: The Skinners' Move
Meanwhile, Lance Carnage, the leader of the Skinners, had been watching the farm for days. His eyes glinted in the dim moonlight as he scoped out the perimeter.
"We'll wait a bit longer," he said, lowering his binoculars. "They think they're safe. Let them think that. Once we're in position, we'll strike. This time, we're not leaving anything to chance."
His second-in-command nodded, a grim smile crossing his face. "It won't be long now. The farm will be ours."
The threat of the Skinners was growing stronger. With the farm now under their watchful eyes, Jackson's group would need to prepare for the inevitable attack. But for now, they tried to take solace in the quiet moments, knowing that even in this harsh new world, every day was a victory—if they could survive it.
vol2 chapter 5
Chapter 30: Otis's Return
A day had passed since Otis's sacrifice, and the farm was still in mourning. Everyone was adjusting to the loss, but the weight of the world never seemed to ease. Mike, having decided to return to his own people after the dangerous supply run, was making his way back to the group when something unexpected happened.
As Mike walked through the gates of the farm, he froze. His eyes widened, and he stopped in his tracks.
"Otis?" Mike said, almost disbelieving.
The old man, battered and bruised but very much alive, stood before him, a small smirk playing at the edges of his lips. His clothes were torn, and he was covered in blood, but there was no mistaking it. Otis was alive.
"Well, well," Otis said, raising an eyebrow. "Look what we have here. You think I'd go down that easy? You'd be wrong."
Mike couldn't help but laugh, though it was tinged with disbelief. "Old man, how the hell did you survive?"
Otis chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Long story, Mike. Real long story."
The group gathered around, stunned by Otis's return. As Otis explained his harrowing escape from the walkers, how he had fought his way out of the school and survived the onslaught, the others listened in awe.
"I knew I wasn't done yet," Otis said with a grin. "Had to make sure I made it back to you folks. Wouldn't leave a good fight unfinished."
The group, relieved and in awe, could only nod, grateful that Otis had pulled through. And just like that, the old man—against all odds—was back.
And with that, the story ended, for now.
vol2 chapter 6
Thirteen days had passed since the farm had been fortified, and while Jackson and his group continued to secure their new home, the Skinners were planning in the shadows. Their camp, a fortified and ruthless community built on chaos and survival of the strongest, buzzed with activity.
Lance Carnage, the fearsome leader of the Skinners, stood before a large, hastily drawn map of the surrounding area. His followers, clad in makeshift armor and armed to the teeth, gathered around him. Lance's eyes were cold, and his voice carried a venomous authority.
"We've waited long enough," Lance announced, slamming his fist down on a wooden table. "Our scouts have confirmed the farm's defenses are up, but they're still vulnerable. It's time to make our move."
One of Lance's lieutenants, a man named Brody, stepped forward. "What's the plan, boss?"
Lance's lips curled into a sinister smile. "We'll strike when they least expect it. But first, we weaken them. We make sure they're too scared to breathe. We control the area. Cut off their supply lines. And then, we hit them hard."
The Skinners had already begun preparing for their assault. Teams of scouts moved out to map the surrounding terrain and set traps for any wanderers. Raiders gathered weapons, sharpened their blades, and fortified their vehicles. The camp echoed with the sounds of men and women preparing for war.
In one corner of the camp, a small group of Skinner scouts discussed their latest recon. One of them, a wiry man named Kane, reported back to Lance. "The farm's looking strong," Kane said, "but their numbers are spread thin. They've got lookouts, but the forest is dense enough for us to slip through."
Lance nodded, taking in the information. "Good. We'll send a few decoys first, draw out their best fighters. Once they're out, we'll bring the real storm."
Another Skinner, a woman named Lyra, approached Lance. "And what about our backup?" she asked, her voice laced with eagerness. "The tank's ready."
Lance's eyes gleamed with dark excitement. "We'll use it as our final blow. Let them think they've won, then crush them."
The Skinners were brutal, and their plan was ruthless. While Jackson's group focused on rebuilding and surviving, they remained unaware of the storm that was about to descend upon them. As the Skinners prepared for their deadly assault, the clock continued to tick.
The war was coming. And no one was ready.
vol2 chapter 7
The day before the impending battle, tensions ran high at Gabriel's farm. Jackson, Morales, David, Dale, and the rest of the group knew that time was running out. They needed supplies and answers, and they needed them fast. Desperation led them back to the shed, where Randall, the captured Irishman, was cuffed and guarded.
Jackson paced in front of Randall, his patience worn thin. "Where is the Irish gang camp?" he demanded, but Randall shook his head stubbornly.
Frustration turned to action, and despite their better judgment, they resorted to more extreme methods. Dale and Morales, though hesitant, watched as Jackson tried to break Randall's silence. The Irishman stayed defiant, refusing to give up the location of the ruthless Irish gang, even as tensions boiled over.
Meanwhile, in another part of the farm, Gabriel and his daughters, Maggie and Beth, helped prepare defenses. The mood was heavy with fear, but hope flickered among them. Tripp and Jess, always practical, handed out guns and gave Jeremiah, Dale, Morales, and Otis a crash course in defense tactics. Everyone was on edge, but they were determined to protect the only home they had left.
The Day of the War
The morning broke with an eerie stillness, shattered by the distant rumble of engines. Jackson was speaking with Gabriel near the farm's entrance when they saw the Skinners' convoy rolling up, tanks in tow. Lance Carnage, with a twisted grin, stood at the forefront.
Jackson stepped forward, his hand hovering near his gun. "What are you doing here?" he called out, his voice steady despite the chaos about to unfold.
Lance gave a mocking laugh. "You know why I'm here, Jackson. Time's up."
The standoff was brief. David and Dale ran to help Morales load the farm's animals into the barn, hoping to save as many as possible. Tripp and Jess armed the rest of the group: Jeremiah, Dale, Morales, Gabriel, and Otis all received weapons, bracing for what was to come.
As Jackson and Lance traded heated words, the Irish group, who had their own vendetta against the Skinners, burst onto the scene and opened fire, creating a momentary advantage. Gunfire exploded across the farm as both sides engaged. Bullets flew, and the cacophony of screams and explosions filled the air.
Lance roared out commands, signaling his tank crew. The tanks rolled forward, blowing apart the gates and smashing into the newly built houses. The explosions sent shrapnel and debris flying, and flames engulfed the buildings. Gabriel's wife, Patricia, was caught in the crossfire, her life cut short. In a fit of grief and rage, Gabriel fired desperately at the advancing enemies, but the chaos was overwhelming.
Trucker Bob and his truck became the group's last hope. Supplies were hastily loaded into the truck bed as walkers began to overrun the farm, drawn by the noise and destruction. Gabriel, shattered by the loss of his wife, fought valiantly, but it was too late. The walkers broke through the fences, tearing into the panicked Skinners and the remaining farm animals.
Jackson shouted above the chaos, "Everyone, get to the vehicles! We're leaving—now!"
With little time to mourn or think, the survivors piled into their cars and into Trucker Bob's truck. The convoy sped down the road, leaving the burning, walker-infested farm behind. They had fought bravely, but the battle had been a disaster.
In the aftermath, Randall was left behind, the sole remaining Irish gang member. Lance, furious and exhausted, delivered the final blow to him. But as the Skinners retreated back to their camp, they left a farm teeming with walkers and devastation. The barn, once a sanctuary for the animals, was overrun, with the last sounds being the horrific cries of the creatures as the undead feasted on them.
The survivors had escaped with their lives—but just barely. The cost of survival had been high, and the road ahead was more uncertain than even
vol2 chapter 8
The convoy of battered vehicles came to a halt on a desolate, winding road surrounded by dense woods. The sun was sinking low on the horizon, casting long shadows that stretched like the fingers of the dead. Everyone got out of their cars, exhausted, bruised, and shaken. The farm was gone, and the smell of smoke and blood still clung to them.
Jackson stepped away from the group and leaned against Trucker Bob's massive rig, his hands trembling. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. Morales approached, his face hardened but his eyes tired. "We lost everything… again," Morales said, his voice thick with disbelief.
Jackson nodded, running a hand through his hair. "It was those same people," he said. "The ones who destroyed our first camp. We never saw it coming."
Gabriel, still reeling from Patricia's death, slumped down on the side of the road. His daughters, Maggie and Beth, sat beside him, trying to offer comfort, though they too were hollow with grief. "We were blind," Gabriel whispered. "They came back stronger, and we paid the price."
Dale, leaning heavily on his rifle, spoke up. "How could we not have known? We should've prepared better." His voice cracked, the weight of the losses pressing down on him. "First our camp, now the farm. It feels like there's nowhere safe anymore."
Tripp stood nearby with Jess, reloading his crossbow and keeping a watchful eye on the woods. "We're fighting more than just the dead now," he said. "It's people like the Skinners who are the real danger."
Jess placed a reassuring hand on Jeremiah's shoulder. "We can't let this break us," she said, her voice strong despite the fear in her eyes. "We need to stick together and keep moving. We have to find somewhere they can't follow us."
David stepped forward, trying to rally the group. "We've made it this far," he said. "But we have to be smarter. We can't keep rebuilding and letting them tear everything apart. We need a plan—something better than what we've done before."
The group fell silent, the weight of their situation pressing down on them. They had lost homes, friends, and family. They had been driven from one safe haven to another, always chased by death and destruction. But as the night fell, they knew they couldn't afford to give up.
Jackson finally looked up, determination hardening his features. "We find somewhere defensible. Somewhere they can't easily overrun, like they did the camp and the farm. And we prepare for them. No more running blindly into danger."
Morales nodded. "And if they come for us again, we'll be ready."
Gabriel wiped his tears and stood up, his daughters supporting him. "Then we keep moving," he said. "For Patricia. For everyone we've lost."
The group, though battered and broken, gathered their resolve. They knew the road ahead would be full of challenges, but they had each other. And that had to be enough for now.
The end