In the afternoon, the exploration team came back.
A lot of people were anxious at their arrival — did they secure enough food and water for the next week?
The gates opened and two vehicles came in, one red pickup filled to the brim, and a pale green car with three passengers.
The team had 5 members.
There is still room for a newbie like me.
He turned around, and people in the far distance were happy when they saw the pickup.
I looked next to me and I saw Lucas with a grim and serious expression.
A muscular man left the driver's seat of the pickup and ordered the people of his team to empty the car and pickup.
Lucas walked toward him and I followed a step behind.
The muscular man, who I presume is the leader, has a grim expression.
Lucas shook his hand and questioned him.
"Nancy?"
Nancy who?
The expedition team leader sighed and answered.
"She didn't make it..." Jaw clenched. His eyes lowered.
He must feel guilty.
Lana...
"How did it happen?"
"We met some people.
We were in a disadvantageous situation with a horde closing on us but she... she insisted on helping them. I ordered everyone to get in the cars but she ran toward them instead."
"...
I couldn't... I am sorry but I couldn't sacrifice the entire team for her, we have people to feed."
They looked in each other's eyes and made silence for some seconds.
Lucas rebounded with another question.
"So how much you found?"
"Well, we went to some restaurants and fast food places but everything was pretty much rotted. We took from the supermarket; it wasn't as full as last time. We cleared it easily. Good news is we didn't take everything.
We should be able to last for three more days with what we took."
"So only a week..."
Finally, Lucas introduced me.
"Here is our new recruit, he was alone, had a gun and a close-quarter weapon covered in blood."
The leader's eyes twitched and a small smile appeared on his face.
"His name is Alex, he wants to join your team and go back outside."
"Hmm, interesting."
He stretched his hand for a handshake but instead of just shaking my hand, he crushed it with his strength.
My hand hurt, but I don't care.
I didn't flinch and instead looked him in the eye.
He thinks he can intimidate me. Me?
I survived the apocalypse, killed dozens of walking dead, don't underestimate me old man.
The leader relaxed his hand and, smiling, introduced himself.
"Louis."
-"Alex."
"You have grit, you are not like most people who were lucky and never got out or fought for their lives. I can see it in your eyes — you are just like me. A winner, with the strength of will to get back up.
Our team takes a day off when we come back but tomorrow you and I will get out and I will test you to see if your body and your mind have the same strength.
Meet me at seven before the gate. You got a watch?"
-"Yes."
"If you make me wake up early and you are late you'll regret it."
Lucas saw the tension and came between us.
We made conversation and parted ways.
For the day I mostly followed Lucas around and helped unload the pickup.
---
Day 32
7:00
"Good morning Alex, no trouble waking up?"
He started smirking.
-"None."
"You aren't fun to tease, you know?"
-"Will you give me my gun back?"
"Here, take it."
I checked the magazine and attached the holster on the right side.
I have ten bullets and only a knife.
That's not much but it should do.
My hand trembled when I put it on my knife, excited to fight.
-"Should we get going?"
"Open the gates!"
We could hear the creak of the gates due to the rust.
The door closed behind us.
-"What do I need to do to get in your team?"
"You will prove your worth, I will spectate while you look at buildings nearby."
-"Ok, but didn't you loot everything around here?"
"Not really, we didn't loot houses but shopped for more loot so we'll go loot some houses.
Follow me."
We walked in silence, I prefer it this way.
I opened my senses and stayed on my toes with great concentration.
---
He looks promising, he is tense, ready to act at all times.
He is conscious of his surroundings.
Around a corner there were two zombies next to each other standing in a daze looking the other way.
---
I took out my knife and started to walk stealthily.
My heart started to beat like crazy, adrenaline pumping through my veins.
I had the urge to use this boost but had to hold on to my nature and calmly take them out.
I felt like running and killing them but I was conscious of Louis's eyes, at his place I would like someone who is stealthy more than violent.
I got behind one of the zombies and put my knife into its neck then before it fell on the ground I swiftly swept the other zombie's leg.
It fell to the ground and I put my knife through its right eye socket.
I took it out and cleaned my blade on its shirt.
---
He is good!
Stealthy, swift and decisive. As well as combat apt.
---
I breathed out.
7:40
I am in front of the house.
The street is packed with buildings next to each other, there was a library and a liquor store on both sides.
Louis pushed me lightly and gave his instruction.
"Go on I am watching, loot this house."
I nodded and went to the only window.
I couldn't see anything — it's too dark inside.
I closed my eyes to focus on my hearing.
I can hear my breathing.
The air moving around me.
I can smell the wet road.
I can hear the impatient tap of Louis's finger against his arm.
I can't hear anything.
I try to open the door but of course it's closed.
I can't lockpick. I should learn how to, the expedition team should have someone who can.
I look left and right on the street.
No one.
I take my old phone still in my right pocket, an old habit, and threw it with full force through the window.
SHATTER
I take out my knife and break the rest of the glass and remove it so I can pass safely.
Inside I look around the room, dining room, I can't see or hear anything.
I get to the door and open it for Louis.
I put on my flashlight with one hand and knife in my other hand.
I walk forward and explore the whole house.
Room by room,
Kitchen,
Children's bedroom,
Bathroom,
Parent's bedroom.
-"Clear!
We can talk now."
Louis looked at me but didn't say anything.
-"So I need to loot the whole thing to end this test?"
He just smiled and looked at me without answering.
And then when I was about to start with the Parent's bedroom
CRACK
I heard something fall and break behind me.