MC POV - Interactive Story - 18
Added 2025-11-04 19:23:08 +0000 UTCYou step out to your Ford F-150 and drop your pack in the bed, the metal clanging in the humid dusk. Jessica follows, arms full of gear and sets everything down. You have her take the valuables to put in a metal lockbox attached to the flatbed. Ryan hangs back by the curb, tapping away at his phone, shoulders hunched and eyes fixed on the screen.
After a few trips, Jessica leans in, voice low so Ryan can’t hear. “We saved that kid’s life, and he’s just standing there,” she murmurs, glancing back over her shoulder. “I know he’s been through hell, but he’s not doing much to help.”
Before you can answer, Ryan looks up and crosses to you, holding out his phone. “Where are we even going?” he asks. “The National Guard is blocking off a bunch of roads. Look.” He shows you a website tracking military and police movements with red markers crowding the highways, and several major routes out of New Orleans labeled as closed.
Jessica tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear, studying the screen over Ryan’s shoulder. She looks up and addresses you both. “We could try for the Causeway and head north to Mandeville or Covington. It’s a straight shot, but it’ll be busy. If the Guard seals it, we’re stuck on a bridge with nowhere to go. Baton Rouge is west, but that’s another big city. We might find supplies or help, but it’ll be crowded and probably dangerous. If we head into the river parishes, like LaPlace, Reserve, or even out to Gramercy, it’s quieter. There will be fewer people, but not a lot of places to hide if something goes wrong. Or we could take the back highways east and get out toward Picayune or Hattiesburg in Mississippi. It’s rural, less chance of running into the infected, but it’s a long drive, and we don’t know what’s waiting on the other side.”
She pauses, watching both of you, her hands tightening on the strap of her bag. “We need to pick fast. Every route has a downside.”
You look out over the neighborhood as the sun dips low.
