Zombie Exodus: Side Stories, Brody & Madison, scene 18

continued from scene 17

Madison's voice cuts through the tense air inside the Land Cruiser. "Brody, drive Sarah near her friend's house and let her out at the corner."

Brody nods, his grip on the steering wheel firm. "Sure thing," he replies, glancing at Sarah for directions.

Sarah guides them through the suburban streets, the once-pristine neighborhood now showing signs of neglect and decay. Lawns overgrown with weeds, windows boarded up, and abandoned cars lining the roads paint a grim picture of life after the outbreak.

As Brody eases the Land Cruiser through the suburban neighborhood, Madison gazes out the window, taking in the eerie landscape that was once a peaceful community. Rows of homes, their manicured lawns now tangled with overgrown vegetation, stand lonely in the new world.

Once symbols of family life and comfort, the houses have been transformed into fortified strongholds. Windows are barricaded with plywood, and doors are reinforced with heavy planks. Some houses display failed attempts at survival, with shattered glass and signs of forced entry.

As Brody guides the Land Cruiser through the desolate suburban neighborhood, they approach the corner Sarah indicated. The once-cozy homes, now draped in an air of neglect, loom ominously in the fading daylight.

They reach the corner and spot a group of armed individuals, numbering around half a dozen, gathered around Sarah's friend's house. They are clad in makeshift armor and bear various weapons – rifles, shotguns, and crossbows.

Sarah, her voice laced with concern, explains to the twins through clenched teeth, "Those are the Cobras. They want us to join them, but they're nothing but trouble. No one wants anything to do with them." She leans between the front two seats, getting closer to the twins.

"Do you have any weapons? If so, maybe you can help drive them off. We can flank them and take one or two out. The rest will run."

Brody glances at Madison, a determined gleam in his eyes. "We've got weapons," he says. "I'm sure Madison can get one from here. She's an amazing shot."

Madison tries to hide a glare as she stares at Brody. "No offense to Sarah, but this isn't our fight. We can't get involved. The best we can do is let you out so you can help your friends."

"Please, I need your help. I can't do this by myself," Sarah says. "I know you guys are good people. You helped me back there when you could have driven past me and left me to die. Please help me now."

continue to scene 19