Rise of the Prepper: A Story of the Coming Collapse by Frank Bates

with no clue what to do or where to go. We spent the next day on the road using the car for shelter. Luckily, a car stopped by and it was Robert.”
    “That’s really good. So, are you and your son okay? No infection?”
    “Yes. We’re fine thanks to you and of course to Robert, too.” Jaime said.
    “Okay, lady. My turn now.” Robert said, taking the radio from Jaime. “Geez. Women, huh?”
    “No.” Seth said, shaking his head.
    “Yeah, okay.” Robert cleared his throat. “Yeah, so, as I was saying before, I got out of Gloucester two days ago. Town was brimming with dead people and it was just no good staying there. I've been travelling, headed west on my car hoping to reach the relief point in Atlanta when I came across Jaime and Todd. By the way, have you heard the government's announcement?"
    Seth took a bite of his sandwich. "Yeah, I just did." He said. "Seems like there's still no cure for this virus."
    "Yeah, talk about bad news. Well, nothing we can do about it. I heard that there would be some antiviral meds at the relief stations so there's that, along with food and even clothes. Took them a long time but at least the government’s trying to at least mitigate damages now. Are you going to a relief station? We could meet up somewhere. You said you’re in Boone, right? We could come pick you up."
    "Hm." Seth pondered the question, scratching his jaw. That would be a good idea, he supposed, but he wasn't in urgent need of supplies so it was kind of pointless at the moment. Plus, he's got Brodie, too. The dog's not in any condition to be travelling too far yet. "I don't think I'd be going to any relief station just yet. I just finished gathering supplies so I'm good for a while. I'm sorry I can't meet up with you but if there's anything you need, advice or whatever, you can always call on me. I'll try to be online as much as I can."
    "Oh, that's too bad. Thanks for the offer though. Likewise, if I hear of any important information there, I'll be sure to pass it on to you."
    "Thanks, Robert. Take care of yourselves."
    "Don't mention it. You, too."
    Their conversation having ended, the two men parted ways and Seth turned off the transceiver. He tucked the small notebook where he listed down the relief station locations in his back pocket. He had to remember not to lose it as it will be important for when he had to replenish his supplies.
    He went back downstairs and was greeted by Brodie with a bark. “Hey, buddy.” He said, scratching the dog’s head as he passed by. Seth went straight to the kitchen to wash his plate. He straightened up things in the kitchen and checked on Brodie once more. After making sure that his companion had eaten and was feeling better, Seth went to the bathroom to take a bath.
    The sun was setting outside by the time Seth finished his bath. He had some time to kill before bedtime however so he decided to watch a movie. As there were no more channels airing, he couldn’t watch his favorite shows anymore. It was a good thing that he was in the habit of recording his favorite shows. At least now, he had something to stave off boredom.
    It was already eight o’clock and Seth was starting to feel sleepy. He had finished three episodes already and it was dark outside. He glanced down at Brodie who was resting by his feet. “Are you sleepy, too, Brodie?” The dog whimpered and huddled closer to him. “Should we go to sleep now?”
                  Snap.
                  Brodie’s ears perked up at the sound. He turned his head towards Seth who sat up in his couch and cocked his head to the side, listening closely. It was light and quiet enough but Seth could hear the crunching of grass being stepped on. Someone was outside.
                  He gestured for Brodie to stay quiet and the dog did though he sat up too and was on alert. Seth lowered the volume of the TV. He picked up his gun off the side table and quietly moved towards the front door and