Running Low (Open)

    The smoldering embers of the fire cackled and broke into pieces as Frank Chaston, pushed around the last crumbling pieces. A crisp draft blew through the opening in the office window, causing the body to chill to the bone. "Is there anything else we can burn," whispered Frank as he turned towards Richard-his once bright eyes, swollen and tired. Richard shifted his attention away from his daughter who was curled up near the fire and towards the empty office space. 

    He stood up and began to walk among the cubicles, pulling a few loose papers and books that he could find. Making his way towards the fire he paused as he glanced towards the papers, various business graphs and memos, a small smirk formed on his face as he thought back to the way things were, he was tempted to spare the papers, in hopes that the employee would one day be able to come back to his job, but he knew that would never happen. He tossed the papers into the fire, causing the flames to gain some life. "I think that we've only just hit the start of this cold season," Richard said as he pushed his hands towards the flames in hopes for heat. He glanced towards his daughter for a moment-giving her a smile as she slept quietly. "We need to find a place away from this blasted lake, it's causing a lake effect snow."


Frank gave a nod as he sat down on his sleeping bag, running his hand against his wife and child's arm. "Mike's been complaining about the temperature, and I know that Samantha can only take so much more of this before she calls it quits." He paused as his eyes shifted towards his sleeping wife, "She told me the other day that if things don't get better she's willing to take her and Mike's life...I...I don't know what to tell her Rich..." 

"It's going to be okay," Richard shot towards his friend, his sharp eyes staring at Frank's, "I told you that I was going to protect your family, after what you did with my daughter." 


"I told you it was nothing, she was watching Mike the day this all happened. She was scared for you and I just didn't want to let her go home alone. You've been a good friend of mine for years, I know you would have done the same for Mike."


Richard nodded as he ran his hand through his daughter's hair, "She means everything to me, I couldn't nor I can't loose her or you guys. We can make it, we just have to keep fighting, keep living..There has to be others out there."


"We haven't seen anyone in months Richard, I just don't know if anyone is left in the city, we're stuck, those biters are every where outside, they're slowly moving away, but it's going to be some time. This city fell so quickly..." Frank paused as he looked towards the Captain, "I'm sorry I didn't mean it like that, I knew that you couldn't help it.."


Richard shook his head once more and closed his eyes, his mind raced back towards the day of the outbreak-his post being overrun by the zombies. "If you ever need to talk about it Rich, I'm here for you, you know that." Richard opened his eyes and glanced towards his friend with some assurance. 


"I know you didn't mean anything by it," he paused, "Get some rest, we're going to the West Side Market in the morning and hopefully get some jarred food, that we desperately need." He looked down towards his daughter one more time. I love you Anna, I know you're hungry.