The Rotting Flesh Book 1: Escatology
Chapter 27: Civil wars

“Aim, take a breathe in and once out, fire!” Jane instructed

The loud sound of gunshot filled the air as Tom took his shot and missed the target. Theresa slapped herself in the face.

“Wow and here I thought you were going to be a challenge” she said and took aim

With one shot she hit her target. After the incident with the bikers Tom had decided him and Theresa needed to learn a bit of skills to help them survive or defend themselves. He was not a fan of guns but it would not kill to just know how to shoot. Jane would take them on morning and evening jogs in order to increase their stamina.

“I think I’m better off with a bat” Tom said handing his gun to Jane

“Well its not every situation that will require close combat so try harder” said Jane

“Maybe he plans on running away from every situation since he’s so great at running nuh nuh” Theresa said teasing him

“Shut up dwarf” he replied

“What did you say!?” snapped Theresa

“Woah woah please submit the guns before attacking each other” Jane extended her hand to Theresa who gave her the gun

Following the whole incident with the bikers things became a bit more calm however food and water was becoming more scarce so they had to go on more supply runs. Each run became more dangerous because some of the places they had to raid were infested by the undead so it took great skill to survive. Jane made sure to train Tom and Theresa as quickly as she could incase anything would happen to her.

“So here is the plan, Theresa you stay here and cover us as our sniper and lookout while”

“What again?!” Theresa cut Jane before she was done talking

“Terry” Tom tried to reason with her

“No Tom no I’m sick of this shit” she resisted

“Language” Tom said

“I’m done being sidelined, you guys don’t appreciate me one bit I’m going see you back at the hideout” she threw her hands in the air and walked away

Tom looked at Jane with sad eyes but she shook her head.

“Its still not safe, what kind of adults would we be if we allow a child as young as her go in a place like that” Jane explained

“Okay I’ll talk to her, lets go” Tom said and sighed in disappointment

Racing through the woods tears endlessly flowed back on her cheeks due to the wind.

What do they take me for? Even you Tom how can you side with a total stranger we don’t even know. Damnit I should’ve just died back when this mess began

With each thought she cranked her bike more increasing her speed. It roared through the surrounding woods. She was going so angry she didn’t even realize how fast she was going until she almost crushed into a broken down car in the middle of the road. Seeing it she gripped her brakes and slid, stopping an inch from its hood.

Damn that was close she sighed and got off

Sitting on top of the car she wiped her tears. Crying was not solving anything. Things were so peaceful in this new world even the peace tended to be short lived. Unlike the old world where there was car noises, loud music and people yelling or laughing. Here it was either you hear birds, zombies groaning or it was total silence.

Its really odd how we never see people at all, almost like we are the only ones left in these parts she thought Tom

“Shit, why do I even care so much” she slapped herself in the face

Why can’t I stop thinking about you, damnit her eyes began watering again I hope you won’t abandon me Tom

Later that day after Tom and Jane returned from their supply run.

“We came across some guys who said they had a camp around these parts” Tom said trying to start small talk with Theresa who was clearly ignoring her “they wanted to trade food for gas, Jane wanted to but I didn’t feel like they could be trusted though” he added

“Why isn’t she your most trusted partner” Terry said making quotes with her hands

“I never said that” he defended

“Whatever”

“Theresa look, can you at least give me a chance to explain” he said

“Why Tom?” she said in a shaky voice

“Wha”

“Why are you….you…you choosing her over me” she struggled to speak already crying

“Terry i would nev-“ he stopped seeing tears already falling down her cheeks

He hugged her but she violently detached from him

“Don’t touch me” she snapped “you know for a moment I thought you got my back but i was wrong”

“Why can’t you understand that all Jane is doing is to protect you” he tried to explain

“Jane this Jane that” she stood up and glared at him “why can’t you take charge like a real man Tom” she yelled

Jane could hear their argument but chose to not interfere since she was the main root of the conflict. It broke her heart so much seeing the child struggle thinking she had taken Tom from her. All that she hoped for was that Theresa would understand.

“Theresa, listen to me” Tom tried to raise his voice

“Rubbish, don’t raise your voice at me. You are not my father” she sniffed “I don’t even know you, you’re just a total stranger”

Those words hit hard leaving Tom speechless.

“Exactly, keeping quiet is all you can do” she added

“I’m sorry, just so you know I consider you family” Tom said standing up “I always will” he added with sadness in his eyes and walked away

“You’ve let me down Tom” she said and walked in the other direction

Jane walked up to Tom who was clearly not okay and held his shoulder

“Should I try to talk to her?”

“No she just needs space to breathe thats all” he said

Theresa was watching them with a very dark look in her eyes. Jane and her eyes met and Jane felt a chill go down her spine, the hate was real.