A New Friend

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A New Friend

This story continues from Raven Cross: Journal Entry: First Labor Day Since the Fall.

The air was thick with the stench of decay as Raven trudged through the abandoned supermarket, her boots crunching over shattered glass and spilled canned goods. The zombie horde was behind her, dispatched with her usual machete in one hand, pistol in the other–but the adrenaline still pulsed through her veins. The flickering fluorescent lights cast eerie shadows, and the silence was deafening after the chaos. She paused near the produce section, wiping blood from her blade, when a faint clatter broke her focus.

She makes her way to the back storage area. From the very back corner of the building, a figure emerged--athletic, sharp-eyed, and clutching a thin, sharp knife. A young woman, at least 18, with tangled hair. She wears a gray tank top and blue denim short shors. Her clothes were patched and dirty, but her stance was defiant. "Stay back!" she snapped.

Raven raised her hands, sheathing her weapons. "Easy. I'm not one of them. Name's Raven... Raven Cross. You alone?"

The woman hesitated, lowering the knife slightly. "I'm Mia Callahan. And yeah, mostly. My dad… he didn't make it out of the stockroom. I've been holding out here since." Her voice was steady, though a flicker of pain crossed her face.

Attached Image:

Mia Callahan holding a thin sharp knife.jpg

Narrator
Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:44:28 -0700

Raven's gaze softened. She recognized that look–loss, fear, and a stubborn will to survive. "You've got guts, Mia. That's a start. How long you been holding out?"

"A long time. It's hard to track. Maybe 6 months? A year?," Mia said, her chin lifting. "There's running water and enough food in this supermarket. But they... the zombies... keep coming back."

Raven nodded, scanning the area. "Alright. This place is a magnet for raiders. You are lucky no one has found this place yet. I'm heading to a safehouse a few blocks north. Got supplies and a working radio. I'm by myself as well. You're welcome to come--if you can keep up--and stay safe with me. We come back here to restock as needed."

Mia's eyes narrowed, weighing her options. "Why should I trust you?" Mia grabbed an empty sheath from the shelf next to her, strapped to her thigh, and sheathed her knife.

Attached Image:

Mia Sheaths Her Knife.jpg

Narrator
Sat, 25 Oct 2025 01:13:27 -0700

"Because I've been where you are," Raven said quietly. "And I'd rather not see someone go it alone out here." She offered a rare, small smile, extending a hand.
After a long moment, Mia took it.

As they gathered a few things, Mia stopped by a shelf and picked up a tactical P226.

"Is it loaded," asked Raven.

"No, I used up all the bullets." Mia said thoughtfully, but started watering in the eyes. "But it's my dad's. He taught me how to shoot."

"Good. Glad you have that. We'll get you some ammo."

Attached Image:

P226.jpg

Narrator
Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:30:15 -0700

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