Wayne Gray

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. Erin and Lisa are both tough as hell, just like Garrett. They are a scouting family, all of them, and they took many camping trips and family outings to wild places in happier times. Garrett has forged himself into a champion forager and survivalist, while Erin has a practical and organized mind. Lisa ... she is something of a tomboy, but can be girly too. But she's just as willing to jump in and do what is needed. She has another talent too that has yet to be revealed, but we'll get there. Mister Buck is a real personality. He's gruff but can be affectionate too. He has recently lost the woman he loved, and he's powering through, but a man can only play that game so long. If we lose something meaningful, we have to spend time to grieve. He has just not had that luxury yet. So for now, he focuses on what he can do to contribute and make the risk Wayne and Mark took worth it. Mark is right there with you concerning leaving the note for others. But if they want to live in a world different than the one they have, they've got to take that risk. Yes, it may bite them. We'll just have to see about that. Thanks for reading and commenting! These guys will be back again soon. 🙂

July 22, 1993 Thursday, 720 AM I think we're as prepared as we can be for our trip into town. We've got our three gas cans, our generator, a few crates to carry things in, empty backpacks, and more. We packed some jerky, water, and nuts too, just in case we ended up out there longer than we'd planned. The top things on the list are gas, the hardware store for wire, tools, and whatever else catches our eye, the grocery store, and Garrett wants us to drop by the bookstore too. There's a

Great to hear! 🙂

I hope folks enjoy this one. It was pretty far outside of my normal fare, but I do like how it came out. Thanks, Chris for the review, and to wildone for the feature!

Sometimes, tossing our woes into a void surrounded by those interested in our lives can help. You have people who care. Nobody can replace her, but you have people who care.

Much love to you guys, tim.

I like this one. I liked it when I first got to read it, and I still do. I'm glad you decided it was worth posting (I feel the same way) and put it out here for us to read. It has been years since I've had a dog, but I still remember how disarming they can be. And I like how that is the case here, with Odie checking Adan out for his master. Then when he'd decided Adan was good people, he led David there. That's a good dog. 🙂 Nice job, tim.

This is such a hard time in life. There's nothing I can really say beyond that which has been said already. But I'll remind you that I'm here, and that I hope you'll reach out if you need help. Also, good start to the story, mr tim. I'm looking forward to reading it all. xoxo

This is a sweet, poignant piece, tim. I love it, though I hate the reason for the inspiration. People will leave us through no choice of ours or theirs, but what a gift - to have those who love us near at the end. you've shown respect and love for your FiL and for all those who value him. It's all we can do in these times. you both know where I am if either of you needs anything.

You're right that he's struggling and struggling hard. He's got "John" helping him here and there, right when he needs help the most, but what he really needs is a friend. After reading the journal, Grant is invested in Troy's story. He feels a pull to be a part of it if Troy will allow that. Thank you for reading this one. I like this story a lot, and I hope you do too.

It’s the truth. Talent doesn’t die, it just sleeps. his will wake again. And when it does, I’ll happily enjoy his success.

Thank you, Mike. I was just writing it down as it happened in my head, flowing straight to my fingers. And yes - it was tim's prompting that made me post it. I wasn't going to. But when a talent like his says it's worth posting, then it'd be folly to argue. 🙂

It's therapy. It really is. Way cheaper than the paid version too. 🙂 I'm glad you liked it, kbois. And forget about cats? As if they'd let me. LOL

Thanks, Chris. 🙂 I think it fits with how music hooks into my soul and drags it about. When I know I need to cry, I will listen to music. When I want to amp myself up, I will listen to music. When I am a bit drunk and am more open to emotion, I will listen to music. It's a perfect catalyst to feel whatever it is I need to feel at that moment. There's nothing else like it.

Thank you for reading. I love writing something that has a cadence. It's hypnotic when I can get it right. Though this one isn't perfect, it's good enough for me. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Ahhh, good point. There's a concept called "carrying capacity," which refers to how many people can be supported by a plot of land. As fertilizer, compost, crop rotation, manure, and other practices are implemented, the carrying capacity of the same size of land increases. None of these guys are farmers, but they understand the basics. Will the basics be enough? Will they discover too late that they took that one extra person they shouldn't have? Time will tell. Yes, the poor kid has gone through hell. He ended the hellish existence of his closest friends out of a sense of duty and love, but he was unable to do the same for his dad. I can't fault him for that. Neither do Wayne and Mark. At least he's safer now and slept deeply for the first time in a week, tucked under the blankets in a comfortable bed. That'll start the process for him, though it'll be a long one. Thanks for reading. More to come. 🙂

That's a good description! They've found someone who will be able to contribute, though Garrett might need some time before he's pushed too much. He has been through hell, and operating on survival mode. Now that his life isn't in danger, he will need to process what has happened, and he'll need some patience. Maybe if they find his sister and mom, that will go better. But the reverse could also be true. We'll have to see. Thanks for reading and commenting! See you next chapter.

Yeah. That had to be terrible. Yet, he was as strong as he could be, and he did his best considering the circumstances. Frankly, he did better than I could have! We'll have to see about his mom and sis. There's more coming. Stick with me. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Yeah. Poor boy. However, like you, I do think finding this determined, scrappy kid is a hopeful thing. He's easy for the guys to accept into their sanctuary, with obviously useful skills. Wayne and Mark are now paired up in more ways than one, and maybe the future will be brighter than it otherwise would have been now that they know they have each other and that there are others out there to find. Thanks for reading and commenting. 🙂

Thanks, tim. I write poetry in the moment, and that's all. So I'm glad this appealed to you. It's just what is rattling around right now. 🙂

Listening to music with headphones way too loud. Washing over me, pulling emotion out. Beating like a drum, thudding right along. Nothing really matters. Nothing but the song. That's a great place, this hidden little glen. So few understand, so few comprehend. So sing it out loud, or just enjoy the ride. The music won't stop, a rising cresting tide. Oh ... what an awesome ride.

Just so you know, I've had both. And the cats we currently have are weirdly dog-like. Hopefully that helps. 😜

Yep. Others are alive and kicking, and they've just found proof of that. Well, they discussed others joining them after Garrett went to bed. Mark is pragmatic, almost to a fault, while Wayne wants to save the world. Mark made Wayne understand that everyone MUST offer something to the group, or the group will fail, while Wayne made Mark realize not all contributions are obvious. We'll get to see that play out too. Mark can be tenacious. And when it comes to his friend, he's not going to let up until things are okay. Yes, being friends allows them to handle one another in this intimate, knowledgeable way others might not enjoy. I like that. Hahaha. Oh, pups. Switch to cats - they're much more aloof. But you might have to hold the door open while they stand in it, deciding on "in or out". Thanks for reading and commenting, kbois. Glad you're here for the story.

Yes. you did this with Changes, Again, and it worked so well. The dynamic certainly changed, but I think it was fantastic. In a similar way, I'm hopeful Garrett can add something new to the story we've not yet seen. you're right about the journal. Wayne was disgusted with himself, and he needed to hear that he was wrong. His subconscious forced him to take a chance and "forget" the journal out in the open. Luckily, it worked out. And no. No need to tell me. And I'm glad that worked out too. Thanks for reading and commenting, tim. This one doesn't get a lot of eyes on it, but I'm enjoying the feedback I do get. They're the cool kids anyhow. 🙂

You've got a great question about Garrett's family. According to the news and radio broadcasts, this thing is killing the majority of those it infects. Like, 90%. Yet ... Knox County and its communities seem to break closer to 50%. Nobody is really sure why just yet, but that's how it is breaking down. But that means there's a genuine chance Garrett's mom and sister survived (especially considering his sister has the same parents as him, and his mother shares half his genetic makeup). But, even if they lived through the fever, did they live through the after? Time may tell. Wayne left the journal out, not really thinking about it. His subconscious steered him down that path, to be sure. And Mark's reaction was pure Mark. He doesn't think he's good at the whole "feeling" thing, but I think he did great in this case. Right when it mattered. And ... yes. Mmm. I don't envy the guys their situation, but I do think they're lucky to get to enjoy one another the way they do. You're right. Each new person will alter things. I believe all people have a place, but maybe don't fit in all places. When there's no choice but to make something work, how will things end up? Thanks for writing and reading. Glad you're along for the ride.