I tried not to think about it while I stuck my hammer into one shorts' pocket and a bottle of water into the other. The FurShopper loading bay had every fur there readying to leave the perceived safety. The military-types were doing a head-count, all engrossed in their lists. Shadow could tell something was bothering me, and kept prompting me to say something.

“It's not about you," I groaned, wishing he'd drop it.

“How can I be absolutely sure, unless you tell me. Besides, no secrets between us, remember?"

I rolled my eyes. Of course it would come back at me. I looked around, eyeing all the furs nearby. I had a clever idea.

In the dim loading bay, I pulled Shadow in for a tight hug, lingering with my surprised Wulf. With a breathy nuzzle into his big ear, I whispered, “The 'thing' in the Curtain. Like a presence. I think it's trying to communicate?" When Shadow stiffened and started to pull away, I gripped him harder. “Don't move or look startled. They'll just ask questions."

I didn't need to mention who might ask questions. I could already feel a few gazes on us, differing stares. For extra measure, extra diversion of furs' thoughts, I licked my Wulf's ear twice before releasing him. His face had steadied from any shock. Good.

Shadow moved away, poking through the pile of supplies abandoned by the military furs. He yanked out a familiar backpack, eyes flooded with awe and victory.

Daws stalked up and dragged me over to him. “No extra weight!" he gruffed at Shadow. “No one gets to take any extra weight, except furs in my unit."

“I-" Shadow started.

Daws glowered. “No one gets to carry more weight. Just get yourself to the rendezvous. That's what's important."

“I'm used to the weight. And see? It's empty. I'll just put my water in it. Nothing else." The wolf's eyes begged, as well as his tone.

Daws stared at Shadow. The patchwork from his earlier wounds were filling in with fur, but he looked in a sad state. He looked rougher than the rest of us.

“Alright, every-fur!" Mr. Evans called from the bay door in front of my Frankenstein car. “The creepers are confirmed down, and we'll be leaving as soon as the doors open. No one is to stay. We all go."

Amidst the murmurs of other furs at the announcement, Daws said, “Fine. Keep it empty. We don't have time to argue."

Questions rose to Mr. Evans, but he held up a large, black paw. “I'll gladly answer any questions once we're under way."

At Mr. Evans' nod to Kespar, the bear manually raised the bay door. Bill, in the driver's seat of Frankenstein, started up the little car. Daws stepped in close to me, nearly hauling me out into the sunlight by my good arm. A growling Shadow was not pleased.

“Keep them moving, Mr. McStanz," Daws called back to the mongoose. “No one stays."

Mr. Evans kept his eyes forward, on target, letting the military furs prod the nervous furs forward. A squeal of fright caused a full and sudden stop. Laura wept her bunny eyes out, seeing bodies strewn around the parking lot. Michelle and Erin, the two mothers, also looked quite nervous of the insensible zombies. Rusty and Ethan looked a little nauseous.

Many of the furs had not been out of the FurShopper in a while. Their minds and tolerances for the trauma and shock had grown soft. I felt a little sympathy for them, but Shadow looked annoyed. Daws moved me forward.

“Walk," was all the gray wolf said, ignoring Shadow's low growl.

Shadow took my other side, eyeing the muscular, military wolf.

Mr. Evans walked in the lead, Isaac trailing him with Bradley by his side. Peter, his arm out of the sling, and Helaina were close behind, the pretty wolf already starting up a bit of chatter.

Daws moved us in right behind them, and Burt made sure he and his family were there with us. Other furs trailed behind, the Frankenstein car bringing up the rear with Clovis and Tara riding. Ruby walked next to Clovis' window. Diana kept pace with Tara, her saddened collie parents close by.

The Frankenstein car carried some few extra supplies. I shivered. There wasn't much in the way of those supplies besides water. Furs would either make it to the bus rendezvous or fail to need anything further in our deaths. It was a morbid thought, and I had to turn away.

Each fur carried a bottle of water and a weapon. Children had been allowed one toy. Shadow's backpack received a few curious glances, but since it was clearly empty, furs didn't bother with their gossip or complaints.

I felt a paw at my sling-supported elbow. Shadow was there, facing ahead, guiding me and lending me a little of his strength. I felt warmed inside, to my mourning heart. I looked forward, and the fur line marched onto the road leading away from the FurShopper.

The road looked long, stretching into the distance. The long line of us, with Frankenstein following, drifted along. The spare military furs stayed close to the car, to move obstacles from its way.

Time passed, and the sun beat on my head, making me feel like panting. Rusty and Sanway quickened their steps up to us.

“Daws?" Rusty asked in a low voice. “A word?"

Daws' steps hesitated in their rhythm. “Yes, fine. Tyler, I'm keeping an eye on you. Just keep walking."

I wanted to snap a cheeky “Yes, Sir," but decided against it, settling with a nod. Shadow would have done it.

Shadow and I walked in silence. The black wolf kept swinging his gaze around, checking the movement of furs nearby. His wariness seemed increased outside, in the peaceful sun. I reached over with my good paw and patted his paw on my elbow, smiling.

My Wulf mumbled an apology after his jump of surprise. When I snuggled into him for a few steps, it slowed us down, but I didn't mind.

“Step lively, pups," said Daws.

Someone always minded. Shadow and I returned to our silent walk. He looked ready to walk faster, his rolling gait ready to take a familiar pattern of long walking travel. Louder steps came up behind us, and my nervous twitch settled into a mild sigh.

“Hey, Burt," I smiled as he walked alongside. “Michelle doing okay?"

“She's tired," said the black bull, rubbing a horn. “Little Margaret is keeping her up nights."

“You look tired, too." I smiled, “Fatherhood going well?"

Burt grinned. “Maggie is so cute! I love her to bits already. But I'm worried about her and Michelle."

“I think it's natural to worry as a part of being a father," I said with a grin.

Shadow shrugged next to me. My Wulf'd had no one to worry over him. Maybe more than me, Shadow needed a bit of Papa Burt time.

I couldn't help my grin, swinging my muzzle between Burt and Shadow. “Shadow here has a little follower, you might call him a budding daddy."

“Oh? Oh, you mean Brynn." Burt grinned, showing flat, white teeth. “Welcome to fatherhood!"

“I suppose," mumbled Shadow. He looked a bit embarrassed.

“How is being a dad?" I asked Burt.

“Different from what I expected," the bull sighed. “I thought I'd be playing and be the daddy figure. I'm mostly changing diapers and trying to get Michelle to take care of herself."

I looked at the pavement passing beneath my footpaws. How had my da- Mr. Evans thought of me over the years? Not like I could ask him though.

A glance ahead showed him stalking the road, as if every step, he was conquering something. Maybe he was overcoming his fears? Could he be more scared of failure than of being eaten by a roaming zombie?

Burt continued, smiling down at me while I mulled over my thoughts. “You know, each fur takes after their parents quite a bit. Mostly furs on the outside can see it."

I scoffed. “I'm nothing like him." I jutted my muzzle in gesture.

“You probably take after your mom physically. But your dad is pretty stubborn. I think his fears drive him to do a lot of stupid things. Each of us comes from others, and none of us stand alone."

“With him," I growled, “I do stand alone."

“That may be the case, but at least you have me!" The bull grinned down at me, patting my shoulder with a heavy hoof.

“Papa Burt, huh?" I said with a smirk.

The bull didn't say anything through his grin, but his eyes seemed to glow, brighter than the afternoon sun overhead. We walked for a moment in silence, listening to the sounds of pawsteps and footsteps on the pavement.

Burt nodded to us. “Well, I better head back to Michelle. Need to keep an eye on that girl. She'll walk her hooves through before she'll ask for a rest."

Shadow walked by my side, again in silence. I felt myself strengthened against the unknown journey by his presence.

He turned to me grinning, pointing out into a nearby field. “Remind you of anything?"

I tilted my head. “A farmhouse? Almost looks like the one we stayed at."

“Uh-huh. Think we can go skinny-dipping again?"

I snickered. “But we're not alone this time."

“Hmmm, think Daws would get pissed if we hoofed it there for the night?"

“Yes, I would be," said the gray wolf, catching up to us. “Now you wouldn't be thinking of slipping away, right?"

I gulped at the seriousness of his voice. “No, sir. I um… We were just remembering something."

The wolf lingered a mild glare, before releasing me from his gaze. “Good. Keep with me. I didn't sign up for this job to be messing around with lives."

I hung my head. “Yes sir. We were just joking around."

“Well it's time to keep quiet. The dead are starting to rise."

What a terrible, true thing to say.

***

A familiar gas station came into view. A familiar pile of stuff from my house in front of it. The gas station across the road from it lurking and empty. When we made our way closer, I could see down below the overpass.

My eyes widened. Cars and bodies were strewn around, like toys after a child's fit of anger. It was a complete mess, and not the state of the big highway we'd seen days ago. There were downed trees, and some chunks of the highway itself were missing from the edges. There were high water marks?

The line of furs came to a halt outside the gas station Burt had found us hiding in. I couldn't keep from staring at the pile of stuff from my house, much of it ruined from previous rains. It was a link to home, a home which no longer existed.

“You alright?" Shadow whispered – the only tone we were allowed.

“Yeah. Just memories," I whispered back.

Shadow looked like he was going to say something humorous but turned more serious at my mournful look. “It will all come out in the end."

“Isn't that what they say before furs start dying? Just to keep their hope burning and to keep them trying?"

“Well, it works, doesn't it?" Shadow smiled.

I held back a snicker. “I guess," I whispered.

At least it had distracted me from the heap of my past. The military furs started to dig through the abandoned supplies. I had to turn away, my heart burning in anger and sadness.

“Check the bridge," Daws whispered to Murphy. “According to reports, the dam in the hills burst. Must have been quite the racket."

The roo nodded and joined McStanz, heading to the nearby bridge overpass. The two sauntered off, talking in whispers lost in the quiet distance.

Daws turned to me. “You want anything to eat, pup? Looks like there's some edibles over there."

I shook my head with firm vigor. Even though it would remind me of home, I hated everyone rooting around through it. Like zombies themselves on a rotting corpse. Daws nodded.

“Stay right here. I'll be back." He stalked off to oversee the looting.

Shadow stood next to me, refusing food to be able to stay with me. His presence comforted me. It wasn't wrong of the furs to take what I'd left, especially in an emergency. I just couldn't watch it. I couldn't.

“It's okay, Tyler. Just breathe." Shadow's paw soothed me, stroking my back.

“What's wrong with Tyler?" spoke an unwelcome voice, above a whisper.

Helaina waved a paw at the shushes from other furs. I shook my head, turning to cling to Shadow. I wished we were alone. Helaina was the last fur I wanted to see my weakness.

“Breathe, Tyler,"  said Shadow in a soft, private whisper. “She's just blabbing at the muzzle."

He was right, and I struggled to control my breaths. He guided me away from the pillaging furs and the pushy female wolf. We ended up by the car. Tara was out, limping around, while Ruby sat on the seat, soothing a pale Clovis.

“Guess this is my last road trip," grumbled Bill from the driver's seat. The boar looked hot and unhappy.

“Hold there a moment, Tyler," whispered Shadow into my ear.

He reached into the cabin of the Frankenstein car. Ignoring the boar's quiet protest, he pulled the zombie kitty dangly from the mirror. My Wulf looked pretty proud, as Bill huffed and grumbled.

Shadow ignored the grumbles. He pulled me a little away from Frankenstein, towards the overpass and zombie-crowded highway. He pulled me to his chest and soothed me, licking my ears. When I calmed, he licked my nose.

Smiling, he maneuvered my paw up, placing the zombie kitty there. “This is our future, Tyler. This is us. I know you carry the picture and the toy in your pocket. Don't worry, others have snuck a few things too. The pile of stuff over there," he gestured with his scarred, black muzzle, “that's just stuff. It's all in your past. Remember your past. But look to this. This is your future."

He closed my fingers around the dangly. I felt my heart skip a beat, my upset turning into some heart-thumping awe. I held up the little thing.

“And you thought it was ugly," I whispered to him.

“No. I said it was actually cute. Though I kinda meant you when I said it." He smiled, scratching the scar on his muzzle.

I snickered. “You're such a romantic at heart. Thinking I'm cute. That I'm an angel in the dawn's light."

His reply was a tail-wagging grin. “You okay now?" he asked, brushing a paw down my good arm.

“Yes, Wulf. I am."

Moments passed in the afternoon heat, and it was almost relaxing if you could ignore the zombies on the highway, struggling through the rubble.

Daws stepped close. “Everything good, pups?"

“Yes, Daws," I whispered, holding back from rolling my eyes.

Daws sighed. “You need to be following my orders to the 'T', got it? It could mean your life and more."

I suppressed a little shiver. “Got it," I whispered, staring at my toes.

Murphy and McStanz trotted up. They looked worried. But was anyone not worried in recent days?

McStanz saluted. “The bridge is completely unstable, wide cracks everywhere, and there's whole chunks missing, dropped to the highway below."

Daws frowned. “The highway onramps?"

Murphy nodded. “May be the only path to the other side. The highway has a lot of rubble and creepers though."

“We have to cross the highway," said Daws.

“The car?" prompted McStanz.

Daws nodded. “We're going to have to leave it. Can't get it through the rubble and over the median barrier."

The roo tilted his head. “What about another bridge?"

Daws shook his head. “Too far, and this was the clearest path viewed by the satellite."

“Got it," the mongoose nodded

“Rubble stability down there?" asked Daws.

“Unknown, sir." The roo looked uncertain.

“Hmmm." Daws took a few thoughtful steps forward and turned around. “Pups. They say you can hear a dam burst for miles away. Did you hear anything?"

“Like what?" I asked “What would it sound like?"

The roo paused in thought. “Maybe a boom, or a deep rumble. Sometimes even a big cracking sound if you're close enough."

Shadow nudged me with his elbow.

“What?" I whispered. “Oh! There was a loud sound some days ago."

“How long ago was that?" Murphy looked a bit eager, excited.

“A week?" I asked Shadow. At his waggled paw, I said, “Yeah about a week."

“Has it rained since?" the kangaroo pressed.

“I think so?" I murmured.

Murphy whispered to Daws. “Might be the best option to cross here. It should be stable enough? Unless there's another alternative?"

“Suggestions?" Daws said.

McStanz shifted on his footpaws. “I think it's the better option, to cross the highway. The bridge is a non-option, and the other routes won't make the rendezvous time."

“Agreed," said Daws.

“What about the injured furs?" I asked. “Tara can't make it far with that limp, and Clovis can't hardly walk at all."

McStanz frowned at me for participating in their discussion. “We'll take volunteers to carry them, I suppose."

Murphy grinned. “We might find something on the other side, or even fashion travois?"

At least someone was excited. It felt as if McStanz was willing to let the injured fend for themselves. I knew gas-station life. I didn't want to leave anyone to that.

“Let's just focus on crossing this damn mess," growled Daws. “Now, pups," he said turning to me and Shadow, “You're to be at my side at all times. And if I tell you to stay somewhere, you don't move an inch."

I nodded. Shadow looked nervous, being pinned by the other wolf's attention, but managed a nod too.

Daws grunted. “Right. Get the furs together. We'll need to create a distraction and cross. Pups. Stay."

I wanted to snap a salute but refrained, settling with an “Okay, sir."

Shadow relaxed as the wolf and his companions walked towards the resting furs. Their whispers were lost on the afternoon breeze. The civilian furs perked up, assured by a plan presented and readied. They wanted to get to safety.

I wanted to get to safety. I would make it. Whatever it took, I would make sure Shadow made it with me.

***

“And PUSH!"

Four furs pushed the car down the offramp. It rolled, keeping to the straight ramp, rolling up on zombies as the flames took hold inside. Well, there went the Frankenstein car. Another car from the gas station was pushed down after it, for good measure. Flames spread on the inside of each.

A rag hanging out of the Frankenstein car burned close. A concussive explosion guaranteed the attention of every undead nearby.

A little cry was quickly hushed. Margaret soothed her fretting little calf. The poor little one must be so stressed, and the mother didn't look much better. Dianna cried, soothed by her mother, Erin. A second explosion blew.

“Let's go, furs!" McStanz called in a low voice. “We need to hustle across. Survive or die. Right here."

Furs tried to look confident, walking down the opposite road ramp. They stared to the side, at the burning mess of car and fire-catching zombies. Zombie moans and howls filled the hot afternoon air.

Clovis was carried by Burt, hefted and tied to the big fur's back. Tara was carried by Roger, who looked determined to not lose another young soul. Furs made their way down.

What we didn't expect was how loose the rubble and soils were. Sticks and loose rocks were ready to turn paws. Soils shifted, revealing small, hollow cavities. Progress to the middle was slow, slower than anticipated, by the discomfort on Daws' face.

Mr. Evans was in the lead, but it was McStanz who made sure each fur made it across the concrete divide between highway lanes. It took precious moments for each fur to clamber across. Some furs had no trouble: Isaac practically vaulted the divide.

When it was our turn, Shadow and I helped each other cross, but I still managed to scrape my shorts up pretty good on the thick top concrete. Then it was another struggle to the other ramp. The flames and noise were dying down a little by the time we crossed.

As furs gathered on a side road, Daws kept looking over his shoulder to see if we had any eager followers. Luckily, no zombie had yet turned to come at us. After a few minutes of walking, the road took our group into some trees. Furs began to relax and a few nervous laughs could be heard through the line.

“Keep the furs closer together," Daws whispered the command. “We're getting too strung out. And remind them to keep quiet. I know it's hard, but we must stay as silent as possible."

Murphy nodded and ran off to relay the orders.

I was troubled. My family's things had been rooted through. My car was in burning ruins. It felt my life was falling apart more. My chest felt hard and tight.

“Breathe, Tyler," came Shadow's whisper.

Focusing on breathing evenly, I tried to find something else to obsess over. Shadow. I could never tire of considering him.

Shadow had relaxed some during the walk. He walked near enough to Daws to be within striking range, but over the time walking, a sort of relaxed roll had come into the wolf's gait. His glances at Daws were more of a check, than a wary reassurance of space.

If Daws noticed, he didn't give any sign. He did seem occupied in keeping me walking and trying to keep an eye on everyone too. It looked exhausting.

But he was doing better than Mr. Evans, who hardly looked back. Sometimes, a Isaac had to catch up to him, and he made a show of annoyance that the rest weren't going faster. I had no idea if we were making good time or not. I was tired. The heat felt like an extra pressure on me, and my footpaws weren't happy with the hot, hard pavement.

My injured arm kept making me feel uneven walking. It was strange to be able to swing one arm, but not the other. Sometimes I closed my eyes while walking, and let the sun shine on my lids, trying to imagine I was on some park stroll. Or maybe a road race.

Peter approached Daws, pointedly ignoring me. “We need to stop, Daws. We need a break."

“I agree," grumbled Daws. “We're running late, but furs are looking tired."

He signaled to Murphy to bring us all to rest under a nearby stand of trees near a white house.

Mr. Evans stomped up. “We need to keep them moving, Daws."

Daws sighed. “Mr. Evans. I know we're running late, but they need to rest. Furs are doing their best, but they need to rest too. We can make up time later."

Mr. Evans growled. “We need to get there, Sergeant Daws. We will survive this. Casualties-"

“Are not acceptable, if we can at all help it." Daws moderated his glare.

“I will not miss that rendezvous!" Mr. Evans snapped. “If we might break into two groups-"

“Not happening," waved off Daws, sitting beneath a shady tree. “Murphy. You and Bill take watch."

“Yessir," said the roo.

Shadow lay in the grass a bit near Daws, looking like he might just take a nap. I sat close to Shadow, enjoying seeing my Wulf take a moment to relax. It looked like he'd had a lot of practice, familiar in taking small moments of peace between stressors.

The grass soothed my weary footpaws, and I played with grass, tugging at the blades. My chin settled to my knees, and I smiled. Finally, some rest and a brief sense of peace.

The ragged white house backed on an expanse of forest. A clutter of lawn ornaments clustered around the driveway. The house paint continued slow years of peeling in the hot sun. It could have been anyone's home. Its occupants were likely dead, dead and walking.

I closed my eyes, enjoying the play of light and shadow on my eyelids from rustling leaves overhead. Summer insects chirred and chirped, a low undertone to the local bird calls. It was so quiet aside from the mumbles of nearby furs. No traffic. No airplanes, with their distant roars. No-

“Dammit! What the hells are they doing?" growled Daws.

I opened my eyes and lifted my muzzle from my half-trance. Peter and Michael were stomping off the road, following Helaina to the nearby house.

Daws glanced around, but he was the closest military fur. He couldn't call out, but he signaled the black bear to follow.

“Up, pups," Daws barked as the bear headed our way.

I jumped to my footpaws and Shadow smoothly rose, looking fresh. It was enviable, as I was not so quick to leave my shady haven.

“Stay close," Daws growled at me, already stalking to intercept the trio. “Dammit all."

“No!" Helaina snapped from ahead. “I will not pee out here. I will not sneak into the woods like an animal. There's a toilet in there, and I'm gonna use it!"

Is that what this was about? How shallow-minded could a wolf get?

Three furs stomped into the unknown house, Michael agreeing with Helaina. Peter shrugged and glanced back at us all before going in. I could hear their voices from outside.

“Ew. It smells in here," said Helaina.

“I think I found the bathroom," said Michael from deeper inside.

Daws groaned. “Right behind me, pups."

I nodded, not liking the whole situation one bit. I entered in after Daws, Shadow behind me with Kespar still on his way to the house.

It was musty inside, and dust drifted down through sunbeams.  The carpet hadn't been cleaned well before the Curtains began and the whole place was stuffed with far more things than a family might need. I saw a mouse; the tiny feral scampering away, disturbing the mess.

Helaina turned back towards us. “Where's the bathroom!?"

“Get your asses out front," snarled Daws.

“Daws. I don't think we should be in here." I set a paw on the wolf's shoulder as we went deeper into the house.

The shoulder that tensed at Helaina's cry. “I found it," she squealed, but Michael stepped in front of her, going in first and shutting the door. “Hey!" said the pretty, gray wolf.

“Anyone here?" Peter called out, squeezing past Shadow and Michael, back towards the entry. A rustling in a side room drew his attention. He opened the door to the side-room.

Two armadillos burst out of the room, along with bright sunlight from a large window. Their armor was cracked and injured. The eyes glowed, and the rictus snarls were on the small muzzles.

“Damn creepers!" yelled Daws. He raised his gun, but hesitated, knowing the sound would draw more of them.

Two smaller armadillos appeared. I thought them young armadillo pups. When I saw their glowing eyes and not-so-innocent snarls, I knew they were something else.

Shadow growled and stepped forward with his bat. He smacked it down on the largest zombie, but the bat glanced off the edge of the thing's skull. Kespar entered the house, but his bulk hindered his progress through the hoarded mess. Helaina joined Peter, ducking into the opposite side room.

What was going on? Peter and Helaina's faces looked… strange. They didn't seem very scared. Michael looked excited, peeking from the bathroom.

“Dammit," growled both Daws and Shadow at the same time. They glanced at each other.

“Get Tyler out of here!" snapped Shadow.

“No! Shadow, I-" my cry of disbelief was interrupted by Daws hauling me towards the back door.

The two pup-zombies were fast. The pair scrambled past hallway junk at us. Daws cursed before he had to shoot them both.

“Dammit all!" yelled Daws.

“Shadow!" I cried out, my paw reaching behind me.

Daws pulled me away from the scene. Shadow landed a hit on the big zombie, and it fell, impeding the other one. The side door opened and Shadow was pulled into the room by Peter and Michael. My Wulf was safe.

But I wasn't. Zombie howls and screeches from more tattered vocals greeted us when we exited the rear of the house. Two zombie rabbits passed nearby before I realized where they were going – the direction of the road and resting friends. Furs I knew were already screaming.

“Dammit," was my growl. Shadow was a bit safe inside, but the furs near the road were far from secure. I had to do something before the zombies hit everyone.

I whistled.