The night was pretty uneventful. Especially when compared to what they had been through the day before. Through the cracks between the logs, they could see fireflies dancing out in the woods . The crickets’ songs were punctuated with Murphy’s occasional barks and growls.
“That girl needs to control her dog,” whispered Randy.
“She is doin’ the best she can. Murphy isn’t used to the noises yet,” Georgi whispered back.
“If he doesn’t get use to them soon, he’ll have to go,” Randy hissed.
“Why? Because he annoys you?” she asked trying to keep her voice even.
“No,” he snapped. “He is going to attract the zombies.”
“If he does, then you’ll have more people to shoot. That should make you happy,” she said sarcastically.
He rolled over fuming. His breathing became slower and the rhythm evened out. Finally, that ornery man was asleep and Georgi could follow suit. She dozed off, periodically waking from violent nightmares of men trying to bite her.
When the morning rolled in, it seemed they'd all had an uneasy sleep. Once they had a bit of breakfast, they put some of Georgi’s plans in action. They began with inspecting the treehouse, making sure it was stable. As they were going over ideas to make it more kid/dog friendly, Randy made ‘suggestions’. By his sixth suggestion, Rosemarie had had enough.
“Hey Randy,” She snapped. “How about you go change my shredded tire and head back to the gas station for supplies!”
“It would be quicker if I took our car.” he said.
“No,” Georgi cut in. “We might need it.”
Randy began to pace.
“Come on, we need the tire changed anyway.” Rosemarie added. “And if you get it changed you can use it to loot till your heart's content.”
“It’s not looting! It’s survival!” He growled before lighting a cigarette and wandering off.
Twenty minutes later they heard the car start and drive off.
“Well thanks for telling us bye,” Georgi mumbled.
“Hey, at least he isn’t hovering and making suggestions.” Rosemarie smiled. “Come on, let’s get this finished so we can move up here.”
With both of them working together, the repairs were made at a steady pace. Rosemarie and Georgi carried wood up the steps and Alex carried the nails. They built a sturdier rail and the beginnings of a wall.
Things were going fine until Rosemarie started looking for her dog.
“Murphy!” She yelled.
“Come here, boy!” Alex tried to help.
“Maybe he’s chasin’ a rabbit.” Georgi said calmly.
“He always comes when I call. This isn’t like him.” Rosemarie said as she threw the hammer into the bucket of nails. “Murphy!" she waited, listening for any sign of him. "Something’s wrong.”
Randy’s words echoed in Georgi’s head, “...he’ll have to go.” Oh please God don’t let that man be that stupid, she prayed. “He’ll be back. I’m sure he’s just found somethin’ to chase.”
“Come here, boy!” Alex yelled into the woods.
“Murphy!” She let out a loud whistle.
“We might want to try not to make so much noise. We don’t want to attract the...z-dudes,” said Georgi.
“I can’t just leave him out here!” Rosemarie snapped. “I’ve got to find him.”
“I understand that, but we don’t need to lose our heads. He’ll come back.”
“What if he’s hurt?” Rosemarie looked at her friend, half panicked.
“He’s a smart dog. He’ll be fine.”
They heard the sound of an approaching car. The girls turned to see Randy easing up the drive with an excited dog sitting beside him.
“Murphy!” Rosemarie shrieked. The quickly climbed down the stairs and sprinted toward the car. “Oh my God!”
She jerked open the door as the car stopped.
“Oh my silly puppy-dog! My little stinky pup!”
Murphy licked her face in greeting.
Alex ran over to scratch him behind his ears. “Did you find him on the road?” she asked.
“No,” Randy said, getting got out and lighting a cigarette.
“How did he end up with you?” Rosemarie asked. Her eyes narrowing.
He opened the trunk and grabbed a bag full of stuff. “I took him with me.”
“You took my dog?” she asked in shock. “Why?”
“To see if he could attract zombies.” he answered, grabbing another bag.
“Alex, go inside. Now,” Georgi ordered.
Alex got up and trotted to the cabin.
Rosemarie was shaking with anger. As soon as she heard the door shut she spoke. “You...you...fuckin’ nutt-job!” She grabbed Murphy’s collar and stormed off toward the cabin. “Touch him again and I’ll kill you.”
“What’s she so pissed about?” he said. “The dogs worthless as zombie bait.”
“What were you thinkin’?” Georgi asked in shock.
“You said if he attracted zombies, I could shoot them.” he said defensively.
“That’s not what I said you-” she stopped and took a deep breath. “Randy, I think you’re going to have to sleep in the treehouse tonight. I need you to make sure it’s safe.”
“Fine,” he said as he stalked past her to the cabin.
“I suggest you put your stuff in there now.” Georgi called after him. “If you need anything out of the cabin, I’ll get it. I don’t think you’d be welcome in there.”
“Whatever,” he said as he stomped to the treehouse steps.
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