The rival scavengers eventually backed off, muttering excuses. They gathered their things and left without another word, clearly humiliated.
Sasha dusted her hands off. "Well, that was educational."
Alvin sighed. "I didn't mean to cause a scene, but-"
"You said what needed to be said," Sasha interrupted. "Sometimes people need a verbal slap to remember they're still human."
Xavier stepped closer, brushing Alvin's shoulder gently. "Remind me not to make you angry again."
Alvin gave him a sidelong look. "You already know what happens when you do."
Jax whistled teasingly. "Note to self: never pick a fight with either of you. You two are scarier than the zombies."
"Good," Alvin said with a smirk.
After filling several crates with seeds, corn, wheat, vegetables, even some rare medicinal herbs, they loaded up the jeep again.
As they drove back through the broken streets, Sasha hummed softly under her breath, the others quietly resting or talking.
