The restaurant door thudded shut behind them, the barricade creaking as chairs and tables were shoved into place. For a long moment, the survivors stood in silence, panting, their chests heaving like bellows. The air was thick with the smell of sweat, blood, and the faint rot of the undead outside.
Lexi leaned against the wall, dagger still dripping black ichor. Her hand trembled slightly, though her face gave nothing away. Beneath the cold mask, fatigue gnawed at her muscles—every slash and thrust of her blade carved deep into her body's reserves. She closed her eyes for a moment.
So tired.
Maya's terrified face flashed in her memory—her hand clutching at Lexi's sleeve, her voice shrill with fear. The scream, the sound of her being swallowed by the horde.
For a heartbeat, Lexi's chest tightened. Pity? she thought, almost surprised at herself. But then she shook it off. The girl had been weak, already sick. Weakness meant death. Always had, always would.
Resolve hardened in her veins again. No time for mourning. Survival left no room for it.
She straightened and pushed off the wall, slipping her dagger back into its sheath. While the others collapsed onto chairs or slumped against walls, Lexi drifted toward the kitchen, her eyes scanning every corner.
Two of the officers followed. "Hey," one said, his voice gruff. "Where do you think you're going?"
Lexi didn't answer, only pushed through the swinging doors.
The kitchen was eerily pristine. Stainless steel counters glinted under dim light, freezers humming quietly in the background. No overturned pans, no dried blood, no signs of struggle. It was as if the place had been frozen in time before the world fell apart.
And then—her nose caught it. Food.
She opened a freezer, and her eyes widened. Frozen chicken. Fish. Turkey. Vegetables sealed in plastic bags. Everything intact, untouched.
For the first time in a long while, Lexi's lips curved into a smile.
She took a little of everything, careful and measured, sliding it neatly into her bag. Enough to sustain her, but not enough to weigh her down.
Behind her, the officers let out a low whistle. "Fresh food," one muttered. "This… this is a damn miracle."
They shouted back to the others. In seconds, the rest of the survivors stormed the kitchen, eyes wide, hands greedy. They ripped open freezer doors, stuffing bags with meat and vegetables, clawing for more like vultures fighting over scraps.
Lexi smirked as she watched them. Greed. Predictable. Dangerous.
When the frenzy slowed, she stepped forward, her voice quiet but firm. "Stop."
Heads turned toward her.
"I'll cook," she said simply. "If you eat raw or half-thawed food, you'll just get sick."
Her logic was unarguable. After a beat, nods rippled through the group. Relief softened their faces. "Thank you," murmured a young woman with brown braids—Rosa, she introduced herself. Another, pale and sharp-eyed, named Janelle, offered to help as well.
Together, the three women worked quickly. Lexi took command without raising her voice, her movements efficient and steady. Pots clanged softly as chicken boiled, the scent of seasoning from a dusty cabinet filling the air.
The others sat waiting, watching hungrily, exhaustion etched in their faces. Some whispered prayers, others rocked with silent tears.
When the food was finally served, a hush fell over the room. They ate in silence at first, savoring every bite of warm chicken and rice like it was the first real meal in months. Then murmurs of gratitude filled the air.
"This is the best I've tasted since…" Ricks trailed off, tears stinging his eyes.
"Thank you," Rosa whispered.
Lexi sat at the edge, her portion smaller, eating slowly as always. She didn't bask in their thanks. She only watched them, analyzing. Full bellies made people relax, loosened their guard. She studied every gesture, every greedy glance at the food stores.
After an hour of uneasy rest, the officers stood. "On your feet," one barked. "We move now. Dusk is coming, and with dusk come the hordes. Zombies cluster at night. If we don't leave, we won't survive."
Groans of protest rose, but fear silenced them quickly. Bags were hefted, weapons re-checked.
Lexi wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and rose smoothly, eyes narrowing. She could feel it in the air—
This night wasn't over.