The group of elderly people had gathered in the heart of the forest, where they had set up a small camp. Together, they prepared their food on an improvised campfire, while sharing stories and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.
As the flames crackled and the aroma of food filled the air, the elderly people engaged in lively conversation, reminiscing about past times and reflecting on the helicopters they had heard. Laughter and voices filled the space as they shared their thoughts.
"I remember when helicopters used to scare us." Commented one of the elderly, letting out a nostalgic smile. "Those were difficult times, and the sound of helicopters used to mean danger and destruction."
Another elderly person nodded and added, "Yes, those memories still haunt me. The military arrived, and there were moments when they took away our loved ones. It was a time of uncertainty and loss."
However, as the conversation continued, the elderly people also expressed their hope and gratitude for the present. "But here we are now, in peace and surrounded by our grandchildren." Said an elderly woman with tenderness in her eyes. "It is important that we tell them our stories, so that they never forget and appreciate the life we have today."
The children, curious and excited, listened attentively to their grandparents, assimilating every word and absorbed in the tales of times past. The elderly people smiled at the sparkle in their grandchildren's eyes, feeling a deep love and connection with the future generations.
While sharing the food they had lovingly prepared, the elderly people and the children found comfort and happiness in that special moment. The forest enveloped them with its calm and serenity, as stories and laughter intertwined in the air.
Despite the worries and painful memories, the group of elderly people found the strength to enjoy the present and pass on their wisdom to future generations. Together, they created a special bond between the past and the future, cultivating a spirit of resilience and hope.
The group of elderly people and their grandchildren, with satisfied stomachs and hearts full of affection, stood up from the camp and began their journey towards an unknown destination in the forest. They ventured onto the path amidst tall and leafy trees, feeling the cool breeze caress their faces and the gentle whisper of the wind among the leaves.
As they walked, the elderly people shared stories of bravery and resistance, passing on to their grandchildren the life lessons they had learned over the years. They spoke of the importance of friendship, respect for nature, and the value of perseverance in difficult times.
The children, with eyes filled with admiration, listened attentively, absorbing the wisdom of their elders. They became excited imagining the stories and marveled at the idea of facing similar challenges in the future.
As they continued, the group occasionally stopped to admire the beauty of the forest. The elderly people pointed out different species of trees and plants, sharing their knowledge with the younger ones. Everyone felt part of something greater, connected with nature and with each other.
The path became narrower and steeper, but the group remained united, supporting each other with every step. The elderly people displayed serene determination, while the children, full of energy and enthusiasm, followed closely, demonstrating a spirit of courage and adventure.
...
Three hours later.
The group of elderly people and their grandchildren were resting around the campfire, enjoying the calm of the night in the forest. However, without warning, a group of walkers emerged from among the trees, advancing towards them with clumsy and hungry steps.
"Children, everyone behind us!"
Panic seized the group, and the elderly instinctively protected their grandchildren, seeking a way to escape. The sound of growls and the screams of the walkers filled the air, creating a terrifying atmosphere.
In the midst of the chaos, one of the elderly people remembered a flare he carried with him. With trembling hands, he lit the flare and raised it in the air, tracing a bright line in the darkness of the night. The red glow of the fire soared into the sky, a signal of danger and desperation.
The sound of helicopters from the S.C.T. resonated on the horizon, capturing the attention of the walkers. The helicopters flew in their direction, their lights illuminating the forest and their rotors breaking the silence of the night.
The walkers, momentarily distracted by the presence of the helicopters, halted their advance towards the group of elderly people. The opportunity to escape presented itself, and taking advantage of it, the group ran in the opposite direction, moving away from the walkers and seeking refuge.
"Run!"
Inevitably, the scattered walkers in the forest headed in that direction as some were lured by the sound of the helicopters.
...
"Zz... We have a sighting at seven o'clock, approaching to investigate!"
"Zz... This is Alpha team, descending to rescue a group of survivors in the forest."
The S.C.T. helicopters swiftly descended to the location where the elders and their grandchildren were. From above, the rescuers spotted the flare and understood the signal of danger. They deployed a rescue rope, allowing the elders and children to be hoisted one by one to the safety of the aircraft.
"Everyone, stay still and keep to the side!"
Without waiting for the elders' response, two soldiers opened fire against the walkers.
Bang Bang Bang!
Bullets penetrated the foreheads of all the walkers, eliminating them within seconds.
With relief, the group of elders and their grandchildren were now safe, embracing each other as the helicopters carried them away from danger. Tears of fear mixed with sighs of gratitude as they watched the forest recede and the threat of the walkers dissipate.
From the safety of the helicopters, the elders and children watched as the S.C.T. rescuers neutralized the walkers, protecting the area and ensuring the peace of those remaining in the forest. Grateful for their courageous intervention, the group knew they had to continue telling their story and fighting to prevent any other human from facing the same nightmare.
The soldiers who walked at the front of the group after asking a few simple questions arrived at a road where two helicopters had descended and awaited the rest to return.
"Now you're coming to a safe place!"
As the helicopters moved away, the elders and children held onto each other, knowing they had survived thanks to their resilience and the unexpected help. Together, they promised to stay strong and support one another as they continued their journey in search of a safe place and a future full of hope.
As they looked upon the world through their eyes, everyone saw how the world had changed after the walkers exterminated a large part of humanity. As for the children, they gazed with starry eyes at all these masked soldiers who had saved them.
Novel finished on level 3 of my Patreon: SrCuervo