3. Kara
3
KARA
K ara trudged forward, every step just one more in the treacherous miles they’d traveled so far. She knew she was carrying too much weight in her backpack. She felt the strain in her lower back and prayed that Sam would suggest a rest and a bite to eat at some point in the not-so-distant future. The dirt and grime coating her clothes was so depressing. The once-vibrant green fabric of her jacket was now a dull, sludgy shade of brown stained by the blood, sweat, and tears she’d had to endure over the last few months.
Oh, God. What I wouldn’t give for a day’s shopping. I’d go anywhere…Target, Walmart…I wouldn’t be fussy. Hot fresh food. An ice-cold drink. Wow, I miss that.
Sam walked beside her, a steady presence that Kara realized felt somewhat reassuring. The older woman had captivated her almost from the start. Her leather jacket, though still intact, bore the marks of her travels with her tribe of nomads—scuffs, dirt smudges, self-defense tears, and an outdoorsy odor. The contours of her physique were more apparent now, her athletic build defined by the movement of her muscles beneath the fabric. Her shirt clung to her, damp from the exertion of the day.
I could watch you all day.
“Are you sure this is the right direction?” Sam’s voice cut through Kara’s thoughts, who actually welcomed the break. She was starting to feel a little ashamed of her daydreaming, mainly as she was now permanently in the company of its subject matter. Sam’s gaze swept over the terrain, and Kara took note of the woman’s sharp eyes assessing the surroundings with practiced precision.
I wish you’d look at me like that.
Kara shifted from one foot to the other, the straps of her bag digging into her shoulders. “Yes. We’re still going east. Right? I’m pretty certain we’re on track. We should make it by tomorrow evening.”
Sam’s face was set in a thoughtful expression. “I’ve been thinking about what you said about Fort Haven. It sounds like a sanctuary. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been fine with my gang. I’ve gotten quite good at roaming from one place to the next, and I felt sick when we left them, but I quite like the idea of being in the one place…of having roots, you know?”
“Does that mean you’d like to stay at Haven?”
“Nah. I promised the guys I’d catch up with them. They’d never forgive me if I didn’t go back. I’m not sure I’d ever forgive myself. Plus, I haven’t even seen the place yet.”
Kara’s voice carried with it a note of pride as she spoke. “It’s not perfect, but I think we’ve all somehow managed to cling to some semblance of normality. I’ve found a sense of belonging there, at least. I mean, the word normality may be a bit of a stretch.”
As Kara moved through the forest, the dense foliage and rugged terrain tugged at something deep within her. It was like stepping back into a world she’d once known intimately. The way the underbrush crunched beneath her boots and the whisper of the trees against each other brought her back to the days after college when she had joined a local search and rescue team. Back then, the forest had been her training ground. Being there now with Sam felt like a reunion with her past self, a reminder of what had defined her as a person before everything changed.
“So, tell me more about your life before all of this shit,” Sam said. “What sort of person were you… before the outbreak?”
Kara glanced at Sam and laughed. “Are you some kind of mind reader? I was just thinking about that.”
“I think we all do, though, don’t we? We can’t know the future. The present is pretty dire…and so we look back to the past.”
“Well, I grew up in a small town just outside of Seattle. I practically lived outside despite the rain. I was big into hiking on the weekends. I went to college and studied environmental science, with dreams of eventually working in conservation. But life had other plans.”
“Right, so this whole survival business must have come as a bit of a shock,” Sam asked.
“Yes and no. After college, I was in this search and rescue team back home. I learned a lot of stuff with them…and I guess it’s helped me. I was used to intense situations. Not zombie-intense, but still.”
Kara saw a hint of admiration in Sam’s gaze. “That sounds like a valuable pursuit. I guess we both sought to make a difference in our own ways.”
A small smile tugged at Kara’s lips. “Well, I don’t have the skills you have. You’re a leader. You understand life on the road. I still like my home comforts, clean blankets, and a full belly. But yeah, I guess the skills I learned back then have become even more crucial now. Who would have thought, huh?”
“Ha! Yes! It certainly wasn’t in my calendar.” Sam smiled gently before furrowing her brows, “The journey has been relatively smooth so far, but we have to be careful as we move further. We can’t drop our guard. I heard the undead had a herd by here not that long ago.”
“I hear you. I’m constantly looking for them. What else is there to look for?” Kara sighed and looked at the ground. It was easy to pretend that life was normal when lost in a good conversation, but then the stark reality of their broken world always came back to the forefront of everything. Especially when it was in the form of a snapping, rotten corpse jaw trying to take one's flesh and blood for supper.
When night began to fall, they chose a sheltered spot to rest. Kara wanted to show Sam what she was made of. She set about preparing their camp, her hands deftly spreading out their bedrolls despite the agonizing throbbing in her shoulder. She’d collected old cans on the way to spread around their chosen spot, a subtle detector for any of the undead who tried to come close.
Sam watched Kara, the soft glow of twilight highlighting her features. “You don’t look like you need any help, but can I do anything?” Sam’s voice felt like a gentle caress to Kara’s ears as it blended seamlessly with the soft night air.
Kara gave a dismissive wave of her hand. “I’ve got it,” she replied with a half-shrug. “In fact, I’m actually enjoying myself. The weather’s been good to us. I know you’ve brought snacks. I’m feeling much better than I was yesterday.”
“Of course. Come on. Let’s eat. I want to know more about Fort Haven—aand you,” Sam said as she took a seat on the bedroll, her fingers brushing against Kara's calf as she reached for her bag and laid out some strips of dried meat on a piece of wax paper on the ground.
Kara wrapped her arms around her knees and started to rock back and forth slightly. “Fort Haven has really evolved into something much more than it was ever intended to be. We’ve built it up. We’d added some incredible defenses, and the aim is that we keep expanding our facilities. I like to think of it as somewhere people can find safety and purpose.”
Sam inspected her nails as she listened. “It sounds incredible. I’m really looking forward to seeing it for myself. You sound so pumped when you talk about it. I’ve not seen anything like it since…”
Kara’s heart skipped a beat at the intensity of Sam’s gaze. She tried to keep her focus away from Sam’s lips.
“Well…I’m quite excited for you to see it, too. It’s important to me. You’ll understand why. I don’t know what I’m going to tell them when I get back. They’ll be devastated.”
“You know,” Sam said calmly, “this journey has been so much more than a trek. To me, at least. It’s been a chance to get to know you. To see what drives you. To take a chance on a total stranger. It may sound weird, but it’s so refreshing to meet someone like you.”
What’s she getting at here? Am I imagining this?
Kara felt her heart swelling with anticipation. “I know exactly what you mean. I think?”
“Look,” said Sam as she pinched the bridge of her nose and lowered her head. “I don’t want you to feel awkward or anything, but I like being around you. Maybe it’s a little silly, and erm…”
Sam’s words meandered into a comfortable silence, a shared understanding settling between them. Kara broke the quiet with a playful grin, glancing at the strips of meat. “Well, this looks delightful,” she laughed.
“Do I sense a hint of irony in your voice? I’ll have you know that this gourmet delight is…well…the best I can manage.” Sam’s laughter was warm and genuine as she took a bite, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “If we were in the old world, I could’ve really wowed you with something super delicious.”
“Oh really? I can only dream of that now. I’m sure it’s better than it looks,” Kara teased back, giving her a playful nudge.
Their eyes locked in the moment.
“You know, you make me feel like a real person again. Being around you, and the way we get on, it’s just…different. I feel as if I’ve known you a long time.”
Kara held her breath, her heart racing, her words mumbling. “Me too. It’s like a…connection? I'm sorry if that sounds corny. I mean, it could be any kind of connection. I'm just saying it’s…”
“I get it, Kara. I feel something for you,” Sam said, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
Kara exhaled, blowing out a breath. “Well, I like to be straight to the point, and honestly, me, too. There’s something about you. Something that makes everything else seem less important.”
Sam’s eyes darkened. “God, I’m pleased you said that. I feel like an idiot, like a teenage girl with a silly crush. But in this shitty world, I don’t keep secrets. There’s no point in wasting time, so I just wanted to tell you, you know? And if you feel weird or anything, I'll just pretend this conversation never happened and we’ll move forward.”
“I feel far from weird. Stop overthinking it. I agree we may as well just say how you feel. Tomorrow is never promised.” Kara smiled, her expression gentle and calm.
Their bodies seemed to move closer, drawn together by an invisible force. Kara reached out her hand, brushing her fingers against Sam’s cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin. Sam’s arm found its way to Kara’s waist, pulling her into a gentle embrace. There was no time for games.
The kiss they shared was soft at first, a tender exploration that quickly deepened into something more intense. Kara’s lips pressed against Sam’s, feeling the heat and sweetness of her mouth. Sam’s hands roamed over Kara’s back, pulling her closer, their bodies aligning with an intuitive sense of intimacy.
Kara’s breath was ragged as their kiss grew more passionate. Her hands tangled in Sam’s hair, the texture of her rough curls a pleasing contrast to the softness of her skin. Sam’s lips parted slightly, allowing Kara’s tongue to brush against hers. The smell of nature filled the air around them. Damp earth and wet leaves.
Kara’s fingers trailed down Sam’s back, tracing the curve of her spine, feeling the subtle tension and strength in her muscles. Sam’s hands moved to Kara’s shoulders, gently pushing her jacket aside to reveal the bare skin underneath.
“Are you…sure?” Sam asked Kara, a look of concern flashing across her features.
“More than sure.”
The sensation of their bodies pressed together became more pronounced. Kara’s shirt rode up slightly, exposing her midriff, and the skin-to-skin contact created a whirlwind of emotions in her stomach. Sam’s touch was both firm and gentle, her hands exploring every contour of Kara’s body.
Soft murmurs of pleasure punctuated their kisses. Kara’s fingers traced the line of Sam’s jaw, feeling the subtle shifts in the shape of her face as their passion built. Sam’s breath was hot against Kara’s neck, sending shivers down her spine.
I can’t believe this is happening…
Kara’s hands moved to Sam’s shirt. She unbuttoned it urgently. The fabric fell away, revealing her skin beneath. It was so soft, so bronzed. Kara was already obsessed with it. Sam moaned, taking her breath away.
“Stay quiet. We don’t want to be interrupted,” Kara whispered and gently laughed.
As they continued to explore each other, taking turns removing pieces of clothing until they were both in their underwear, the intensity of their connection grew. Kara’s lips traveled down Sam’s neck, tasting the salty sweetness of her skin. Sam’s hands roamed over Kara’s body, her touch firm and tender.
Sam’s response was equally enthusiastic. Her fingers traced patterns on Kara’s body, exploring every inch with a mix of wonder and desire.
As their passion started to reach its peak, the intensity of their connection was matched by the tenderness of their touch. Kara’s fingers explored Sam’s thighs, leading up to her wetness. Her fingers slid inside, feeling the heat and moisture of her arousal.
Kara’s touch became more deliberate, her fingers pushing softly inside of Sam, slowly curling them deep inside of her. She felt Sam’s body respond with shudders of pleasure while clearly trying her best to stay as quiet as possible.
“I want you to touch yourself as I fuck you,” Kara begged.
Sam looked into her eyes and did as asked, her fingers slowly sliding down and massaging her own clit in gentle circles.
Kara picked up the pace, fucking her deeper. Watching her body tighten up.
Sam's hands gripped Kara’s shoulders, her nails digging in slightly as the pleasure intensified. Kara felt electrified as she watched Sam experience a series of orgasmic waves that crashed over her with increasing force.
“Don’t stop,” Sam gasped. “Please, don’t stop. I’m going to come. Fuck. Keep fucking me.”
Kara’s heart raced at Sam’s plea, her own body responding as wetness soaked through her pants. She changed position and moved downward to press her lips against Sam’s inner thigh and replaced Sam's fingers with her tongue, sucking and circling her swollen clit as Sam lost herself in a deep climax.
Sam’s hips bucked slightly as she reached her peak. Kara’s fingers and tongue continued their gentle, rhythmic motion, guiding Sam through the waves of pleasure.
As the intensity of Sam’s orgasm subsided, Kara’s touch grew gentler, her fingers brushing softly against Sam’s now-slick vulva. She leaned in and planted a final tender kiss on her body.
“That was…” Sam began, her voice calm. “Well…I can’t believe it. I can’t believe we just…did that. I didn’t expect it to…well…I’m just…I need a minute before…”
Kara smiled, her breath still unsteady. “You’re incredible. Just relax, I don’t need anything else,” she managed to splutter, her fingers gently tracing the outline of Sam’s body.
Sam’s gaze softened, her fingers brushing against Kara’s cheek in a tender caress. “I didn’t expect that to happen.”
Kara nodded, her heart swelling with affection. “Nor did I. But I have been thinking about it all day. You took my mind off…everything.”
As they lay together, the world outside seemed to disappear. The forest, the loss of Kara’s friends, and the challenges that lay ahead were all put into perspective by the warmth of their shared intimacy.
“I didn’t even know you were gay,” Sam said as she looked up at the night sky, one arm behind her head. “I guess I hoped you were, but to be honest, it’s been so long, I kind of forgot I was.”
“I was never out as gay. Not really. I had a couple of girlfriends…or experiences…when I was younger, but I never really admitted it to myself. I think I was scared to tell my parents, which was stupid. They wouldn’t have minded at all. I imagine they even suspected. I mean, come on. I’m pretty butch. I never brought a boyfriend home. Of course, they knew.”
“I haven’t even asked you… Did your parents make it?”
“It’s not the sort of question we used to ask. But yeah…we talk about these things these days.” Kara said sadly. “No is the answer to your question. They didn’t. They were both infected. What about your family?”
“I’m so sorry. Mine had both died before the outbreak. I don’t want to say I was lucky…but, in fact…”
“Yeah, you were. I couldn’t kill mine. It’s my biggest regret. I left them,” said Kara, her gut twisting into knots at the memory.
“It wasn’t your fault. Just remember that, Kara.”
“I know. Thank you.”
“Come here,” Sam said, holding open her arms to take Kara into her embrace. “Come sleep next to me. You’re so brave. Let me hold you.”
And like that, the two of them fell asleep under the stars, wrapped around each other, not at all aware of the cold night air or the possible dangers that lurked around them.
The following morning, Kara’s eyes fluttered open, and she glanced at Sam, whose face was relaxed in a peaceful expression. The sight of her sleeping form filled Kara with a sense of contentment. And dare she admit it – hope? She gently untangled herself from Sam’s embrace, taking care not to disturb her.
She decided to pack up their gear, check their supplies, and ensure they were ready for the journey. Kara’s movements were methodical, each action reflecting her determination to reach Fort Haven. The sound of her activities eventually roused Sam, who blinked sleepily and stretched.
“Morning,” Sam murmured. She propped herself up on one elbow and looked at Kara with a grin.
“Good morning,” Kara replied. “Ready for the last leg of the journey?”
Sam laughed. “Ha! I’m zapped after last night, but sure. If my legs can carry me, absolutely. I’m looking forward to seeing this Fort Haven of yours.”
The intimacy of the previous night seemed to have laid a foundation of trust and understanding between them. They shared a moment as they gazed at each other, but the intimate moment soon became interrupted by a rustling sound nearby.
“Shit, did you hear that?” Kara whispered.
Sam looked at her, holding her hand over her mouth signaling to stay quiet. She pointed over the dense shrubs by the trees.
Kara grabbed the bat she’d just tucked into her bag. Sam looked down at her belt, slowly removing her knife. Slowly, they moved together towards the sound. The rustling turned into a deep grunting noise, and they saw the rotten zombie feasting on an animal in the undergrowth. Without a second thought, Kara grabbed her bat with both hands and in one swift motion thrust it into the half rotten head. The only way to truly finish off the undead. A brutal attack on the head.
Sam watched as Kara took charge of the situation. Impressed by the strength in her body and mind. The rotten walker fell to the ground, slumped over its own lunch.
“Well, that’ll do.” Kara huffed as she dragged the bat on the grass to remove the gooey mess left behind.
“Good job there. That was quick. Let’s grab our bags and get going,” Sam replied as she threw her rucksack over her shoulders and started heading for the way out.
“Oh shit, we need to move fast,” Kara shouted as she pointed behind them.
Through the trees an outline emerged of more undead making their way toward them.
“Fuck. Run, now!”
The pair grabbed their supplies and ran as fast as they could. Each step was fueled with adrenaline as they paced out of there, desperate to get back to safety.