Wadding up the note and tossing it to the side.

I look back at the map. Studying it in hopes of finding a better path for walking, an alternate route, I don't even know what I'm looking for.

Driving seems to be out of the question, and I don't want to walk the highway. Too much exposure to the elements. And too out in the open. The last thing I need is for another maniac like Pharaoh to spot me.

I'm considering travelling east to the next town, hoping to find an untapped car there. But I don't want to risk wasting that much time if I don't find one. Then I spot something.

A stable on the northwest side of Crestview. All I need to do is figure out which way is north.

Taking the map with me, I run out of the gas station and keep heading the way I had been into Crestview. Once I get into town I'll figure out which direction I'm going. I just pray I'm not currently heading south.

It's another hour of walking before I get into the city. Lots of buildings, lots of cars. I notice they all have little doors on the side. Those little doors are open, revealing a hole. I assume that's where gas is suppose to go in. And that it's been taken back out already.

I'm walking along reading the street signs when I realize. I can use these intersections to figure out on the map which way I'm heading. I just need to read one, then walk to the next. After that I'll see exactly which way I've been heading. And can then go north instead.

I'm stopped at the intersection of Relden and Center. My face buried in the map and I search for where I am.

Suddenly the map is torn out of my hands. A snarling zombie face where the map once was. I swing my left hand to bash its head in like so many before it. Then it dawns on me. I forgot my rock at the gas station.

Usually I would just run away at this point. Zombies give up on chasing you after a few hundred meters. But I really need that map. A fist fight with a zombie is not an easy fight to win. They don't slow down, they don't get winded, they feel no pain at all.

I hit it across the jaw hard enough to break it. Without hesitation it swings back. This leaves me dizzy for a moment. Another swing getting my gut before I can retaliate. I kick at its knee, trying to knock it down. It falls forward into me, clawing at my eye.

I put a hand on it's back and push down. Using its own momentum against it. Raising my boot to stomp down on its head. Before my foot comes down, I get hit in the back and stumble. I turn to see another zombie behind me. And a Third behind her.

I pan my head around to see a whole crowd of them closing in on me. I'll find another map, I can't win this fight. I try to run, but the zombie I knocked down is holding my left boot. I tug and kick but he's got a tight grip. I grab my left leg with both arms and pull.

My leg is freed but the zombie still holds the boot. My makeshift foot inside.

Running four blocks, each step a searing pain into my now raw and bloody stump. I finally slowdown to catch my breath. Figuring any of the zombies would have given up their chase by now. I never quite stop, not wanting a reenactment of what just happened. But I do slow down and think. I need to find another map, or any other way to orient myself north. And I need to find a foot.

I come across a shopping mall. They should have everything I need. Maps, a boot, a brief escape from the cold. There may even be some food.

I get to the door, It's chained up. there are things inside blocking the doors. I can't tell what exactly, it's dark. But I think it's a lot like what I did at the apartment.

Taking note of the sign over the door that reads.

"East Entrance."

I head in the direction I've been going this whole time. Checking that side of the mall as well. As expected, the door is chained and barricaded. Despite this, relief washes over me as I read.

"North Entrance."

"I'm not afraid to shoot!"

I look around trying to see where this voice is coming from.

"I mean it!"

Looking up this time, I see a little old lady on top of the mall, a rifle aimed down at me.

"We ain't got no room for youngins, and nothin' worth raidin' so just get outta here."

raising my hands I speak.

"I understand ma'am, I'm unarmed and I mean you no harm. I just need a boot"

"A boot?"

"Well, a whole foot actually."

Figuring A bit of sympathy might go a long way. I raise my left leg to show my stump.

"A zombie took my last one"

I continue.

"Oh deary, that's a real shame. You just wait right there. I'll see what we can do for you."

A moment later, two older men. And that same older woman come from the west side of the building. The woman still with her gun pointed at me.

"A precaution, you understand deary. Nothing more."

"We've got a secret entrance over on the side here, originally a fire escape door. so it's smooth on the outside. Exit only."

One of the men says.

We round the side, a second old lady there, holding the door open for us.

I'm walked through a long hallway, led by flash lights. Until we enter the main area of the mall. A massive skylight eliminating any need for artificial light.

I look around, at least three dozen wrinkled and old faces stare back at me.

Finally one steps forward. A woman holding knitting needles, half a scarf, and a ball of yarn. She hands them to a man standing beside her.

"Hello young man. Welcome to our sanctuary. I'm told you are in need of a foot. Is this correct?"

"Yes ma'am."

Again raising my leg and pointing to my stump.

"Very well, you shall receive that which you are looking for, and nothing else. We do not have the resources to house any more. Nor would we care to even if we had."

"That's okay ma'am, I'm in a rush to get back somewhere and really don't want to waste any time. If I can just get that foot and be on my way. That would be greatly appreciated"

"Very well, as luck would have it. We have a whole store for prosthetics. Meredith will escort you."

She points to the woman with the gun.

"Let's go deary."

Meredith says, nudging me forward with the barrel of the rifle.