The Convenience Store

Entry 12/07/2009

Dear anyone who reads this,

My small group of survivors and I were trying to find some much needed supplies around the city (Richmond, VA). We followed all the protocol. We were sticking to the walls, always keeping a man in the back to check our six, staying outside of the inner cordon of the city, and staying off of that god-forsaken highway. We went through one of the blocks between the University of Richmond, and VCU. I think they used to call it "Hell Block"; mostly because of the parties that would happen there non-stop. Well, when you look at this place now, it really is hell.
We were on hell block heading to a well-known convenience store past the cafe. Bad idea. I guess a lot of people had gone through this area in their past life because that street was flooded with plenty of zombies. But this was our last hope of gathering supplies. It was worth a shot.
We used several of the back ally ways to try and find a way in, and sure enough, there was a back exit. Just about 3 deadheads were in the way. Problem is, our weapons are very loud and we couldn't acquire any silencers for them at the many gun stores we found. So, we try to use three weapons when going silent, compound bows, machetes, and knives. We took them out no problem, with no casualties. Thank god. I hate looking at exposed spines when you hack their heads off. Makes me want to throw up sometimes. And I have to give some kudos to my friend (name withheld). He got one hell of a spine-splitting shot off with that compound bow. Went square through that bugger's neck and literally split his spine in two at the skull's base.
Next thing you know, we were in the store grabbing food and supplies (toiletries, and non-perishables). All I could think after filling up our bags was, "Man I need some freaking smokes". First mistake of the day. When those anti-smoke adds say that smoking can kill you, I don't think they had this in mind.
I made the (very stupid) mistake of jumping the counter without checking, and sure enough this camping zed jumped up at me and went straight for my carotid artery. Without hesitation I pull out my ka-bar and stab him through the lower jaw and into the brain. The problem was that my partner watching my back thought that I was in a tight spot and I didn't have it under control. All we heard was this ear-ringing shot. The zombie had not been stabbed and shot in the head. Overkill. The bullet went in and even took the very tip of my knife off. Dammit.
Afterwards, I grabbed as many smokes as I could and we ran out of that convenience store as fast as we could. That shot sounded one hell of an alarm for the f@#%ers outside. It wasn't long before they broke the door down. We booked it back to the car and then to the safe-house. Shit, I just realized we have to look for more ammunition now. Life is going down the drain. Time to move north towards Warrenton. Its going to be hard to throw them off the trail for a couple of days. At least I have my smokes now.

your fellow survivor,
Lucas Keckley