You're Still a Long Way from Growing Up

"Heh."

Hearing Eugene's explanation, Gavin smiled without committing either way.

Just look at Eugene. Was he trying to convince Gavin?

He was really just trying to convince himself!

Nearby, Eugene heard Gavin's mocking laugh and irritably rubbed his scalp before standing up, looking dejected.

But just as he was about to continue explaining, Gavin raised a hand and pointed at the window facing Palmer Town.

"Eugene."

Hearing Gavin say his name, Eugene instinctively shut his mouth and looked at him suspiciously.

Gavin pointed toward Palmer and continued.

"Actually, when William said he wanted to go back to Ennis to find out whether his little brother was alive, I had an idea I hadn't told him about."

"As for why, you can probably understand. His request was too unreasonable and selfish. He didn't consider whether the rest of the team would survive, so not only am I not going to agree to it, I'm going to teach him a lesson!"

"I was going to let him stand out in the cold a little longer, until he came to his senses and got at least a bit smarter, then tell him my idea."

"But I don't think you're much better than William. Neither of you has much of a brain. You're reckless and impulsive."

"But the good news is, I've realized you're at least pretty loyal."

At that, Gavin stood up too and put a hand on Eugene's shoulder.

Eugene struggled against him twice, but not very hard. In the end, Gavin slung an arm around his shoulders and steered him over to the window.

With his arm around Eugene's shoulders, Gavin smiled at him.

"You don't have to admit it, but I only believe what I see. I think there's something about you worth respecting."

"So let me give you some advice. Look over there. See that GG Billboard by the road? The one with the Palmer Resort ad on it?"

As he spoke, Gavin pointed toward the GG Billboard.

Eugene nodded.

Seeing his response, Gavin continued.

"I know you and William are neighbors. Your houses must be pretty close to each other."

"Since William's dad got stuck on the RV's bumper, that means your houses must have been pretty close to the road when Winnie's family drove through Ennis."

"Otherwise, William's dad wouldn't have been able to catch up to the RV, let alone get stuck on the bumper... Forget it. Let's get back to the point."

Gavin's expression slipped halfway through, and Eugene awkwardly rolled his eyes.

Eugene had nothing to say about what had happened to half of William's dad.

After getting his expression under control, Gavin continued.

"Putting aside whether William's teenage little brother could still be alive after his dad turned into a zombie, your houses were both close to the road. When the RV attracted William's dad, if your sister and William's little brother had turned into zombies too, wouldn't they have been drawn to it as well?"

"So before you and William decide whether to risk going to Ennis to look for your relatives, you should climb up onto that GG Billboard I pointed out and hide."

"When the Ennis Zombie Horde comes over, watch them from up there. First, see whether your relatives are among them, then decide what to do."

When he finished, Gavin let go of Eugene and spoke calmly.

"If you think it's a good idea, I'll give you your gun right now. So, want to take a chance?"

"Give it to me now. Fuck, if I keep quiet up on that GG Billboard, the zombies shouldn't notice me!"

Eugene gave himself an angry pep talk, then headed for the RV door.

Gavin stopped him and continued.

"Hold on, I haven't finished. If one of you sees a relative in the horde and does something stupid that draws the zombies' attention..."

"Remember, don't climb down from the GG Billboard right away. I'll drive around to the far end of the Artificial Lake and draw their attention for you."

"That'll give you an even better chance of getting out alive. Remember, you owe me one, Eugene."

With that, Gavin went over to Eugene and got out of the RV ahead of him.

As Gavin stepped outside, William looked up at him sharply. But Gavin ignored him completely, went straight to the Tyrannosaurus, and retrieved Eugene's two guns. He also grabbed a military knife.

After handing Eugene the guns, Gavin patted the tactical knife strapped to his calf and said, "I like this knife, so I'm keeping it for now. Take this instead."

As he spoke, Gavin handed him the military knife.

Eugene caught it and grinned, lightly flicking the blade.

"Look at that pattern. This knife's gotta be worth at least three grand, right?"

"Give me a break, you broke-ass. This thing's worth at least eight grand. But the edge isn't very sharp, so you can sharpen it yourself when you get the chance."

Gavin patted Eugene on the shoulder, then returned to the RV and shut the door.

Eugene hung the military knife from his belt, then walked over to William with a sneer and kicked his shin.

"Get up, you bastard!"

"Eugene..."

Looking at Eugene, who was ready to go, William guessed what was going on. He shook his head with difficulty and said, "You're right. Don't go crazy with me. I'm just... a little confused. Give me some more time, okay? I..."

"We're running out of time, rookie cop. Do it for me. The Quarterback just showed me a way forward. He fucking does have a plan!"

Eugene cut William off, hauled him to his feet, and dragged him into the Old Ford.

As he started the car, Eugene told William about Gavin's plan. Then the Old Ford drove all the way to the GG Billboard.

Back in the RV, Gavin returned to the sofa. Madison rolled over and watched the dust kicked up by the Ford as it drove away.

"Are they really not going to be noticed by the zombies? If they are, can they really survive?"

"You're awake?" Gavin asked.

"I am. So, can they survive?" Madison pressed.

"I'm not sure. So far, I only know that the zombies can hear. I don't know how well they can see or smell." Gavin shook his head.

"But if they die like this..." Madison hesitated.

"Then I'll know more about their sense of smell and sight. The more information we have, the better our chances of surviving in the future," Gavin replied immediately.

Madison fell silent for a long while, then finally said, "They're just bait now. Isn't that kind of a waste? In theory, they could help us a lot. More people means more hands."

"So what?"

Gavin shrugged at Madison's suggestion and continued.

"They have their reasons for taking the risk. I respect their choice."

"Besides, like Eugene said, the world's changed. Sooner or later, we'll have to take risks too."

"They chose to take that risk today. They're just doing it before us."

"Even if they die today, they'll only have gone ahead of us. Who can live forever?"

With that, Gavin got up and opened the passenger-side window.

In the driver's seat, Madison watched Gavin smoke, then glanced at Eugene and William.

From a distance, the two of them parked the Old Ford, then quickly climbed about six meters up the GG Billboard.

They climbed along the canvas to the very top of the billboard, then lay flat side by side, not moving at all.

Gavin glanced at his watch and flicked away some ash, speaking softly.

"Madison, don't be so pessimistic. They have a decent chance of making it."

"By my calculations, the Ennis Zombie Horde should be here soon. Maybe Doris won't even have dinner ready before they can join us."

When he finished, Gavin picked up the binoculars and silently watched Eugene's position.

As Gavin watched, Winnie slowly sat up in the back of the RV and called to him from a distance.

"Boss, when I grow up, are you going to use me as bait too?"

Crash!

Doris was pouring seasoning into the stew when she heard that. The container slipped right out of her hand and hit the floor.

Hearing Winnie's question, Gavin turned around with a smile.

"You?"

He rolled his eyes at Winnie and teased her.

"You're nowhere near ready. If you want to be bait, you have to be fast enough to run, and you need to learn how to drive or ride a horse."

"Besides, the fact that you can even ask that question proves you're still a long way from growing up."

"Kid."