Hunting for Food

Posted on Tue Sep 23rd, 2025 @ 9:36pm by Survivor Kelly Cardona & Council Member Timothy Cotton

1,122 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Winter's hope
Location: Forest surrounding Compound

TJ crept slightly through the woods. He knew Kelly was somewhere off to his right as they tracked a deer through the thick forest. He moved quietly, stealthily as possible as he didn't want to spook the deer. Bringing it down would greatly help the food supply for the group. Not mention the meat would do them all good and the skin could be used as well. Nothing would go to waste in this new world they found themselves in.

Kelly was taking it as stealthy as she could given loose twigs and old rustling leaves, the slightest noise would scare off the deer they were following. As much as she hated to kill, they had little choice these days.

TJ continued to move through the underbrush and trees and knew Kelly was doing the same. he also knew Kelly was thrilled with hunting/killing of animals but she understood the reasons behind it especially now. They were both still downwind of the deer so it had no idea it was being tracked and positioned to be killed, just a few more minutes and they could make their move.

Kelly wasn't sure Vienna would appreciate them hunting, she was a hunter, gatherer after all. Though while the deer was there, it seemed silly to waste the opportunity. She kept a watch for TJ as well, it would be easy to mix up movement and someone could easily get injured.

TJ moved on until he came to a clearing there standing as if it didn't have a care in the world was the deer they had been tracking! It was a good size buck, with an impressive set of antlers. He stopped not wanting to risk getting much closer. Looking to his right, he could see Kelly also coming to a stop as they prepared to take their quarry down.

Kelly wasn't looking forward to this kill, that’s why she hadn’t chosen to be a hunter for the group. She took aim but she struggled with the thought of pulling the trigger and killing an innocent animal.

TJ saw Kelly hesitate and he knew she was struggling with killing the deer. It went against her nature as a nurse. He wouldn't force her to shoot. He brought his rifle up, sighted and fired. His shot hitting the deer solid in it's chest and bringing it down where it lay unmoving on the forest ground.

Kelly couldn’t help but look away for a moment, before giving TJ a nod of her head. Walking across she gave him an apologetic look. “Sorry TJ, I know I should have but I couldn’t.”

TJ looped his arm around her waist. "It is okay Kelly. It really is. Help me wrap it in a tarp and we can skin and cut it up back at the house. This is going to really help with the food supply for the group."

Kelly nodded offering a brief smile. “I’m a trained soldier just like you are, I should be able to face doing this. We need the food, I mean I know this was an opportunity kill but I…” she sighed.

"You are also a trained nurse and care and compassion are a big part of your training as well. You are going to be a great mom when the time comes and I want out child to learn all about care and compassion from you." TJ said softly before continuing. "Don't overthink it. We seized the opportunity, we have food. It will benefit the group and that is what is most important." TJ replied as he gave Kelly's waist a gentle squeeze.

Kelly nodded. “That’s true, right now we need all the food we can get. I’ll admit I worry what’ll happen when Thea’s baby arrives, right now we don’t have the walkers to contend with, but if anything was to happen in the future Thea and her baby would be at serious risk.”

TJ nodded, 'We do need the food and yes you are right about Thea and her baby being at a higher risk with the possibility of attracting walkers. However I am confident we will have a way to lessen that risk once the baby is born." TJ answered with what he hoped was a convincing smile.

Kelly offered a smile. “I love the way you’re so reassuring when you’re not really sure yourself, it’s a good job I know you better than that.”

TJ nodded, "You know me better than I think I know myself at times and I am glad you do and you are here. You keep me focused on what is important as well as keeping me grounded."

Kelly smiled. “I’ll always be at your side, don’t worry about that. Let’s get this kill back before it starts going off, or brings in predators.”

He grinned, "I am glad to hear that. One less thing to worry about." He teased before continuing, "Right you are. You grab the hind legs and I'll get the front and we'll get going back to the base."

Kelly nodded as she moved to pick up the hind legs. “This is going to be some weight to carry back, at least it’ll provide us with a good meal.”

"You know what? Your right about the weight and I don't want us to be handicapped carrying this so....." TJ bent down and with a groan grabbed the deer and hefted it up across his shoulders. "Wow, heavy but now your hands are free and yes, this should provide plenty of good meals."

“Can you manage that on your own?” Kelly gave him a curious look. “Don’t want you pulling a muscle or anything!” She grinned.

TJ grinned at her, "Ah, see you have uncovered my ulterior motive. If I pull a muscle or get a back strain. I just happen to know a nurse who is excellent with up close and very personal care and I'm sure she would volunteer to take care of me until I have recovered." He finished struggling to keep a straight face and not to laugh.

Kelly couldn’t help but grin. “Ohh you know me, always willing to get hands on with my patients. Especially you.”

TJ nodded laughter in his eyes and a smile on his lips, "That's exactly what I am hoping for and counting on. In fact, I feel a back strain coming on." He finished before laughing.

“Then the sooner we get back the better” Kelly grinned as they kept a steady pace, she was actually starting to feel a little better about life such as it was right now.

 

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