The forest was a natural obstacle, slowing the zombies' advance — but only for a little while.What was coming… would come no matter what.
Morgan's report was grim:There were hundreds of zombies gathering.Trying to eliminate them would waste time, bullets, and lives — and worst of all, it wouldn't change the outcome.
The farm was defenseless.There was no point in a last stand.
"It looks like our rest time is over," Jason muttered, pressing his lips into a thin line.
He glanced at Jim, who sat nearby with a bandage around his leg.Fortunately, Jim's injury wasn't critical — they'd still be able to move as a group when the time came.
But Jason wasn't thinking only about his own team.The real goal of coming to the farm wasn't just clearing the barn or resting up.It was recruiting people — good, capable people.
Mr. and Mrs. Otis were valuable: he could raise livestock, she could farm.Hershel was a skilled veterinarian and a seasoned farmer.Maggie — well, Maggie was a fighter, someone Jason knew would be crucial down the road.
Even Beth, although young and fragile, deserved a chance — a chance to survive and maybe find her own strength.
Jason headed toward the stables.He found Maggie and Hershel there, brushing down one of the farm's prized horses — a fiery red-haired stallion.
Jason leaned casually against the wooden railing, eyeing the horse."The zombies will be here soon," he said bluntly. "You can't save this farm.The only way to survive… is to come with us."
"I'm not leaving my farm," Hershel said firmly, not even looking up.
Jason exhaled sharply through his nose."And you're willing to let everyone die here just to stay with a piece of land?" he said, pressing a hand to his forehead."If you lose the farm, you can rebuild. If you lose your life — you'll be meeting your God sooner than you planned."
Still, Hershel didn't budge.He stroked the horse's neck gently and said, "I won't leave... unless you can make this horse listen to you."
Jason blinked.Was this old man serious?
Hershel's challenge wasn't random.This horse was the wildest on the farm — a beast with a mind of its own.Even Hershel had never truly tamed it. Only Maggie, after years of trust and work, could manage it.
It was a near-impossible task for a stranger.
Maggie crossed her arms and shook her head slightly, already feeling bad for Jason.She knew this horse — its stubbornness, its fire.No outsider had ever gotten close without being thrown or kicked.
But what Hershel didn't know... was that Jason had a trick up his sleeve.A strange, seemingly useless skill he'd picked up long ago: animal taming.
Until now, Jason had thought it pointless.But now?Now, it might save lives.
Jason smiled — a confident, almost cocky smile.
"You're sure about that?" Jason said."If this horse listens to me... you'll pack up and come with us?"
"That's right," Hershel said, chuckling.He thought he'd already won.
"Then watch carefully," Jason said, stepping into the stable.
Maggie opened her mouth, wanting to warn him.If he got too close too fast, the horse could kick hard enough to kill.
Jason, however, moved slowly, carefully.He stretched out his hand, locking eyes with the horse — not as a challenger, but as an equal.He spoke in a low, soothing voice:
"Easy, boy.It's okay.Let me touch your head...Your ears...We're going to be good friends."
The horse stamped its hooves nervously, snorting.Maggie tensed, ready to intervene — but then... she froze.
The horse stilled.Its nostrils flared, but it didn't shy away.It leaned slightly forward, curious.
Jason reached out... and brushed its forehead gently.
The horse whinnied once — then nuzzled his palm.
The stable went dead silent.
Maggie's jaw dropped open.Hershel's hand slipped from the railing, his expression stunned.
Jason patted the horse's neck and turned back around with a grin.
"Well?" he said casually."Time to pack up?"