Frank decided it was best not to get sidetracked and kept moving along the tracks without checking the van. Even if there was something useful inside it he already had plenty of supplies and a decent weapon. Right now the most important thing Frank could do was put as much distance between himself and the city as possible. It was unlikely that there would be many zombies out this far anyway, and the probability of running into one of them would surely decrease as he got further away. "I bet they have some sort of safe zone just a few more miles up ahead. I'll get there without even seeing another zombie." Frank said confidently to himself, keeping his eyes peeled on the surrounding trees for signs of movement. "Still, it can't hurt to be careful..." The wilderness was beautiful, but Frank knew all too well how dangerous the forests around Bitterwood could get. Bears, wolves, and other vicious animals made their home amongst the trees. Now they could all be undead as well, which only contributed to their intimidation factor. The thought of a red eyed wolf shambling out of the trees crossed Frank's mind. "Jesus, I just hope I find something soon... all this walking in silence is maddening..."
His lonesome journey continued for another half an hour before he stopped for a second time. Up ahead was a large steel bridge that crossed Limestone Creek below. It was roughly 25 yards long and very narrow. Frank got off the tracks and sat down on a rock overlooking the shimmering water below. He couldn't see any zombie fish, but that didn't surprise him. It was at least a 50 foot drop from the bridge above and filled with quite a few sharp rocks. Frank opened his backpack and pulled out a bag of trail mix to eat while he took a rest. "Guess I'll have to cross that bridge if I want to keep going this way..." He said as took a sip from one of his 5 water bottles. Once he was done with his snack he stuffed the empty bag and bottle back into his backpack. "Time to get this over with..." He grabbed ahold of the railing and tried to avoid looking down. "Focus on moving... keep moving..." Frank thought to himself as he looked ahead to make sure a train wasn't coming. It was an immense relief when his feet finally touched solid ground on the other side. "Well, that ordeal is over... now I just need to keep m-" He was suddenly cut off by a loud growl that seemed to come from all directions at once. It didn't sound vicious or even angry... just otherworldly... like it didn't belong.
Frank tightened his grip on his shovel and took a quick look around. The only visible movement came from the wind blowing softly through the trees and weeds. As soon as the growl ended the whole world seemed to return to a dead calm. No noise. No movement. No malice could be detected. It was without a doubt the most unnerving thing Frank had experienced yet. Hell, he questioned whether he had even heard anything or not as he slowly moved along. All was silent except for the crunch of his shoes as he walked. Up ahead Frank could see a dirt trail that led up a hill deeper into the woods. It might be safer then walking out in the open on the train tracks... or it might lead him straight into the jaws of some hellish animal. Suddenly, without warning, a second growl echoed throughout the forest... this time a little closer... and angrier...
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