Chapter Text
Things have been rough lately. Since the outbreak, Hudson had struggled worse than usual.
Life had never been easy. Growing up on a farm without any education certainly amplified that fact. It was embarrassing, that he couldn't read or write at 34 years of age. It didn't matter much to him, but the looks people gave him as he'd ask what a sign said, then have to explain that he did speak English, definitely did.
And of course, when he actually needs to go somewhere, he's short on money for coal to fuel the train. Just his luck. Running a hand over his face, he stuffed his makeshift wallet back into his jeans pocket before standing up. With the way his back ached, he decided right there and then that he would never sleep on the ground again. Even if it meant breaking into some abandoned house and sleeping on an old bed that was likely filled with bugs. Why didn't he just sleep in his train? Is he stupid? Probably.
As Hudson gathered his things and stamped out whatever remained of his fire from the night before, he thought about his destination. He'd been planning to go to Mexico; apparently, that's where the cure was, or, it was at least a safer area. He wasn't sure of the specifics. Specifics didn't matter. Going to Mexico felt more like an animalistic instinct to survive than something he looked forward to.
After doing a few stretches, earning a few cracks from his spine, he hopped on his train. There wasn't much fuel left, but it was enough to get him at least a mile further. He started up the train, sighing in relief as it roared to life. It was old, but reliable. It was an odd hand-me-down from his grandpa, much to his mothers distaste. But the aged man was good with trains, insisting that "the ol' girl still works," so Hudson trusted it enough to use it on his journey to a new country.
The train chugged along, quiet rumbling enough to soothe the cowboy's mind for at least a moment. He leaned back in his seat and heaved a tired breath. 'It can't be too far away now,' he imagined. 'Can't be. This'll all be worth it soon.'
Right as he was about to close his eyes and relax, something caught his eye in the distance. The longer he looked, the more it looked like... a mansion? Huh? That was incredibly out of place. In the middle of the desert?
Hudson had heard of mansions before, but never actually seen one. From what he's heard, they were supposed to be these huge, luxurious houses somewhere in the suburbs. Real fancy, rich, snobby people lived in them. Way out of his league... but if this was his one chance to find out what it looks like inside, he'd take it.
Luckily enough, he supposed, the train ran out of fuel the moment the mansion was in walking distance. It'd be a longer walk than he'd like, but doable. Sighing, he shut the train down and made sure he had everything he'd need. Gun, knife, ammo, the bandana that he used as a mask... He was set. So he calmed his nerves, stood up, and began his trek to the mansion.
The door was slightly ajar, which worried him. If someone actually lived here, he'd be in a load of shit.