The basement stairs moaned as Jared bounded up the stairs. Stepping into the kitchen, Jared heard growls coming from outside the partially boarded up windows. The others were supposed to be here hours ago. A once-full tabletop of supplies now appeared as a decaying cityscape of empty boxes. The growling grew louder as Jared listened to his stomach join in. Jared set the machete down, and took a bowl from the cupboard. If I am going to die tonight, he thought; it will be with a belly full of Count Chocula.