The turning of the season towards autumn meant that the temperature outside was slightly more tolerable than it had been in the peak of July. For that, Kennedy was thankful. Even more so, Enzo was more than satisfied to not be burning to death in the thick coat of fur that he donned. The shepherd trotted happily at her side, along the pier where they had ventured to that day. It had been a quiet day, almost too quiet. Kennedy feared that what may appear as a break for once would soon turn into a fight or flight situation. 

The Taurus pistol bounced in its holster on her hip as she continued to walk down along the docks, where old and abandoned boats sat anchored without any hope of their owners returning to take them out on the waves ever again. Something that this plague hadn't managed to ruin was the view of the ocean and all its beauty. It had taken months, but the young woman had finally made it west. Of course, she would have like her first visit to the Pacific ocean to be under better circumstances, but unfortunately it was this or nothing. 

A splashing sound that was distinct from the calm lapping of the waves against the pier caught Enzo's attention. After everything that had happened up to that point, Kennedy had learned to trust her companion's instincts. Cautiously, she reached for the weapon at her side and flipped the safety off, removing the .22 from its place and securing both hands around it. Another splashing sound came from the edge of the dock and Enzo let out three sharp barks. Turning with the gun in her hand, Kennedy spun to see a young woman swimming off the dock. 

Raising the gun, she took a step forward. Trust wasn't abundant among strangers like it used to be, and Kennedy had no idea of knowing whether this girl was infected or unfriendly. "Enzo! Heel." The shepherd moved back to Kennedy's side and sat, but a low growl still emitted from his chest. Kennedy hoped his barks had not drawn the attention of any more unwanted guests. Keeping her weapon steady, she called out. "Easy there. You might want to get out of the water now, before my pooch joins you." Her voice was kept even, not a threatening tone but not a weak one either. "Are you infected?" She questioned. It would make sense that if the girl knew she was a goner she would take one last swim in the ocean to be sent off. 

Kennedy waited for a response, hoping this was a friendly and not a foe. Lord knows she's run in to too many enemies and not enough allies. 

[@Wintergrey]