Perkatory: Coffee and Zombies

The dense trees of southern Kentucky pressed in from both sides of the cracked, overgrown road, their skeletal branches clawing at the fading twilight. Matthew and Jake moved cautiously, their every step calculated as they approached the address CoffeeGrower42 had given them. The eerie silence was broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves or distant groans that reminded them of the ever-present danger outside.

Matthew squinted at the handwritten map, the faint lines illuminated by the setting sun.

"This is it," he murmured, pointing to a sprawling property ahead.

Jake, ever vigilant, scanned the area with sharp eyes. The first thing that caught his attention was the enormous greenhouse to the left of the property. Its glass panels glinted faintly, partially obscured by a protective layer of vines and debris. Next, his gaze shifted to the house—a large, two-story structure with peeling paint and boarded windows. Despite its weathered appearance, it radiated a sense of purpose and care.

"It's not exactly the safest-looking spot," Jake muttered, adjusting the grip on his combat knife. "We should scout the area before approaching. Could be a trap."

Matthew nodded, his Detection ability humming faintly in his mind. While it wasn't signaling any immediate threats, he trusted Jake's instincts. They moved silently, circling the perimeter of the property. The greenhouse loomed ahead, its sheer size impressive. Rows of plants could be seen inside, their leaves a vibrant green against the backdrop of decay.

"Looks like he's been busy," Matthew said quietly. "That greenhouse alone could be a goldmine."

"Yeah, and it'd attract scavengers, too," Jake replied, his tone wary. "Keep your eyes open."

The two moved closer to the house, carefully avoiding the open yard. Jake pointed to a side door partially hidden by a thick cluster of ivy. The main entrance was too exposed, and a side entry seemed the safest option.

"Let's knock," Matthew said after a moment, his voice low. He approached the door, raised his fist, and gave three firm knocks. The sound echoed faintly in the stillness.

For a moment, there was nothing but silence. Then, heavy, deliberate footsteps approached from the other side of the door. Jake tensed, his hand hovering near the hilt of his knife. Matthew's Detection System remained silent, offering a small measure of reassurance.

The door creaked open to reveal a towering elderly man. His frame was broad and solid, his face weathered but kind. A thick beard, streaked with gray and white, framed his strong jaw. He wore overalls and a flannel shirt, the earthy scent of soil clinging to him like a second skin.

"You must be Matthew and Jake," the man said, his deep voice calm and steady. He glanced at them with sharp, assessing eyes before stepping aside. "Come in. We don't want to attract any unwanted attention."

Matthew exchanged a quick glance with Jake before stepping inside, Jake close behind him. The door shut firmly, and the man slid a thick wooden bar into place, reinforcing it. The house's interior was warm and cluttered, with shelves filled with jars of preserves, gardening tools, and books stacked precariously. A faint aroma of brewed tea lingered in the air.

"Name's Aldric," the man said, gesturing for them to sit at a worn wooden table in the kitchen. He chuckled softly, the sound rich and genuine. "I've been gardening my whole life. Used to sell my coffee beans to the café down in town before everything went to hell."

"Nice to meet you, Aldric," Matthew said, offering a polite smile. "Your setup is impressive."

Aldric's eyes crinkled with pride. "Appreciate that, son. Took years of hard work to get it all running the way I wanted. The greenhouse out back… that's my masterpiece. A hundred coffee plants in there, each one tended with care."

"A hundred?" Jake repeated, his eyebrows lifting in surprise.

Aldric nodded. "I'll show you after we talk business. You boys came a long way, and I'm guessing it wasn't just to compliment my gardening."

Matthew leaned forward slightly. "You're right. We're here on behalf of Perkatory, a survivor group up north. They've got a unique resource: coffee potions. Do all sorts of incredible things. Zoe, the leader, thought your beans could help take those potions to the next level."

Aldric's expression grew thoughtful. He stroked his beard, his gaze distant. "Coffee potions, you say? Sounds like your Zoe's got quite the gift. But let's not mince words… my beans are worth their weight in gold these days. Every pound I hand over could mean the difference between life and death for me. I'll need ten potions per pound of beans I supply."

Matthew's breath caught. "Ten potions per pound?"

Aldric nodded firmly. "That's right. And I won't budge on it. Those potions aren't just valuable for trade; they're lifesavers. If I'm going to risk parting with my beans, I need enough potions to survive a horde if they ever come knocking."

Matthew hesitated, his mind racing. Ten potions per pound was expensive, especially considering the group's limited resources.

"Matthew," Jake said, his voice low but steady. "He's got a point. Those beans are rare, and we're asking for a lot. He'll need the potions to protect what he's got."

Aldric's sharp eyes shifted to Jake. "Smart man. You understand the stakes. My beans keep me alive, and your potions can do the same. It's a fair trade."

Matthew sighed, running a hand through his hair. He knew Jake was right. As much as he wanted to push back, the value of Aldric's beans couldn't be overstated. Finally, he nodded.

"Alright, Aldric. Ten potions per pound. We'll make it work."

Aldric's expression softened, and he extended a calloused hand. "Deal."

Matthew shook his hand firmly, sealing the agreement.

"Now then," Aldric said, standing with surprising ease for a man his size. "Let me show you the greenhouse."

He led them through the back and out into the yard. The greenhouse loomed ahead, its towering structure even more impressive up close. Aldric unlocked the heavy door and pushed it open, revealing rows of coffee plants. The air inside was warm and humid, filled with the earthy scent of soil and the faint aroma of coffee.

"This is incredible," Matthew said, his eyes wide.

Aldric chuckled. "She's my pride and joy. Took years to perfect the setup, and I'll be damned if I let the apocalypse ruin it." He gestured to the plants, their leaves glistening with dew. "Each one of these beauties is a testament to patience and care. They're more than just plants to me. They're hope."

Jake stepped closer to one of the plants, inspecting it with a critical eye. "You've done good work, Aldric. It's rare to see something thriving in a world like this."

Aldric nodded, his expression wistful. "Gardening… it's always been more than a hobby for me. It's a way of life. Used to sell these beans to a café downtown. Nice little place, run by a sweet couple. They'd make the best lattes you've ever had." His voice grew softer, tinged with sadness. "I miss those days. Miss the way life used to be."

Matthew placed a hand on Aldric's shoulder. "We're trying to bring some of that back. One step at a time."

Aldric smiled faintly. "I appreciate that, son. It's good to know people are still fighting for something better."

As the three men exited the greenhouse, Aldric turned to them with a resolute expression. "I'll start preparing the beans for your first shipment. You boys, take care of yourselves out there. And tell this Zoe of yours… she's got an ally in me."

Matthew and Jake exchanged glances, feeling a renewed sense of purpose.

"We will," Matthew said, his voice firm. "Thank you, Aldric. For everything."

As they left the property, the weight of their agreement settled over them. The road ahead would be dangerous, but for the first time in a while, they felt like they were building something that could last. And that was worth fighting for in a world teetering on the edge of collapse.