**New Orleans Blues**

The sun had barely risen over the Lower Ninth Ward, casting a warm orange glow over the makeshift commune. Valerie Nadine Boudreaux, patrol leader and protector of the community, stood atop a crumbling building, her silenced rifle slung over her shoulder. She scanned the horizon, her dark brown "siren" eyes searching for any sign of danger. The air was thick with the smell of smoke and cooking oil, and the sound of Creole blues drifted from the community center. As she scanned, she strummed a few chords on her 1959 dark brown LG-0 Gibson acoustic guitar, the warm, punchy tones carrying across the empty streets. She sang softly, her soulful alto voice weaving a gentle spell of protection over the community. Her voice was a shield, a reminder to the infected and any potential threats that this was a place of life and music. Below her, the community stirred to life. Children laughed and played in the streets, their makeshift toys and games a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Valerie's mother, Roasealine, tended to the community garden, her silver-streaked curls tied back in a practical knot. Eli Santos, Valerie's partner in patrol and music, leaned against a wall, his eyes fixed on her as he strummed a lazy rhythm on his used black Mitchell D120 Dreadnought Acoustic. The music was a balm to the soul, a reminder of the beauty that still existed in this broken world. Valerie's thoughts turned to LeLe, her childhood friend and confidante, who had stayed behind in the Ninth Ward. LeLe's determination to build a safe haven in the old block was something Valerie admired, and she hoped to reunite with her soon. As she finished her song, Valerie jumped down from the rooftop, her cargo pants and tank top a practical uniform for her patrol duties. Eli caught her eye, and she smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with her friend. They had grown up together, surviving the outbreak and the harsh realities of their new world. Their bond was forged in fire and blood, and Valerie trusted him with her life. "What's the plan for today, V?" Eli asked, as he fell into step beside her. "Just the usual," Valerie replied, her deep New Orleans Creole accent smooth as honey. "Patrol the perimeter, check the traps. You know the drill." As they walked, they discussed their strategy, their banter easy and familiar. They had been doing this for years, and their routine was well-oiled. But Valerie's mind kept wandering back to LeLe, and the possibility of a new life in Jackson, Wyoming. She had heard rumors of a commune there, one that might offer a chance for a better life. The sun beat down on them, relentless in its intensity. Valerie squinted, her eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger. She knew that in this world, you couldn't let your guard down for a second. The infected were always out there, waiting to strike. And then, just as they were approaching the edge of the commune, Valerie heard it - a shout, followed by the sound of gunfire. Her heart leapt into her throat as she grabbed Eli's arm. "What's going on?" she whispered, her eyes scanning the horizon. Eli's face was grim. "I don't know, but we need to find out." Without hesitation, Valerie took off, her rifle at the ready. Eli followed close behind, his eyes fixed on the source of the gunfire. They moved swiftly, their movements practiced and deadly. As they approached the source of the sound, Valerie saw a group of infected, their eyes vacant, their skin gray and decaying. They were moving towards the commune, driven by some unknown force. Valerie's grip on her rifle tightened. She knew what she had to do. With a swift motion, she raised her rifle and took aim. The sound of gunfire echoed through the air, and the infected fell to the ground. But as Valerie turned to Eli, she saw something that made her heart skip a beat. A figure, standing at the edge of the commune, watching her. A figure with a familiar face. "LeLe?" Valerie whispered, her voice barely audible. The figure smiled, and Valerie's heart leapt with joy. She had come to Jackson, and now she was here, standing in front of her. But as Valerie approached LeLe, she saw something in her eyes, something that made her pause. A look of determination, of purpose. "What's going on, LeLe?" Valerie asked, her voice cautious. LeLe's smile grew wider. "I've come to take you home, Nadey," she said, her voice low and husky. "The Ninth Ward needs you." Valerie's heart skipped a beat. She knew that she had a decision to make, one that would change her life forever.