“I’m sorry” I whispered to it, pulling the trigger and… missed. Taking another breath, I moved forward a few more steps and pulled the trigger again. This time the bullet hit it, but in the neck, a dark mess of liquid oozes from the wound. The zombie staggered back a step but immediately came at me again, its movements more frantic, both arms reaching out and walking at the fence as if trying to walk through it.
Another two steps forward, I lined up the shot again, this time aiming a little higher and stroked the trigger. The bullet hit and found the right place. Straight through the head just above the right eye, my aim was still a little off, I would have to start asking for extra lessons with the guards.
The zombie seemed to hover for a few seconds before falling backwards, landing with a satisfied thud.
“Nice shot G” lost in thought I was startled, Adam was stood behind me, there were other people, civilians and guards running towards us, worried looks on their faces, each of them carried a weapon after hearing my shot.
“Uh sorry guys, there is no threat. I was just blowing off steam.” I told them sheepishly rubbing at the back of my neck.
Some mumbled, angry responses met me from the crowd, others gave me sad, pitying looks. I honestly didn’t know which was worse.
“Come on G, let’s go get some food.” Adam clapped his hand on my shoulder and flashed me his goofy smile.
“Sounds good” I let him lead me towards the canteen.
Chapter 3
After food, which consisted of a watery chicken stew, I strolled back to the hospital area alone. Adam had gone to spend some time with Amelia over at the quarantined area. I Paused to watch the sun go down, casting a beautiful orange glow over the sky. The nurse showed me to the room where Nia was being held in quarantine. Will was still there, dutifully outside of the window to her room. Nia was sleeping again and the nurse would only let one of us stay, so as not to disturb her. Will informed me that the operation went well and now it was just a waiting game to see if she had an infection; zombie or otherwise. He sent me back to my room to get some rest. I didn’t argue, he had more right to be there than me, plus I did feel seriously drained, my legs felt like lead weights and my head felt too heavy for my neck.
I walked back slowly, dragging my feet across the dusty ground. I closed the door to my room, tightly behind me, then lay on my bed fully clothed, I closed my eyes.
It still didn’t seem real, Kelly and the kids…gone. I felt the warm tears leak down my face, hot, searing pain tore through me, my stomach cramped and my chest tightened. My throat constricted and I couldn’t breathe. I curled up in a ball facing the wall and just let the sobs come out.
I cried for what felt like hours, until the tears dried up and my chest and ribs ached. I got under the blankets, feeling a little better, like the blanket was some sort of a shield.
I fell asleep not long after, emotionally drained. However, nightmares plagued my rest and I didn’t get a goodnight sleep after all. Tossing and turning, feeling cold because I’d kicked the blankets off me.
I woke up early, the sun was barely up but my stomach was shouting at me; empty from days of no food and a liquid diet. I made my way along the corridor, I paused by the bedroom doors of Adam and Will. Only snores met me, I left them sleeping. Our group had been through so much in the last few weeks alone that they deserved every minute of peace that they could get.
I followed my nose and the growl of my stomach to the communal food hall which was already bustling with activity. Fresh eggs on the menu today, from the chickens they kept around back. They looked good, I had my helping along with a fresh slice of doughy bread, and black coffee. I piled the eggs on top of the bread and devoured it within minutes. It was good, could have used a little butter but otherwise it was amazing. Who knows when the ingredients for the bread would run out, or when the chickens would stop laying? It was only a small spoonful of egg but I made the most of it.
I sipped at my hot, black coffee, hoping to see one of the boys come in, but none of them had made an appearance before I had finished my cup. I scooped up my plate and cup and handed it back to the lady behind the second counter, ready to be washed for the next lot of hungry diners. Thanking her with a smile and a nod of my head; it was too loud to use words.
First port of call was obviously the hospital, I jogged over. My head felt a little clearer after food and coffee. Kelly and the kids were in my thoughts, my chest still hurt. Truth be told I’d rather be just lying in bed, sleeping the days away until the military needed me. But I owed it to my family to stay alive, and live a little. For now anyway, I wanted to take out the rest of the crew and then I wanted to join my beautiful Kelly and kids in heaven.
I waved to nurse Amy as I entered through the factory doors. She smiled and gestured that I follow her.
I did, to the end of the corridor and peeked inside the room she had stopped outside of. It seemed that Nia
