Every now and then, the front door would groan a bit as the dead outside pushed against it, remembering there was food inside, or just running into it, Bunny wasn't sure. Whenever it happened, everyone would tense, then when it stopped, they would laugh a little, as if to say they knew nothing was going to happen.
Bunny knew different. Something was going to happen. Sooner or later, the things outside would find a crack in their defense and come for them. They would find the thing Bunny had overlooked, and get in.
Some of the girls had chosen to sleep, which was for the best. They were curled up on the stage farthest from Bunny, cuddling each other the way puppies would. Caroline still watched the screen, looking for some piece of information that would bring sense to the madness. Rebecca had dozed off leaning against the booth Randy sat in. Bruno just sat, staring at the floor, while their new friend Dale paced compulsively.
Bunny watched them and asked herself honestly if she could save them. The answer wasn't there, but she knew she had to try. Whatever had happened, she still believed herself to be an officer of the law, had taken an oath to serve and protect, and right now, in this insanity, it was the only thing she had to hang onto. It was the end of her rope, and she clung to it desperately.
Candice spoke of Washington Park’s rich history so as to talk about something. She was terrified, her mind rattling for any information she had in this clueless time. Randy clicked the television back to one of the 3 news channels he kept surfing, looking for anything new.
"...taking you live now, to an undisclosed location, where the Vice President is about to give an address," the anchor was saying.
"Hey, Bunny," Randy called. "Maybe this’ll be good news."
She stood and walked over, leaning against the back of Caroline's chair. "We could sure use some right now."
The Vice President appeared a moment later, flanked by men in military uniforms. He looked shaken, and much older than Bunny recalled. More than that, he looked tired, as if he hadn't slept in forever. He adjusted the microphone, and when his eyes settled on the camera, Bunny knew, there was no good news coming.
"Good evening, America," he started. "It is my sad duty to inform you tonight that the President is dead. During our departure from Washington, DC, he was assaulted, and infected. Despite all efforts, he passed away at 1:15."
He paused, steadying himself on the podium for a moment. "I have, of course, assumed the office, effective immediately, and taken the steps necessary to deal with his earthly remains."
Again, he stopped, staring at the camera for a long time, as if hoping some miracle would come. "After a lot of thought, and discussion between he and I prior to his passing, it's been decided to put things out there, for those of you capable of seeing this, as simply as possible."
The military men shifted a bit, staying silent as he continued. "This... infection, if you will, that’s spreading across our nation right now, is no natural virus that we can fight with normal means. It’s not the result of an attack, or military experimentation. The truth is we don't know what it is, or how to stop it. What we do know is that we won’t stop fighting until it’s been contained.
"I know that right now, for most of you, that seems unlikely. We have hope, however, that it can and will be done. That we, as a nation, will survive this night, and many more to come.
"Loved ones have been lost, I know. And though you may still see them, do not approach, or attempt to assist them. As hard as it may seem to believe, it’s not safe, for they are no longer the loved ones you knew. They are, in fact, the walking dead."
He hesitated a moment, obviously attempting to muster some strength before continuing. "I know no other way to say this, and haven't had time to prepare any sort of official remarks, so I'll just say it. The dead are rising, walking, and attacking. If you know someone who has been infected, do not, under any circumstances, stay near them. If you, yourself, have been infected, move as far as possible from anyone you know and love.
"This is a dark time. Many people have many thoughts on what’s happening right now, many theories, and who knows which is right or wrong. All we can say with absolute certainty is that we face our darkest hour, not just as a nation, but as a species. We must hold firm, though, and believe we will survive, or all is surely lost.
"I wish I could offer more, but at the moment, I cannot. Be safe, stay hidden, and wait. The military is doing all it can, and we are confident they will contain this situation. Until then, do not venture out, and do not attempt to render assistance to others. They may be infected."
He looked away from the camera for a moment. "I'm afraid I have a lot to do, so if you'll allow me to just say one more thing. If it comes to it, and you have no choice, the head seems to be a weak point. Shoot, or strike, the infected there. Good night."
With that, he was ushered away, and the screen returned to the news anchor who was clearly shaken by the now-President's candid statements. For herself, Bunny could never recall a time in her life when an elected
