Rotten blood

Spark

They had made it !

Addison couldn't believe it.

They had passed the gate to Zombietown before curfew.

They ran through the streets and were soon at Zed's house.

"Go to the backdoor, I'm gonna open for you."

"Okay !"

She did as told and waited for him at the back of the house.

"Zed, where have you been ?" his father asked in a worried tone, his voice partly covered by the sound of the TV. "I was about to call you."

"Sorry, just doing roady teenager stuff on the street."

His father scoffed. "You're unbelievable."

Zed opened and gestured to her to go upstairs.

"I know Dad, but I know you love my antics !"

She walked up the steps as fast as she could while staying the quietest possible.

"Anyway, I'm going to bed !" Zed concluded with his father and zoomed upstairs.

They got into his room and he closed the door.

"Well, that was something," she whispered.

"I know, crazy huh ?"

She chuckled.

"You alright ?" he asked, cupping her cheeks.

"Yes..." she responded, catching her breath, "haven't exercised enough lately."

He sighed and took her in his embrace.

Relief washed over her.

"So... What's next ?" she asked.

"I'll tell you... but for now, I'm glad you're here."

"Me too," her eyes getting teary. Wow, she had missed him. "What's with the hiking stuff though ?"

"Listen, it was useful for once !"

"True. But how did you get them ?"

"It was an old gift from my father's boss, something about if we went on holiday in the mountains... as if we could ever leave this place."

Addison gently rubbed his back.

"Anyway," he shook his head, "you can hide your bag in my closet."

"Thanks."

Addison opened the door and frowned at the view of a bag stuffed with clothes on the ground.

"You packed your stuff too ?"

Zed nodded.

"Let's hope your parents notice you're gone as late as possible... but I'd rather be ready to dip."

"Oh... okay. And where would we go ?"

"I have a few options... depending on the situation. But let's rest for now."

She pecked his lips. "Let's do that."

The door opened suddenly.

"Zed, have you seen–OH !"

"Zoey, can't you knock ?"

"Addy ?!"

"Sssh !" He covered his little sister's mouth. "Not so loud."

"What is she doing here ?" Zoey whispered.