Zero Cell ✓

Chapter 9

"You guys, look at this!" Lyra grinned as she knelt down by the body and picked at something. Lyra then showed off a newish-looking first-aid kit. "It's got everything we could possibly need in it too! Suture kit, band-aids, rubbing alcohol..." She was enamored with it, thoroughly inspecting its contents and nodding to each one. "Who says Popsicle sticks and glue can't fix any problem?"

Alex gently nudged Keaton, smirking at the sight. "We're lucky to have a nurse on our team."

But Keaton stared blankly, then spoke with a slight monotone, "We've come close to death way too many times tonight."

It was impressive; Alex had been here for a few hours and only received minor cuts and bruises. Although his body did ache from the stress, he was more than capable of continuing. Things could've gone so much worse, but luck had been on his side since he arrived in this isolated town. Two more people watching his back definitely raised his chance of survivability.

Lyra stood up slowly, putting her kit behind her back and latched it around her waist. She then shared a glance with both men before nodding. "Let's find a way out."

A light groan came from down the hall. Everyone halted their movement, waiting. It came again, sounding like a person; they were likely male as it sounded lower pitched and hoarser this time.

"Someone's still alive," Alex finally spoke. His heart rate spiked at the thought. Another person was there.

However, Lyra and Keaton seemed wary. They didn't even move as he stepped forward. He then shook his head, ignoring their pleas, and quickly jogged over to a door on the left side of the hall. It was left half open. Alex cautiously pushed it, his heartbeat thumping loudly in his chest. The hinges stretched out their wailing creaks, signaling to anything they were there. He swallowed a thick lump as he peered inside. Aside from the outside light that had crawled across the dark blue carpet, it was dark. And an ominous cold brushed up against his face. Alex hesitantly shifted his left leg, hovering in the door frame. He knew this was a bad idea; all the red flags went off in his head. But what if...? What if someone did need their help?

Alex had to be sure. He made up his mind. He confidently moved past the door frame and stepped into the dark room. A raspy groan that sounded a few feet away suddenly entailed concern. There, he could see it, at the light's edge, a seemingly giant blob of darkness. Alex then inched closer, his gun pointed, though his finger wasn't on the trigger.

His eyes slowly adjusted to the room, allowing clear sight of everything. It was a more extended room with multiple cubicles lined in rows. He couldn't see the back of the room but assumed it didn't go far. What he could see, thankfully, was that the blob was a person: a man with dark hair and a white collared shirt. He was likely an employee, but Alex wasn't sure. It didn't matter anyway as he crouched down to help. Another groan whispered out from the injured man.

I think he needs medical help.

But before he could even call out, a firm hand grabbed him by the shoulder. Alex winced as he was pulled away. His back slammed against a robust, thick leg. Keaton stood above him, scowling as he looked forward into the darkness. Not saying a word, he slowly raised his handgun.

"What the—?" Alex gasped, rising to his feet.

"Look," Keaton's deep voice commanded as he jerked his chin toward the darkness.

Shadows were swaying in the darkness. Alex spotted several figures ranging from tall and short to thick and thin. They shuffled about randomly before some slowly ventured closer to the light. The person he thought needed help crawled to his feet and shuffled forward. But Keaton was ready; with his left arm, he pushed Alex back, swiftly aimed his weapon, and fired point-blank. Blood sprayed across the floor as the zombie fell on its back.