Zompocalypse Diaries (QUICK edit finished)

December 15th, 2012

Dec. 15th, 2012

We stopped in Eugene today, not much to report from the long and tiring walk there. We started before dawn broke (it's becoming the norm for us) and walked the interstate, passing smaller towns, many cars and bodies of the undead and their victims. The zombie population seemed to have been dying out for awhile but with their new found love of animals on top of the human flesh they devoured, they were making a comeback.

We reached Eugene, arriving at dusk with the sun lowering itself behind the statuesque mountains and bathing the world around us in a palette of pale pinks, oranges and reds. That's where the real fun began...

We had just entered the city, eager to find a place to rest for the night. Jordan was still covered in gore and needed a safe and warm place to change and wash up. Carrie was panting, tired after the long trip here and Bruce was looking for some action. Me? I just wanted to check the supplies and get a full night sleep in a nice warm bed. Hopefully we would find a decent abandoned home nearby.

We wandered the streets, taking in the mix of huge buildings and small shops around us, keeping alert for any signs of danger nearby. We found signs alright, but they weren't signaling danger, they were pointing us toward the river which ran right through the city we entered.

"Guys, look there." We followed the direction Jordan was pointing and saw a glimpse of the wide, rushing River Willamette.

"It's so clear." Carrie stated. "We should go take a look, clean up a bit before it's too dark and we have to find shelter."

"I'm with you on that one." Bruce started toward the bank of the river.

I followed closely behind the trio, still on edge and worried about finding any undead. In a city this large there were sure to still be hordes wandering the streets.

We were crossing a bridge to the other side of the river when I spotted a small group of three already at the shore. I could hear them in the distance, laughing and screaming in joy as they played around in the water.

"Survivors." I let out in a breathless whisper. "Let's get down there, I bet that clean water would feel great after so much walking. Maybe they can come with us." I started jogging across the bridge, eager to get to the two girls and young boy who were so happy but oblivious to the dangers around them.

I had just reached the end of the bridge when I was pulled back, falling into Jordan's chest.

"Dammit Jordan, let's go."

"Wait." He locked eyes with me and pointed to a spot just barely visible to us. Floating a bit under the bridge, trapped in some weeds and rocks, was the rotting corpse of an undead. His purple face was bloated and picked away by the salmon, trout and other animals that frequented the once busy river.

"So what's the problem?" I asked with a huff. "He's already dead."

Jordan sighed in exasperation. "Yes Bre, a corpse floating in the water you're so eager to get in to. Think about it."

I paused a moment, taking in what should have been so clear to me. Contamination. I gasped and looked back towards the group. The little boy, no older than five, was splashing in the water. Droplets flew through the air, wetting his face and those of the ladies he was with, covering their eyes and flying into their mouths. They laughed and clapped for him, unaware of the body contaminating the river they played in.

"We have to tell them."

"It's too late for them Bre." Bruce had come up behind us. "We need to find a place to stay. Leave them."

"Maybe they'll be okay. Maybe the virus is too diluted in this much water." I said hopefully.

"All it takes is a drop, Bre." This time it was Carrie who pulled me back. "We have to leave before it's too late."