The Days Are Tired (Book #1 of the Dark Skies series) - A Zombie story

Chapter 29 (Part 2): Fall

Bang!

One of the faster Reds jumped high in the air and dove for Cain. He moved with quick reflexes, rolling out of the way - and the general trajectory of the airborne predator. The Red slammed painfully loud into the wall.

"Get upstairs NOW!" Cain's voice bellowed out as he repeatedly slapped the zombie with a chair. Making its final resting place there on the floor.

Scanning the room, I saw that Will and Leo were supporting Cain, flanking him on both his left and right. They each fought off the remaining Reds, which were about a dozen, making sure they didn't surround Cain.

When one infected was put down, another one seemed to take its place. The guys were making lots of noise and that seemed to draw the attention of all the Reds in the room, saving Beth and me from being attacked.

The sound of skulls being cracked open became almost background noise as I stiffened my grip around Parkson and prepared to run. It was almost soothing; the sound meaning another one of those things were gone.

The guys seemed to be on the winning team, which made it easier for me to leave them to their own devices. I had to get the kid and his mom to safety.

Beth, Parkson, and I rushed up the hollowed staircase, not chancing a glance back. I believed if I couldn't see the Reds, then they couldn't see me. Dumb. But comforting to my fried emotions.

In our escape, we nearly smacked into Lacy, who was holding Cain's sledgehammer. She told us in passing that she was going down to help the boys finish off the Reds. The hammer almost dragged her down with its weight, but with a brave face, she pushed through. Exhibiting the same determination that had possessed me not too long before.

The closer we get to our destination, the louder Azula's barks became. As we entered the cubicle room, it was easy to tell that tensions were high. Everyone except Cain, Will, Leo, and Lacy was present. The faces of the room's occupants were all etched in worry and irritation.

I sat Parkson carefully down in an empty corner of the room before turning my attention to everyone else. Beth sat exhausted on the floor, limbs sprawled and shaking. Shiny sweat painted her clothes and hair.

I bent forward, hands on knees, as I tried to regain control of my lungs.

Diana was yelling at Frank, who glared at her like a lion looking at its next victim.

"Was it worth it, Frank? WAS IT?" She screamed at him, her words a lashing meant to embed rebuke. In answer, Frank took out a cigarette, placing it in between his stale lips and lighting it with one of those fancy gray lighters you flick open.

He took a puff and blew the excess smoke into Diana's gaping face. She coughed, swatting away the thick smoke.

My eyes widened in vague understanding. I crouched down next to Beth, pushing her shoulder to gain her attention. "Did Frank open the door to get his cigarettes?" I questioned her. Although I asked, I already knew the answer.

It was obvious... but still some deeper part of me didn't want to believe he was that stupid.

Her solemn nod was the only answer I needed, but she clarified. "I saw him go downstairs. After a while, I followed him. I thought maybe we were supposed to meet down there again. You know? To bring up the supplies. I was asleep by the time you guys came back, so I went down to help."

I clasped her sweaty hands. "How -?" I started to speak, but she cut me off, still enraptured in her thoughts. Her eyes were glazed over and her face held an almost dreamy expression.

"I took Parkson down there and found the back door open and Frank hiding behind the counter. Zombies were pouring in. That's when Sofia and the guys came down... I'm guessing it was because of the noise." She sighed, long and heavy. "We managed to shut the door, but so many were already in. We had to fight them. And you know what's the icing on the cake?"