The Diseased

The Awakening

I woke up that disastrous morning with a major headache. I groaned as I became aware of my surroundings, and slowly raised a hand to my head, where it found a bump. I looked round, and realized that I was lying in a room that looked quite abandoned. There was barely any paint left on the walls, there was dust everywhere and the most disturbing was the lack of personal items. I sat straight up, trying to ignore the silent but painful protest in my head. I threw my feet over the side of the bed, delightful that I had not been robbed of my shoes. I set them on the floor and took my first steps through the room, careful as to not lose my balance. My head was still throbbing, and I knew that I would probably have a minor concussion. But I also knew that the longer I stayed here, the more I was in danger. It was a miracle that last night's robbers hadn't left me for dead, and I wasn't sure what act of compassion had persuaded them to carry my unconscious body up this building, that looked like an abandoned hotel. I tried the door, but it was locked. There was light coming in through the window shatters, and I realized that it must be fully day by now. I turned and looked through the gaps, and saw the Diseased walking on the street. It was for the best that my room was locked; I would be safe for the night. When I turned round I saw a package on the other side of the bed. I opened it; it was a bag containing water, some chocolate, and a small note.

We'll pick you up tonight, if you feel better. Best to stay inside as to avoid the Diseased. It would be a shame to waste the efforts we had for saving you. If you must, the key to the door lies under your pillow, but please, stay inside.

I gratefully took a sip of the water, then turned the pillow over to indeed find a key. I sat on the bed, thinking back to last night. I'd been out in the streets, scavenging, looking for food. I'd entered a small and dark alley, fully knowing that it was dangerous, but also knowing that I had little food left. I picked a lock, and stepped inside a dark house. Then, suddenly, someone had turned a light on, and I knew I'd made a huge mistake. I was surrounded by robbers, and as I turned to the door, one of them jumped on me, and I'd fallen into the dark. Obviously it hadn't been one of them who'd brought me here. Most likely they had found me long after the robbers had left, having taken all that I had except a few clothes and my worn shoes, and taken me here. I still wasn't sure why, for it made no sense. Why waste time, energy, and most importantly, food, to save someone you didn't know? Unless that was the key to the riddle. Maybe they had known me. I went over the names of those whom I was reasonably sure they still lived, but I didn't think any of them had saved me. It was no use. There was still a possibility that whoever had put me here, wasn't up to anything good. The thought wasn't enough to make me go out. It could hardly be worse than falling ill, and roaming the street as a mindless Diseased. I decided that I had best wait until tonight, and get some sleep in the meantime. I lay down on the creaking bed, and soon, my eyes closed and I slept.

When I woke up, it was dark. I could just sit on my bed, waiting, but since it was dark, I could also explore the building I was in.