𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔟𝔩𝔬𝔬𝔡

chapter 2

The cold autumn air stung my lungs with each gasp I took as I sprinted towards the old, decaying house. The smell of smoke and fear lingered in the air as my sneakers crunched against the fallen leaves, a reminder of how close the clicker was to catching me.

I cautiously approached the abandoned house, my stomach churning with fear. I took a deep breath as I stepped into the dark living room and quickly searching for something to use to barricade the door. My heart raced as I grabbed an unsteady coffee table and dragged it over to block the entrance.

I winced at the loud screech of the disappointed clicker

I cautiously examine the area, my heart racing as I reached into my pocket for the cold steel of a knife. My eyes darted around the room, searching for any signs of an intruder.

I drag my feet towards what I can only assume is the kitchen. I open each of the cabinets and drawers, peering inside in search of something edible. Finally, luck strikes when I locate two granola bars tucked away in a back corner. I snatch both up and stuff them into my backpack. "This will have to do," I whisper, relieved at this small success.

I tiptoed into the living room, my gaze slowly scanning the unfamiliar yet familiar walls. My eyes eventually landed on a large oak desk sitting in the corner, covered in old, dust-covered family photos that hadn't been touched in years. Taking small steps forward, I cautiously reached out to grab one of the forgotten images, noting the yellowing paper and faded colors.

then suddenly a loud thump sounded just above my head. I jumped, dropping the frame on the ground and smashing it to pieces. I cursed under my breath, then grabbed the knife at my side with one hand while glancing up towards the ceiling.

I heard a dull thud coming from upstairs, followed by the slow and steady creak of each step i took on the stairwell. With every noise, my body tensed, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. My feet moved without conscious thought, slowly lifting me up one step at a time. All sense of logic abandoned, I reached the top of the stairs and peered into the darkness.

The last stair creaked under my foot as I reached into my backpack for the gun that had been left with me. I was met with the cold steel of a loaded pistol. My heart raced as I slowly unclipped the magazine and verified what I already knew. With trembling hands, I took hold of the gun and released the slide to chamber a round. The click echoed through the corridor like a thunderbolt.

My heart raced as I tiptoed towards the two doors at the end of the hallway. The first door was slightly open, and I cautiously extended my left hand to grip the doorknob and turn it. When I pushed open the door, I aimed my gun inside, ready for what may have waited me, but nothing stirred in the darkness. Only then did I lower my weapon.

I exhaled in relief, scanning the empty room with my eyes. The only items of furniture were an old wooden desk, a single bed with fraying sheets, and a closet with faded wallpaper flaking off its door.

I approached the chipped, wooden desk, brushing away a layer of dust, and pulled on the rusty drawer. It creaked open with reluctance, revealing an empty space. "Damn it," I muttered under my breath, feeling frustrated. My eyes traveled around the room until they landed on a small closet in the corner. With newfound hope, I shuffled towards it and opened the door. Inside was a single clothing item - a used pair of dark green cargo shorts. "hell yeah" i said A grin spread across my face

I turn my head to study the closed door beside me. "It must be the bathroom." I stepped forward and extended my leg to push open the half-open door, revealing a darkly lit space. My eyes darted around the small area until they rested on my reflection in the mirror.

I muttered under my breath, "Damn, I look a mess," as I stepped inside and closed the door. I felt the cold metal of my gun still in my grip and carefully placed it on the sink before looking up at my tired reflection in the mirror.

I flung my backpack onto the floor, grabbed the stiff, grimy pants from one of its pockets, and wrestled to pull them on. I winced as the fabric scraped against my tender skin. "Damn," I muttered through gritted teeth.

My fingers fumbled for my backpack straps and I heaved it over my shoulders. Then I grabbed my gun from the counter top, feeling its cold metal in my right hand. My steps were silent as I stepped out of the bathroom and slowly made my way down the hallway.

I muttered the words "now it's time for the worst part" as I slowly approached the next door. My hand stretched out to twist the doorknob, and suddenly, the door flew open with a bang. the clicker lunged towards me and landed on my chest. I could feel its sharp nails digging into my skin as I tried to push its head away with one hand, desperately trying to keep it from biting me.

Fear consumed me as I felt the clicker's weight on top of me, trapping me to the ground. My heart raced as my leg eventually found the clicker's chest. I used all my strength to kick it off of me and scramble back onto my feet. My hands shaking, I drew my gun from its holster and aimed directly at the stunned creature's face.

My finger trembled as I pulled the trigger. The sound of the gunshot echoed through the empty room and my ears rang with its intensity. I stumbled backward as the force of the bullet sent a jolt through my arm. The bullet went right through its head, leaving a gaping hole in its head.

I stared in shock at the now dead clicker. I walked slowly towards the wide-open door cautiously peeking my head into the room. My eyes widened with disbelief as I saw an array of supplies inside. I couldn't believe what i was seeing . "Holy shit," I whispered to myself.