Survival

Chapter 7: 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙪𝙣

(Joseph)

EJ turned to Joseph. 'You're going first in the charge,' he declared. Joseph's nerves showed as he listened to the plan in a corner of the classroom. Them and EJ alone. 'We need someone fast and stealthy. That's you. Get there first, make sure that door's open.'

Joseph hesitated, eyeing EJ skeptically with a scowl impression worn on his face. 'And if that room's crawling with those things? You want me to handle them alone with just a metal pole?'

'By the time you reach the speech lab, we'll be right behind you,' EJ assured him. 'We're a large group, Joseph. If we go in together, we'll attract too much attention. Trust me, you going first is our best shot at keeping everyone safe.

Joseph's heart raced, his mind racing with a tumult of fear and doubt. The weight of EJ's words bore down on him, each syllable echoing in the silence of the classroom. Could he really do this? Alone, facing the unknown horrors that awaited beyond that door?

He looked at EJ, seeing the determination etched on his friend's face. There was no denying the logic in EJ's plan—they couldn't afford to risk the entire group. Joseph clenched his fists, steeling himself against the rising tide of fear.

"But what if..." Joseph began, his voice faltering.

EJ placed a hand on Joseph's shoulder, his gaze unwavering. "We trust you, Joseph. You're the fastest and the most agile. You can do this."

The words resonated within Joseph, stirring a deep-seated resolve. He took a deep breath, letting it out slowly as he made his decision.

"Alright," Joseph said firmly, his voice steadier now. "I'll do it."

EJ nodded, a faint smile breaking through his seriousness. "Good man. We'll be right behind you."

With newfound determination, Joseph gripped the metal pole tightly. He glanced once more at EJ, then turned towards the door that stood between them and their goal. His pulse quickened, but now it was a surge of adrenaline, fueling his steps as he prepared to lead the charge. Moments from now, they would initiate the plan.

"Don't get yourself killed, asshole," Joseph heard Mikee's voice beside him. He turned to find Mikee standing there, steady and determined.

"I'm going first," Joseph replied, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders.

Mikee didn't seem surprised. "Figured as much. You're the fastest one here."

Joseph's eyes widened as the realization sank in. The pressure mounted with everyone's eyes on him, counting on him. He recalled the conversation with Jed the day before, where he had struggled to find his purpose. Now, though, he knew: this was his purpose in this moment.

A hand rested on Joseph's shoulder, and he looked to see it was Mikee's. "Thanks for saving me back there," Mikee said sincerely recalling to when Joseph had knocked away the zombie that was jumping Mikee as they ran to safety.

Joseph felt conflicted. Although he saved Mikee, he left him lying there the second time. "I left you, though," he admitted, guilt tugging at him. "I should've—"

"Don't blame yourself," Mikee interrupted gently. "You did what you could. My choices led me there. Don't carry that burden."

Joseph let out a sigh of relief, but a lingering sense of guilt remained. If not for Jireh's intervention, Mikee might not have made it out alive.

"Who would've thought we'd end up here," Mikee mused quietly. "Kids barely adults, facing an enemy we barely understand."

"Insane doesn't even begin to cover it," Joseph muttered, his voice barely above a whisper as they huddled in the corner of the classroom. The dim emergency lights flickered, casting eerie shadows that danced on the walls.