With Our Time Left

Chapter 7

LORI'S POV

We moved through the alley, staying low and close to the walls. The scent of decay filled the air, and every sound made my heart lurch. Jacob clung to my hand, his grip tight with fear. I could feel his little fingers trembling, his breaths coming in short, panicked bursts. I squeezed his hand, trying to offer some reassurance. "Just a little further, Jacob. We'll find a safe place."

We reached the end of the alley, and I paused, peeking around the corner. The street beyond was littered with debris—overturned cars, broken glass, and bodies. My stomach twisted at the sight, but I pushed the fear down. I needed to stay focused.

I led Jacob out, moving as quickly as we could without making too much noise. The creatures were everywhere, their figures stumbling aimlessly, but none had seen us yet. I whispered a silent prayer, begging for protection, for a miracle.

We passed by a small shop, its windows shattered. I glanced inside, searching for any sign of danger, but it seemed quiet. "Let's go in here," I whispered to Jacob.

We slipped inside, careful not to make a sound. The interior was dark, the shelves overturned, and the floor covered in broken items. I could hear the creatures outside, their guttural noises echoing down the street. I motioned for Jacob to crouch down with me behind one of the shelves.

I checked my phone again, but there was still no signal. I fought the rising panic, my thoughts racing back to Sara. She had to be somewhere close.

"Are we gonna be okay?" Jacob's voice was a faint whisper, barely audible.

I turned to him, forcing a smile. "Yes, we will. I promise."

Suddenly, a sound—soft at first, but growing louder. Crying. I looked over at Jacob, his face pale and eyes wide. "Mom..." he whispered, his voice trembling.

I followed his gaze to see a figure lying across the street, partially hidden behind a car. My heart sank. It was a woman, her body still. Her clothes were torn, and I could see a pool of dark blood beneath her.

"No, Jacob," I whispered urgently, grabbing his arm, but he pulled away from me, rushing out before I could stop him.

"Mom!" he screamed, running toward the figure.

I darted after him, my heart pounding. "Jacob, wait!"

But it was too late. As he reached his mother, he fell to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably. I saw the creature behind the car stir, its head jerking up, its dead eyes locking onto Jacob.

"Jacob, get back!" I shouted, but he was frozen in place, clutching his mother's hand, his small body wracked with sobs.

The creature lunged forward, snarling, its movements jerky and unnatural. I sprang forward, grabbing Jacob by the shoulders, pulling him away, but I wasn't fast enough. The creature's hand caught his leg, and he let out a scream of pain.

"Jacob!" I cried, trying to pry the creature's hand off him, but it bit down, its teeth sinking into his flesh.

Jacob's screams filled the air, and I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me. I yanked him free, pulling him back toward the alley, my heart shattering as I saw the blood streaming from the bite wound.

"No, no, no," I whispered, tears streaming down my face. "I'm so sorry, Jacob."

He looked up at me, his eyes wide with fear and pain, and I knew there was nothing I could do. I held him close, rocking him gently, trying to comfort him as his breaths grew shallow.

"I'm scared," he whimpered, his voice weak.

"I know, sweetheart," I whispered, my voice breaking. "I'm so sorry..."

His grip on my hand loosened, his eyes fluttering closed. I held him tighter, tears streaming down my face. "Please, God," I begged, "please don't let him suffer."

But I knew the truth. I knew what was going to happen. His breathing slowed, then stopped, his body going limp in my arms. I felt a sob rise in my throat, but I swallowed it down, cradling him close, my heart breaking into pieces.

I couldn't stay. I had to keep moving. I had to find Sara. I gently laid Jacob down, brushing the hair from his forehead, whispering a final prayer. "Rest now, Jacob. I'm so sorry..."

I stood up, wiping the tears from my eyes, and turned back toward the street. I had to keep going. I had to find Sara.