The School's out forever

Day 2 - The Rescue

DAY 2

8:00 AM

Girls Dormitory

"Emerson, wake up!" Amelia's voice was laced with urgency, shaking him lightly by the shoulder. "The zombies are on a rampage."

Emerson stirred, eyes still heavy with sleep. For a split second, he forgot where they were, but then the weight of reality crashed down on him—this was no dream. They were in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. His body jerked upright as he rubbed his face, quickly scanning the room.

"Amelia?" he muttered, his voice still thick with sleep. "Where are Marlo and Ztirf?"

"They're just outside the room, by the window," Amelia replied, her tone anxious. "The zombies... they're rampaging over by the dining hall now. Last night, they were all gathered in front of the gate at the girls' dormitory, but something must've drawn them away."

Emerson's mind kicked into gear. He hurried out of the room, joining Marlo and Ztirf at the small window. Peeking outside, he saw the chaos Amelia had described. A massive horde of zombies was swarming around the dining hall, their moans growing louder, more frenzied.

Marlo glanced back at Emerson, his expression grim. "It looks like they're trying to get inside. Something's in there, or someone."

Ztirf nodded. "It could be another group of survivors. Or maybe the smell of food is attracting them. Either way, it's bad news."

Amelia's voice shook with frustration as she faced Emerson. "I'm sure it's a group of survivors—I heard a scream earlier. A girl. We have to help them."

Emerson clenched his fists, his brow furrowing. "We can't help them right now, Amelia. If we want to help, maybe it's possible at night when the zombies are slower. But not now."

"They don't have another night!" Amelia snapped, her voice rising. "They're going to die out there!"

A sudden piercing scream echoed through the air, loud and desperate. The horde outside grew louder, drawn to the noise. Amelia's eyes widened in horror, and before anyone could stop her, she blurted out, "Fine, I'll go by myself!" She turned and started for the stairs.

"Amelia, wait!" Emerson called after her, his tone a mix of urgency and frustration.

Ztirf and Marlo, who had been watching the argument unfold, exchanged a glance. Ztirf leaned in toward Marlo with a mischievous smirk. "You know, those two look good together, huh?"

Marlo chuckled softly but kept his voice low. "Yeah, they really do."

As if on cue, both Emerson and Amelia, still locked in their heated exchange, snapped in unison, "Now's not the time for jokes!"

Ztirf and Marlo couldn't help but exchange knowing looks, their smiles fading as the tension returned. Amelia was already halfway down the stairs, her mind set.

"Amelia, what are you planning to do?" Emerson asked, quickly following her.

"I'm going to help them," she replied without turning around, her voice determined.

"How?" Marlo interjected, hurrying to catch up. "You're going to get yourself killed!"

Amelia didn't answer directly, her pace quickening. "Maybe I can lead the zombies away or create a distraction. Something!"

"Your ankle is still healing!" Emerson shouted as he grabbed her arm to stop her. "You can barely run, let alone lead a horde of zombies!"

Amelia paused, but her resolve was clear in her eyes as she faced him. She shrugged off his hand and continued down the stairs. Emerson followed closely, Ztirf and Marlo trailing behind, their faces full of concern.