Unbreakable threads

Chapter Seventeen: A Flicker of Hope

The convoy came to a slow halt in front of the CDC, the vehicles lined up in a rough formation. The building loomed over them, a fortress of concrete and glass that seemed to promise safety—yet all around it were the remnants of a brutal struggle. Barricades lined the perimeter, their metal frames twisted and scorched, as if they had been through a battle against the dead. The silence hung heavy in the air, and the faint smell of charred wood and decay filled their senses.

Rick was the first to step out of the RV, his hand instinctively reaching for his revolver as he scanned the building. Behind him, Lori climbed down with Carl, her eyes wide with apprehension. Dale, Carol, and Sophia followed, each of them moving cautiously, their faces a mixture of hope and fear. Alyssa emerged last, her gaze lingering on the building, searching for any sign of life.

Glenn pulled up beside them, stepping out of his car with T dog, Andrea,  and Jacqui close behind. His face was etched with both hope and doubt, his eyes scanning the CDC's walls, as if expecting someone to appear, to welcome them in. Daryl parked his motorcycle a short distance away, his expression unreadable, while Shane drove up alone, his face twisted in frustration as he surveyed the scene.

Rick took a few steps forward, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is it. The CDC." He looked back at the group, a flicker of determination in his eyes. "If there's anyone here, any chance of answers, it's now."

Shane scoffed, crossing his arms. "Yeah, well, doesn't look like there's anyone rollin' out the welcome mat, Rick. I told you—this was a damn pipe dream."

Rick ignored him, his focus set on the building. He stepped closer to the barricades, his gaze searching for any sign of movement. Alyssa followed, her heart pounding as she looked up at the imposing structure. She wanted to believe they'd find people here—scientists, doctors, anyone who could explain what had happened, who might even have a plan to stop it. But the silence around them was ominous, heavy with the possibility of disappointment.

Daryl moved forward, his crossbow at the ready. "If there's anyone in there, they're either dead or hidin' real good," he muttered, his voice low and rough. "We need to be ready for whatever's behind those walls."

Rick nodded, his face set in determination. "If there's even a chance someone's alive in there, we have to try."

He moved closer to the entrance, peering through the twisted metal of the barricades, but the glass doors beyond were dark and opaque, giving nothing away. He turned to the group, his voice firm. "Let's try to make some noise. Maybe there's a security camera, someone watching."

Glenn stepped forward, nodding. "I'll help. Let's make ourselves visible."

Together, Rick and Glenn raised their arms, waving toward the building, shouting for anyone inside to hear them. The group joined in, their voices blending together in a hopeful, desperate plea.

"Hello! We're survivors!" Rick called, his voice echoing across the silent courtyard. "If anyone can hear us, please—let us in! We need help!"

They waited, their voices fading into the empty silence. Seconds stretched into minutes, each passing moment filling them with more doubt. Alyssa glanced around, her heart sinking as the building remained dark and lifeless. She exchanged a look with Carol, whose face was etched with worry as she held Sophia close, the uncertainty weighing on all of them.

Just as hope began to waver, a flicker of movement caught Rick's eye. A small security camera, tucked above the entrance, shifted slightly, its lens focusing on the group. Rick's heart leaped, a surge of hope rushing through him.

"There," he said, pointing. "Someone's watching us."

The others followed his gaze, their eyes lighting up with renewed hope. A few moments later, a loud mechanical hum filled the air, and the barricades began to shift, the metal scraping against the ground as they slowly opened, granting them access to the entrance.