Rising of the Dead

Chapter 8: The Wall

CHAPTER 8: THE WALL

Our group, consisting of Jaidyn, Lindley, Lex, Carrie, Rose, and myself, sat in the back of the truck, our exhaustion palpable. We were a sea of weary faces amid the backdrop of the setting sun, while another group at the rear of the truck appeared oddly relaxed, their laughter and conversation a stark contrast to our somber mood.

The guy sitting next to me, his face etched with curiosity, nudged me gently with his elbow. "Why so quiet?" he inquired, his voice a soothing contrast to the tension in the air.

"Just tired," I replied, my weariness seeping into my words.

"Hmm, fair enough," he conceded. "Looks like you and your friends have been through quite an ordeal."

I nodded in agreement. "Not really an ordeal, just searching for supplies," I explained.

"Any luck?" he inquired, genuine interest in his eyes.

I couldn't help but crack a weary smile. "Yes," I began, "there's quite a stash in the truck, seemingly abandoned by an employee who must've bolted when he spotted someone approaching."

His laughter resonated softly, a momentary respite from the gravity of our situation.

"So, where are you taking us?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"The wall," he replied, a sense of hope infusing his voice.

"The what?"

"The wall," he reiterated, his words dripping with significance. "It's a safe haven. No infection. Think of it as a small town teeming with ordinary, uninfected people like us."

As we continued our journey, he rose from his seat, casting a fleeting glance at the window adjacent to the driver. "I think we're about ten minutes away," he informed me, his eyes alive with anticipation.

A smile involuntarily tugged at my lips as the weariness finally overcame me. I hadn't even realized that I had drifted into slumber. I was certain that the others were reveling in much-needed relaxation, but after our long and arduous day, sleep seemed like an irresistible refuge.

"Hey, wake up," my seatmate gently urged, snapping me back to consciousness. "We're here," he announced, his excitement palpable.

He leaped out of the truck and joined the line forming nearby. As I blinked away the remnants of sleep, the group disembarked one by one. I couldn't help but notice the military-like precision in their movements, the glint of firearms, a stark reminder of the perilous world we inhabited. However, unlike soldiers, they didn't sport camouflage uniforms, which only added to the enigma of our situation.

I was the last to disembark, stepping onto the pavement with a sense of wonder and trepidation. Our group had scattered, forming separate lines. Jaidyn tapped my shoulder as soon as I approached our cluster.

I looked up, my gaze drawn to a towering wall that loomed before us, separating the realm of the living from the encroaching abyss of the dead. I couldn't fathom what lay beyond that formidable barrier, but hope blossomed within me.

"Wow," I whispered in awe, the sight before me defying description.

Jaidyn, sharing in my wonder, tapped my shoulder again, a silent reassurance that we were not alone in our astonishment. Rose stood close to Lex, his arm encircling her waist protectively. Jaidyn and I occupied the space before them, while Lindley and Carrie lingered at the far end of our line.

I excused myself briefly, my curiosity piqued, and walked towards Lindley.

"Thanks for having our backs back there," I acknowledged.

She laughed softly. "Thanks for having me in your group," she replied, the camaraderie of survival etched in her smile.

I returned her smile and continued on my way.

"Hey," I greeted Carrie as I reached her.

"Hey," she replied in a soft, feminine voice.

A mental exclamation of surprise resonated within me, but I dared not speak it aloud. Her striking blue eyes sparkled, and her smile possessed a captivating quality.

She's stunning, I couldn't help but think, her brunette hair cascading in a way that only accentuated her beauty.

"How are you feeling?" I inquired, desperate to keep our conversation going.

"Exhausted," she confessed, her fatigue evident. "I can't wait to have a shower."

As we inched forward in line, the anticipation grew. Finally, it was Jaidyn's turn to face the guard.

"Go get some rest if you have the chance," I advised him with a smile.

He returned my smile, and I couldn't suppress the warmth that flooded me as I approached my turn.

The entire group had completed their screenings, and I found myself the last in line to face the guard. He held a small device to my eyes, its electronic gaze penetrating my very soul. With a reassuring beep, the device signaled my clearance.

"Okay, you're clear to go through," the guard declared.

I offered him my gratitude, "Thanks, sir."

As I passed through the threshold, I couldn't help but utter my silent acknowledgment, "Welcome to the wall."