Living Amongst The Dead

Chapter 7

My heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest by the time we reached the bottom floor of the building. My watch read 6:00. Calem and I decided to go today instead of yesterday because we thought we should get a good nights sleep and have everything packed and ready for the morning.

"Do you think this will work?" Calem asked as he took a sip from his water bottle. "Yeah." I replied. "If we can get it done quickly and quietly we should be fine. Now let's do this."

I walked towards the door that led out of the building and looked around to see if there were any zombies out and about. No sign of any so I gestured for Calem to come forward.

We exited the building and walked quietly towards the house. I'd ran through the plan with Calem a million times and kept reminding him that he didn't have to worry about the zombies because it was the day and that I would protect him if anything happened, but just in case, he was holding that iron bar that I'd found in the alley when I saved him.

I taught him to aim for the head and never panic. He was a quick learner and always focused on what I'd tell him to do. Calem was a smart kid and I think he's more then capable of defending himself.

We reached the end of the street and were opposite the house when Calem whispered, "Do you think there are any still inside?" I leaned over and whispered in his ear. "Probably, but we have to be brave and stay focused. Are you scared?"

"No," he replied, his voice full of confidence. "Because I'm with you and you saved me once and I'm sure you could do it again. I remember what you taught me as well: don't panic, stay focused and be brave."

I was touched by what this kid was saying when I realized something. I would look after Calem for as long as I had to and I'd do anything to keep him safe. If we had to go into this house that's probably filled with zombies then so be it. If this was what it took to keep him safe then I would do just that.

I reached down and gave Calem a hug and he hugged me back. "We can do this." I told him as I adjusted the tool belt on my hips. It was filled with two knives, a screw driver and a hand gun just in case. I also had some food and other supplies in my bag.

I looked left and right to see if we had to avoid anything as we made our way to the house. There were a couple of zombies here and there but nothing we couldn't get around.

Soon enough we were on the porch of the house. Calem made a joke to lighten the situation, "Should we knock and see if anybody's home?" But it didn't help the situation at all.

My hands were sweaty and I felt like I couldn't stand, but none the less, I pushed the already destroyed door as wide as I dared.