Living Amongst The Dead

Chapter 20

Ben swore under his breath as he and Ned lifted Max. We needed to get out of this place before more zombies showed up, but I didn't understand how Max could have been bitten. I also had no idea how much time he had left until he turned.

Max's moans of pain were getting worse and his shirt was soaked with sweat. Ned and Ben had his arms on their shoulders and were practically dragging him towards where we had the trucks. Calem and I were in front of the group to take out any threats while Coco padded along beside us.

We finally made it to our getaway vehicles. Ned, Calem and Coco in one and Ben, Max and I in the other. After we had packed in the supplies, Ben laid Max along the back seat and I decided to drive.

Before long, we were on the road, my truck in front and Ned's behind. Ben was talking to Max to try to keep him calm. It wasn't working. He was going through pain I couldn't even imagine but I focused on the road and getting us home.

After a while, I risked a glance at Max. The poor guy was so pale he looked like a ghost and his pupils were dilated. Every ten minutes Ben would ask him things like how he was feeling but this time, Max's answer sent chills up my spine.

"I'm hungry." He whispered, his voice hollow. "So so hungry." We would be home soon and I was silently praying he would make it there before he turned.

I didn't really know how the plague started but I did know that once you were bitten, it was game over for you in a couple of hours.

We had to stop once to refill the petrol tank but then we quickly got going and before I knew it, I could see the cabin in the distance.

We pulled up and I saw Gina come out to greet us. She had a big smile in her face which I knew would vanish when she found out what happened. I hopped out of the car and ran up to talk to her.

"Took you long enough." Gina said. "I'm glad your all-" Her gaze fell on Max, who was now coughing up blood.

"What happened?" She said, her eyes fixed on the bite mark. Ned, Calem and Coco were out of their truck now and came over. Ned explained what happened to Max.

Max was lying on the ground, twitching slightly. I felt so sorry for him. I still couldn't believe this was happening.

Ben had a hand gun drawn and poised at Max. "Just say the word buddy." He said with tears in his eyes. "Just say the word and it'll all be over."

I had tears in my eyes as well as everyone else. I hugged Calem while Coco gave Max a lick on the cheek and to my surprise, he smiled. Calem tore himself away from me and ran into the cabin. He came back seconds later with that bear he got from his parents.

He knelt down beside Max and placed it in his hands. "Thanks little man." He said with a raspy voice. "I'll look after him." Tears were falling down Calem's cheeks and Gina pulled him into a cuddle. She kept his face hidden from what I knew was about to happen.

"Goodbye." Max whispered. We all repeated what he said and Ben walked forward and put the gun to Max's forehead. Tears fell down my face and I choked back a sob. Max closed his eyes, smiled and held the bear to his chest before nodding to Ben. Ben whispered one last thing.

"Goodbye buddy. Your going to a better place."

Then he pulled the trigger.