They Breathe

Chapter 2

The fire hose was switched. The fire slowly started to eat away the sprout. It started to shrink and within minutes, I could see its core. The yellow colored core was the most dangerous and if not provided; the proper temperature, it would burst. Even without its outer body, it was a mini bomb, effective in a seven meter radius. And for now, I was the only one in that radius. The fire hose was set at right temperature.  And soon, the sprout melted away, leaving the C.B. open.

"After few minutes, switch on the grid. CB will join automatically" I said needing an another puff. 

The colonel was still at the main gate. It was a regular occurrence. Colonel knew it. People knew how to tackle the sprouts. It was not so common when the first sprout came into scene, in between the roads of Hyderabad.

On the traffic junction of Kothaguda, the sprout was seen. Bulky in size, bigger than a five year old boy. All green in color and looked as if it was breathing. Many ants laid dead around the sprouts. No one knew how it came. It was grown over the traffic light. People could see it. Cameras were flashing and a huge jam could be seen on the road.

Scientist suggests that whenever you see any foreign object, take photos of it, show it your friends but never smell it, touch it or eat it. But who cares? Cops called the municipality. The municipality sent a sweeper. The sweeper took the ladders. Came near the traffic light and touched the sprout. The sprout blew and perhaps it was the first video of a man transforming into a walker. But it was all confusing. According to statistic, fifty videos were uploaded on You Tube about sprouts and walkers; same day and same hour.

"The rate of growth has gone down, a lot" Karan said handing me a cigarette.

"Yes it is" I said. "The purge was really successful. But, precautions must be taken. It all started with these cursed things only. God knows, how the evolved" 

"Yup! You are right." Karan said.

"Okay then. I am off to the camp. The colonel is getting pissed. The sun is setting down. Better to reach the camp before nightfall. You know, lights still attract them. No one know, when you see a walker on these roads. Power plants are really dangerous. I am always sent in an envoy from the camp. Three technical and a tank. What do you expect?"

"You are right. Power plants are really dangerous. In the outskirts, in between the forest. You cannot walk on the road alone. When will a walker jump on you, you never know?"

I and Karan slowly walked towards the gate. The colonel already opened the jeep's door for me. The technical were switched on. All were waiting for me to get inside.

"Don't you worry Karan? As far as I know, power plants are heavily guarded. Better than the camps. Safest of all."

"I know." Karan said. Adjusting its badge. He looked at his shirt for a while and then suddenly  said

"I swear to God. I will never wear this white shirt again" I smiled at him. 

He slowly took off the shirt and threw it in the dustbin.  The scar mark on his shoulder were still visible. 

"I am not a fool, Nishant. I know power plant are never a place to wear white. But this was a gift from her. It reminds me of her. You know, she used to wear a black framed specs but always fought with me, saying its dark blue."

"Yes. I knew about you two" I said. I got inside the jeep. The colonel shut the door and signaled the envoy to move.

"But you know, sometimes you have to let the past go"

"I shot her, Nishant. You will never know how it felt when I pressed the trigger. But you are right, you have to let the past go"

"Amen, my brother. Amen" I said.....

.....to be continued......