Better off Undead

Chapter 7: Reunions and Reminders

With new bandages around her wound and some painkillers running through her system, Nancy was beginning to look much better by the time they arrived at the abandoned hotel. Color had returned to her face and her head had cleared enough that she was able to participate coherently in conversations. Not that there were many words being exchanged between the members of the group. They all felt beaten and tired, perhaps also even scared or horrified. Just a couple weeks ago, the situation they actually found themselves in at this moment would have been possible only in their worst nightmares.

For Eli, it was even worse. Only a couple hours earlier he was living his life as normal: hanging out in his apartment, playing video games and watching movies to pass the time, waiting for something worthwhile to happen. Now he was trapped in a landscape of the undead, running across town with a group of total strangers, whose names he still did not know, just hoping that every minute that passed would not prove to be his last. It was a lot to bear.

Darkness had more or less fallen on the world around them. Some sunlight still cracked through the clouds along the horizon, still managed to dissipate with some effect across the sky and prevent them from sitting in total black, but night was as good as upon them. This being the case, the dark managed to hide the various vehicles remaining in the group's caravan from the eyes of the vehicles five occupants in their position just outside of the parking lot.

"Did they make it?"

Eli's voiced exploded like dynamite on the silence of the car's interior. No one wanted to ask that question. No one wanted to think that they had been cut off completely, that there was no going back and no reconnecting with humanity. Despite that, Eli almost couldn't stop himself. The reality was bursting out from inside of him, uncontainable and uncontrollable.

"If they're not here, they probably headed on to that military base they were talking about," Amber replied meekly, uncertain of exactly who she was trying to reassure.

The two exchanged glances, but said nothing more. After a moment, Eli eased the vehicle forward, sliding into the parking lot for a better view. The vehicles were clearly not out the front side of the building, but that didn't mean they weren't there. Rounding a corner, he let out a sigh of relief.

There, spread out across the side of the building, were the various SUVs of the caravan.

"Oh thank God," Amber muttered. 

They parked the car and quickly climbed out, eager to enter the safety of the building, eager for the day to be done. Amber helped Nancy out of the car and allowed the older woman to lean on her as they walked, as she was still somewhat unsteady.

Eli had his pack on his back and a bat at the ready in his left hand, and he twirled it nervously as he moved. Each step he took was purposeful and quick. He made sure to keep ahead of the group as they made their way back toward the front doors of the hotel, his eyes darting left and right, alert for any sign of movement or impending danger. So concerned was he about the dangers that might be out in the night, that he was unaware of the guns pointed at him until he passed through the front doors and heard the click of a gun's safety being removed.

He froze in place for what seemed like an eternity, as that horrible sound echoed endlessly through his mind. Ever so slowly he raised his hands in surrender, and then, just as slowly, he turned around. Two men with rifles and a woman with a handgun were standing there, faces hard set and business ends of their weapons pointed directly at Eli.

"I come in peace?" Eli squeaked, unsure of what exactly to say.

Amber rolled her eyes, something she seemed to be doing a lot of when he spoke. "You can put the guns down, he's with me," she added, waving her hand dismissively in his direction. Despite her ringing endorsement, none of the group moved a hair. Amber's eyes narrowed in puzzlement. "Seriously, guys, it's okay."