Blood Infections

Sickness

The sun rose again on the barren wasteland that once gleamed with life and prospered with bustling towns. Before the bombs, every citizen had a pleasant smile painted joyfully on their faces and every child beamed with laughter. Trees waved with the wind, sparrows softly called with soft and subtle music. It was truly beautiful, the pinnacle of sweet suburban life. That time however, had long since wasted away, decayed as soon as the first dastardly device descended upon their village. Now, as the night surrendered to the sun, the once green lawns and immaculate housing seemed to be crumbling away before Arden's very eyes. He sighed as he sauntered over to his usual sleeping spot right next to a little girl, no more than seven years old. He could not recall what lead them to be companions, only that they grew to share an inseparable bond, like they had grown up together. Ever since she came into his life, he took care of her, kept her happy. The girl's name was Lisa. She was his little sunshine who kept him happy through the toils of living. Together they were prepared to face whatever came to them, even the unexpected circumstance that would appear in just a few minutes.

The little girl softly slumbered, holding onto the boy's hand firmly, hoping it would protect her from anything that came their way. She was brave during the nighttime, but when the day came a nausea set itself in her stomach. Nighttime is safe. She could get around quickly and unseen, but when the light came, so did the wanderers and the Appointed, the one thing she feared most. They were an organization of brutes, ordinary citizens corrupted by the power they held over the rest of society. The little girl hadn't seen much, but the actions she did terrified her. Lisa shook her head, trying to ward of the thoughts that haunted her mind. She was just falling asleep when she felt a strange vibration coming from the lower level of the house.

"Arden," she whispered as she wrapped her arms around his midsection. "I felt something downstairs. I'm scared" Her voice was a shaky whisper.

Arden patted her arm, trying to comfort her the best he could. "I'm sure everything is fine, Lisa. Remember all the traps I've set up?" He said, wrapping her in his arms. "I'm going to protect you, alright?"

The little girl buried her small face into the teenager's chest. "I can hear him. He's in here. He's going to hurt-" Her small voice was suddenly drowned out by a loud groan, coming from the bottom floor.

The child looked up at him with panic-filled, tear-stained eyes. Her breathing was uneven and she waited, full of fear. Never before did she think that anyone could get into their impenetrable suburban fortress, which was laden with traps and extra securities. Her eyes begged for help. "Arden. Please. I'm scared."

The boy pulled her into a hug, securing her against his grounded body. Her small frame shook with apprehension. Sitting for a moment, thinking over the situation, Arden tried to reassure himself. If someone was indeed in their house, then it was likely they were desperate for help. Enough to navigate dozens of life-endangering obstacles. It was also extremely likely they were badly injured. The traps were all meticulously placed so nobody, except by sheer dumb luck, could get through without knowing the set off patterns and steps needed to bypass the security.

Arden's thoughts were suddenly interrupted by another loud groan coming from downstairs. He immediately sprang to his feet, running to the banister and looking over. A dark figure hobbled around the room below, leaving a trail of crimson blood.

"You-" the figure huffed. "You have really good traps out there" He hesitated a moment before putting his hand against the wall and falling.

The boy quickly sprang into action, running swiftly down the stairs to where the bloodied intruder lay. He looked young, maybe a year or two older than Arden, but he couldn't make out any specific features in the dim light.