Dead Days

Chapter 21

I woke to the sound of thunder over us. Our little pile of burning books had gone out, leaving the library in darkness except for the occasional streak of lightning. Sitting up, I realized why the book-fire had gone out so easily: water was leaking in through the ceiling. Over the fire wasn't the only spot as my makeshift blanket was also pretty wet.

I got up and moved my stuff from the spot I was at that was quickly becoming a puddle. I managed to fish a bowl out of our growing pile of supplies and put it under the drip, hoping it would stop the growing puddle. It seemed to help.

I grabbed my jacket and put it over my damp shirt before heading out of our little corner. I was the only one awake, the need for people on watch having decreased once we put a perimeter across the openings at the front. The storm also made us all think no living would be outside as it sounded it was only getting worse.

After watching the rain for a little bit, I heard movement behind me. Turning around, I found Matt, leaning on one of the bookshelves. "Can't sleep?"

I shrugged, "Storm woke me up. I was never a fan of thunder and lightning, let alone big storms."

He came over and joined me in watching the rain, "I was thinking-"

"You? Thinking? What has the world gone to?"

He gave me a glare that I cowered under. It was one of those looks that parents gave you when you jokingly insulted them. Which I guess I did. He continued where he left off, "I was thinking we should find enough weapons for everyone. Not just you or Carl, Beth and me. Everyone. And they should know how to use it."

I looked up at him, "Even the kids?"

He nodded, "Even the kids. I want them able to take care of themselves when we can't. At least something small they could hide in their pockets."

"Like a pocket knife?"

"Yea. And maybe teach them how to shoot a gun. Teach them to defend themselves against the things out there."

I looked back up at him. His face was straight as it was briefly lit up by a flash of lightning, but I could still see the grief in his eyes. I looked back out into the storm and watched an infected stumble around aimlessly, "We should call them something. Just calling them 'Infected' doesn't seem to work."

It was his turn to look down at me, "Oh yea? You have any ideas?"

I continued staring out, "I don't know. Maybe Roamers? Walkers? Biters? I just feel like 'Infected' doesn't fit them. It seems to humanize them, and they're clearly not humans. It doesn't even look like they're alive."

He was quiet for a moment, "Lurkers. They're just out there lurking around, waiting for their next meal to come wondering around."

I smiled, "I like it. Lurkers it is then."

"Anyways," He looked back at our little makeshift camp in the corner, "should we go ahead and start making breakfast?"

"You can."

He chuckled, "Fine." He headed back to the corner to get our book-fire started again.

I stayed there, watching the Lurker outside.