Rid the People

Chapter 7

The question of insanity is whether it's born and bred or put there to brew. It takes a human to acknowledge that part, and someone indefinitely insane to accept it.

Then there's the question on what insanity looks like, in which form it takes. Is it those murderers you see on TV with shaved heads and wide-eyes? Or is it your local postman, the one who delivered your package with a chirpy good morning and a loose joke? The latter seems more logical. But that's a societal preference, a prospect less disturbing than one in which everyone you thought you knew was mentally unstable, with intentions more so.

In that case, Harry was society's worst nightmare. He was someone who displayed a bad temper. No one would have guessed that beneath the surface he was building that temper, allowing it to shape him into someone who would impulsively use it to take his own life. This was bred. This was an example of someone incapable to do such a thing until it brewed to a point where the capability toppled him over the edge, where it forced him to accept it. This was what being indefinitely insane looked like.

Cassidy thought it impossible for her heart to accelerate twice its speed in a matter of seconds. But since the silence enveloped the room, she could feel the quickened pulse beating against her chest.

Harry crumpled to the floor. At first, she expected him to fall limp. But he was still crying, and Tobias and Esme both leaped down to console his trembling body.

"You idiot!" Tobias yelled, his voice wavering above Harry's drawled sobs. "You actually did it!"

Cassidy peered at Dan, who had initially stood to try and stop Harry shooting her. But he was sat on the chair, his eyes fixated into a wide, crazed gaze. Lizzie was the same, except she was staring at the floor, rubbing her arms.

"I knew it wasn't loaded," Harry said quietly.  His face was beetroot red, his cheeks glistening with tears.

Dan suddenly stood up. "I don't care. You tried to kill Cassidy, you tried to kill yourself!" He yelled. Then he darted towards Harry, his facial expressions contorted, scrunching with anger.

Tobias stood facing Dan, placing a hand on his chest to stop him walking further. Dan puffed, looking Tobias up and down in a threatening glance. Tobias remained calm, as always, shaking his head.

"I didn't try to kill anyone. I told you it wasn't loaded," Harry whispered.

Dan forced a laugh, rounding on Cassidy instead. He grabbed her arm and she let him, unable to gain any control of her movements, her arms and legs limp. She felt like a doll, being dragged against her will. Perhaps she was.

——-

Cassidy fought against the urge to look at the bodies.

They had all silently packed up after the incident (Dan helping Cassidy because her fingers were trembling too much, somehow managing to stuff all her clothes inside the bag) and they were now on their way to Lizzie's house. None of them spoke about what had happened any further, and Harry refused to look at anyone in the eye.

The air was chillier than yesterday. By the time they reached the 'Dunford University' sign Cassidy struggled against her backpack by slinging it off her shoulder and trying to pull out a hoodie. Dan noticed and gripped the bottom of the bag, preventing it from swinging around as they walked. Cassidy inaudibly mumbled a thanks. She couldn't quite conjure up any words beyond.

Tobias and Esme were in front with Harry, placing a hand on his back every once in a while to push him further. Lizzie was by herself behind the group, in which Cassidy looked over her shoulder and met her eyes. She forced a smile, but Lizzie had only looked away immediately, flinching from the act. Cassidy hadn't blamed her. She felt like doing exactly the same.

It took them fifteen minutes to go from one end of the dual carriageway to the other. It was as deprived of life as when they first crossed it, minus the five walking dead people roaming around the cars. As much as it was a shock to the system to see them again, Cassidy didn't have the urge to hide with the gun in her back pocket. Yes, she hadn't the first clue how to use it. But she felt safer knowing she was with a group of people who did.

After reaching the end of the road, they all stopped to drink some bottled water. Dan sauntered over to where Tobias, Esme and Harry were drinking, offering them a chocolate bar each. After shaking their heads, Dan took a bite and sighed. "Have you seen them?"

Tobias raised an eyebrow. Cassidy could just make out the frown creasing his face.

"Seen who?" He questioned.

Dan nodded his head towards another walking dead person, dragging herself aimlessly into the bonnet of one of the cars. As per usual she hadn't noticed us, standing 40 feet away. Not yet, at least.

"Of course we have. We told you about them," Tobias said. He took a swig of his drink, staring at the dead person from the corner of his eye. "I feel like we should give them a name."

"A name?" Esme said with disbelief. "What are you going to do now, whistle them over and give them a belly rub?"

Tobias chuckled, a real chuckle. "No. It's just easier to dissociate ourselves if we call them something. Like, 'The Undead Bitches' or something."

"No, no I've got one," Esme said. "How about 'The Roaming Cocks.'"

The entire group, besides Harry, burst out into a light laugh, Cassidy included: It felt like she hadn't allowed herself to do so in forever, and the mere action made her feel a twinge of heat in the pit of her chest. It was as if someone had lifted everything from her stomach. She could finally breathe in pleasure, rather than force herself to do so in order to survive.

"How about, 'Dead Stragglers,'?" Dan said. "'A Dead Straggler' for just one."

The group pondered on the thought, nodding their heads. Cassidy thought it had a ring to it. It was easy enough to say, if given the situation where she had to say it quickly. She smiled, a genuine smile, for the first time since everything had happened, and broke off a piece of Dan's chocolate bar with her fingers: a sign of approval.

Dan mimicked her smirk, watching as she held the piece onto her tongue, the sugary goodness melting away.

"Good idea," she said, still smiling.

Dan mimicked her, his blue eyes curving slightly at the edges. He rubbed his stubble, appearing as though he was admiring her action.

After agreeing on the name, they all packed away their things and continued their journey. It must have passed midday, as the sun was just inches down from it's highest point, the rays stronger than ever.

Cassidy had to remove her jumper, not needing help this time, and wrapped it around her waist until she grew cold again - The British weather in March was bipolar, switching temperatures whenever it pleased. This was irritating, but Cassidy didn't allow it to dampen her sudden good mood. Her footsteps were lighter than they had been in days - the simple sound of laughter really did that.

They passed the shop which they first scavenged for their food and drink. The aroma hit them worst than before; thick from rotting fruit and vegetables, to decaying meat and wet, soggy snacks.

"Should we get some more food?" Esme asked, using the sleeve of her knitted jumper to block out the smell. They all paused for a moment, scrunching their faces.

"I don't think we can carry it all," Cassidy said. Tobias and Esme threw her a questionable glance, surprised she had spoken, while Lizzie rolled her eyes.

"You've got a point. How far away is your house Lizzie?" Tobias asked.

"Not far. We can come back if that's what you mean," she said.

They all began walking again, Lizzie pushing herself to the front so that she could lead, when Esme gasped.

Everyone jumped, spinning around to find her twisting her head side-to-side, looking around.

"Guys," she said. "Where's Harry?"

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