Dead Before Sunrise: Amber's Story (18 +) Mature content (sample)

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They stood and watched the shrubbery as the growls grew closer. Within a few heartbeats zombies leaped from the bush and headed their way. They stepped back and aimed their rifles.

"Leave now," ordered the soldier.

As soon as Amber turned, she pulled up short, "I can't. I'm cut-off."

"Stay close to me then," stated the soldier.

Amber looked at Joseph as the group set in the SUV and gave them a sad grin. Immediately Amber's hand raised and waved at them. Joseph nodded his head in recognition.

"We stay in the car," declared Joseph.

"We should help mom, Joe," related Davis.

"No. She signaled, stay," informed Joseph.

"Doesn't mean we can't help," said Davis.

Joseph looked at his younger brother and replied, "You're right."

Joseph positioned himself behind the steering wheel.

"They're out in the daytime," remarked Amber.

"Yes. They're multiplying quickly and coming out in the day more often," reported the soldier.

"This is fast, too fast," responded Amber.

"True. Watch out, men," said the soldier.

"Like in the movies and books, aim for the head," stated Amber after they rose from the ground.

After Amber finished talking, she pulled a machete from a holster under her pants leg. Amber slashed at a zombie near her then stabbed its head. Instantly Amber gripped the soldier's side-arm and shot a zombie trying to bit him.

"Thanks," conveyed the soldier.

"You're welcome," responded Amber.

Joseph ran over some of the zombies that have the group separated. While Amber has her back against the soldier, she smiled and tapped the SUV hood.

"That's my boys. We should get back together before we lose more people," commented Amber.

"I'm glad they did that. I'll lose fewer men," expressed the soldier.

"Yes. We killed this day," remarked Amber.

"If you venture forth, you will have to kill again," disclosed the soldier.

"That is true. It doesn't make me happy, but it has to be done," whispered Amber.

"Remember, you do this to save the people you care about," reassured the soldier.

"They're all males," verbalized Amber.

As Amber pointed toward the bloody bodies, the soldier gripped her forearm and asked, "When did this happen?"

"When we first were separated from your men," answered Amber.

"It's already been at least thirty minutes since then," reflected the soldier.

"Yes. I haven't turned yet," conveyed Amber.

"I've heard rumors there are people immune," reported the soldier.

"Are you afraid of me?" asked Amber.

"No. You're not changing. I should talk to my men," stated the soldier.

"Alright. I'll examine the bodies," said Amber.

While the men talked by the barricade, Amber examined the corpses.