Luminous Nights

An Unexpected Meeting?

They stood in front of me, baseball bat in hand. If it weren't for them, I would've definitely died. Yet, why? Was it because I had spared them? Nevertheless, I stand there, astounded. My legs were stiff and I didn't dare move. Were they a zombie? Even so, they didn't seem like your ordinary zombie.

Suddenly, I realize, what am I doing? I've frozen like a deer in headlights. I'm so vulnerable! Despite everything, I don't know their intentions. My common sense had blown away like a leaf just now. I frantically reach for my shotgun. "D-don't move!" I shout, my hoarse voice echoing through the empty wasteland. It's been years since I've genuinely talked. My voice had changed so much, I hadn't even recognized it at first. "I-I'll shoot you if I have to!" I shout as I point my shotgun towards the threatened zombie. I wonder if they could even understand me. Apparently so, as the zombie puts their hands up, dropping the bat. "I assure you, I mean no harm!" They urge. My eyes widen in surprise. This zombie could actually talk? Well now I don't know what to believe! Could they even be considered a zombie? Nevertheless I continue to point my gun at them as their intentions were still unknown. "Please! I swear, I'm not a threat!" They shout, desperation within their words. I slowly lower my gun.

     Desperation. Oh how I could relate. That's what got me into this situation in the first place. Though, I see so much distress in their eyes. I just can't help but feel the need to spare them again. Perhaps I'm just hopeless, but I decide to lay my gun aside.

     "Alright." I began. My voice was hoarse, and surprisingly deep, way deeper than I remembered. I guess it changed a lot over the years. "I'll.. believe you." I say, as I walk over to them, still keeping my distance as they could definitely infect me if I'm not careful. Now that I think of it, I've never seen them up close.

     They definitely didn't look like your ordinary zombie. I'd say more.. lively if that makes sense. I just can't put my finger on the reason why. Though, they seem to have many scars. Not to mention how pale their skin looks, I assumed they were a zombie by that. Though, now I don't know if I can even consider them one.

     Their eyes, once full of desperation, now seemed so lively. They were as dark and intimidating as a raging storm cloud. Even though those eyes were almost colorless, they seemed so clear. Kind of like.. the night sky, which I enjoy the most.

     Oh I wonder how their mind processing this right now. I make an attempt to talk, yet they cut me off. "I really do apologize, this must be confusing for you!" They exclaim.

     I can't help but notice how pleasant and sincere their voice sounds.

     "Yes, I technically am a zombie, but even so, I'm trying to survive out here like you. I have feelings, I'm still alive!" They explain.

     So, what I'm gathering from this is that they are a zombie with feelings. I should've already guessed that, but nevertheless it's interesting to know.

Now, what do I say? There's so many questions that I have in mind, yet we've just started talking. Should I even be talking to a zombie? I don't know anymore.

"You're.. still living?" I ask, unsure of what else to say. "Correct.." They reply.

     Oh it's been too long since I've talked to someone! I look around, trying to avoid eye contact.

     "..I'm... very curious about you. Would you mind if we just talked?" I say. Words spill out of my mouth, as if there were no filter! Did I just ask a zombie to.. talk to me?

"I don't mind.. Plus, I'd say it's fair, considering I showed up out of nowhere.." They reply.