Zombie Virus - Shit Is Real

Smile Inn

Weapons poised, we walk into an open Smile Inn. Theo goes behind the counter and grabs 3 numbered keys. 10, 11 and 12. Eyes closed, Joe takes a key. 11. I do the same and open my eyes to find the number 10 key in my hand. The room opposite to both Theo's and Joe's. Theo tries to give me his room but I tell him to stop being silly and I'd prefer number 10. He shrugs and goes into his room.

I close the door and take in my new environment. Bedding and curtains wearing a matching vibrant yellow. A wooden table with a single chair. A wardrobe in the corner, one of the doors ajar. I slowly pick up my rifle, aware the possibility that I could find a zombie in there. I open the door properly and out jumps a zombie. I knew it. Not even thinking, I aim my rifle and fire. The zombie lies dead on the ground. I poke it with the end of the rifle. Doesn't move. Theo and Joe rush in. I roll over the body. A young girl, most likely my age. Bright pink hair that matches the pink skirt which is holding onto the bottom of her yellow shirt. A piece of paper tucked in the pocket.

Hello. If you're reading this, then I have became a zombie. Everyone has left and I'm the last one here. I went outside and some bloody person bit into me. I only realised later that it was a zombie. I want to apologise if I have attacked. I understand if you had to shoot me. I forgive you, whoever you are.

I look at Theo and Joe. "She was a worker. She got bit and she said she was sorry for attacking me and she said she'd understand if I had to shoot her and she said she'd forgive me and I wish my parents would forgive me. I wish every poor soul I have shot forgives me." All my emotions come crashing in like an enormous wave against the rocks. Tears fall down my face. Joe panicks and tells Theo he's going to check everywhere else.

Theo holds me tight and rests his head on top of mine. That's when we hear a set of footsteps. We both pull away from each other, Theo pushing me behind him. Joe's head appears from around the door "coast is clear."

Theo insists I sleep in his room. After a lot of arguing, I give in and follow him across the hall and into his room. The bedding white with yellow stripes. Matching the curtains, again. This place has horrible coordination skills. Theo sits on the sofa and pulls out his laptop and the charger. I grab my rucksack, "I'm going to have a shower."

The bathroom is a plain white and, thank god, the towels are white and not that disgusting yellow. I let the hot water run down my back. I gently pull apart the knots that had formed in my hair. I hadn't thought about brushing it. Trying to survive was my main priority, being hygienic was one of the least. I use the small bottle of hotel shampoo and soap. The aroma of apples and pears fill the room. I quickly dry and change into leggings and a vest.

I sit on the bed next to Theo whose complaining that Joe is cheating in a game they're playing. I quickly check my phone, no messages from my brother. I hear a groan and look next to me as Theo has his head in his hands and Joe is doing some sort of victory dance. I laugh as Joe throws something soft at me. "I realised I brought along one of my least fave t-shirts.  You can have it." I raise my eyebrows but unfold the top anyway. It's a simple red with a small rose logo in the corner. I shrug and put it on. Joe smiles "and I knew you'd look better in it." Theo, however, sits there staring at me. "World to Theo. I do believe it's my turn to play against you and you're going to make it a lot easier to beat you, especially if all you're going to do it stare, again." Theo blushes whilst Joe looks at us both, confused. "Again?"

Joe's laughter fills the room. He nudges Theo. "Never had Theo down as someone who just stares. Thought you'd be someone who'd act on how they felt." I laugh as Theo's cheeks redden even more. Joe says he's tired and leaves the room. Before he closes the door, Theo shouts that if that in the middle of he night he needs one of us, just wake us up. He nods and leaves.

"Like I said before, I don't mind sharing but the same rules apply. Except the dirty pillow won't be there to comfort you." He climbs into bed next to me. His leg brushes against mine. He mumbles an apology and turns over. I toss and turn, unable to get sleep. After a few hours, I see our door open. Joe walks in. I close my eyes and pretend I'm asleep.