Chapter 4: Awaken in Death

The door shot open and Jason stood in the doorway, a flashlight in his hand and a panicked look on his face.

“What’s going on?” David asked, taking a step forward, but Jason shushed him with his hand and hurried to the window, peeking out behind the curtain before closing it.

“There’s no time to explain, but we need to get out.” He hurried over to the door again sticking his head out into the hallway.

“What? Why do we need to leave?” Amy stood up from the bed, wrapping the sheet around her.

“Riots are going on outside and it’s not safe to stay here. We need to get out of town, I already woke up mom and dad.” Jason turned to his brother and gave him a look. “Just trust me brother.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds before David nodded.

“Okay just get your bags and let’s move. Keep the lights off and try not to make any noise.”

The two got their bags and quickly threw in the clothes they had just unpacked this afternoon while Jason left the room, probably to go pack himself. After their bags were packed they quickly got dressed; David in his jeans, brown boots and a white shirt with its sleeves rolled up an Amy in her jeans, sneakers and David’s coat.

They headed out the room, walking as softly as possible. In the hall David noticed his parents standing by their door, packed and dressed like them.

“What’s going on?” Cherry whispered frightened while she gripped her husband’s arm.

“I’m not too sure mom.” David said honestly, “But Jason is almost never this serious, something must be wrong.”

Amy scooted closer to David as she peeked over his shoulder.

“I don’t like it at all.” She replied as they saw Jason leave his room, bags hung over his shoulders.

“Okay, we need to be as quiet as possible and make our way to David’s car, it’ll be safer than the pick-up and more spacious. Give me the bag’s I’ll go pack the car, you guys stay close to David and wait for me in the garage, I’ll knock on the door when you guys can come out.” The group passed their luggage to Jason who took a hold of everything.

“Dad, where’s the machete and hunting rifle’s?” He was already making his way to the stairs, only looking over his shoulders at them.

“In the garage, hung up on the wall next to the bench, why do you need them?” The group huddled closer as they watched the oldest Warren brother descend the stairs.

“Just in case.” And the he was gone. They stayed a few seconds in silence as they heard the jingling of keys and the opening of a door before they finally moved.

“Just stay close together.”

They made their way down the steps and walked through the living room to the kitchen where the door to the garage was. Very slowly David opened it, his phone in hand with the flash on. He ushered the others inside before closing the door and heading to the wall where the weapons were hung up.

He hung the two hunting rifle’s over one shoulder and pushed the sheathed machete into the back of his pants. His father walked up behind him, taking the last rifle.

“I’m not completely useless.” He commented, and David only smiled. The two opened the work bench’s drawers and got the two boxes off ammo, burying it into their back pockets.

They inched closer to the doors and David peeked out the windows, standing on his tip toes to see out. All he could see was chaos. Fire and smoke filled the world outside, shadowy figures stumbling around. He furrowed his brows and squinted his eyes, watching as the figures passed through the fire like it was nothing.

What the fuck, David though as he let his feet fall back to the ground. He returned to his family, frown still on his face and his wife noticed this. She put a hand on his arm, concern on her face.

“What’s wrong honey?” She asked and gave a squeeze.

He just shook his head as he looked at her, his hand on top of hers and returning the squeeze.

Where are you Jason?

They waited patiently in silence for a few more minutes before a faint knock was heard on the door.

David motioned for his family to stand back as he tried to lift the door as slowly as possible so that it didn’t make any noise, hallway up though it got stuck.

“Shit.” David hissed as he tried to make it budge.

It didn’t move.

He was tempted to leave it like it was and just pass under it but soon realised his dad, with his bad leg, wouldn’t be able to bend down that low.

“Jason, come help me.” David whispered as he took hold of the door once more.

“On it.” His brother called back, taking the door form the other side.

They pushed with all their might and only moved it an inch before it stopped once more.

Jason and David groaned before Jason just let go, taking a step back.

“Just come on, we can’t wait anymore.”

David nodded before he helped Amy through, next was his mother. After that was his father and David helped him the best he could before he himself slid underneath the door.

“To the car.” Jason motioned with his hand, already making his way to the driver seat.

David ran at the back, making sure his family got to the car safely. Amy was already halfway into the back seat and his father was waiting for his mother who was still hurrying in front of David.

It happened all at once, so fast that it almost seemed to go in slow motion.

One moment his mother was still making her way to the car, the next a figure was stumbling into her, grabbing onto her shoulders.

She let out a scream and David watched with wide eyes as the figure opened its mouth wide and sank its teeth into his mother’s throat, ripping a piece off.

He heard Amy’s horrified screech in the background and his brother’s angry shout. The rumbling of the fire and the groans of the figures around him blended into background noise as he saw his mother gasping for breath. Just over his mother’s shoulder he could see his father, standing as still as stone, eyes wide and mouth open.

Before the figure could tear another piece off his mother Jason was suddenly ripping the figure off of her and throwing it to the ground. As soon as the figure was gone Cherry crumbled to the ground, gasping.

Upon further inspection, David realised it as the next door neighbour, Mathew.

Richard hurried over to his wife, tears streaming down his cheeks. He fell to his knees next to her and took her face in his hand. She stared up at him with big eyes, her hand grasping at his side.

“Oh God, what do I do? My beautiful wife, my precious Cherry. You can’t leave me.” Richard was sobbing he stroked her cheeks, the tears blinding his vision.

David was still stationed in one place as he saw the scene play out, Jason turned to help his father and that’s when David noticed Mathew standing up. Heading straight for Jason.

David wasn’t going turn into stone this time and he lunged for Mathew. He landed on top of him, holding Mathew by the shoulders. The older man struggled against David’s grip and he noticed how Mathew didn’t look normal. His eyes were bloodshot, the veins on his face standing out and his face covered in blood.

“Put pressure on her wound dad.” Jason ordered, trying to keep himself together as he hurried over to his brother.

Richard let go of her face to push down on her throat, while she was still staring up at him with big eyes. She pulled a little on his side and he leaned down lower, tears still leaving wet trails on his face.

“What is it love?” He asked, hiccupping slightly.

She gave a small gasp. “Love you.” And like that Richard saw the life drained out of his wife. He watched as her eyes rolled back and her head lolled to the side, he felt her hand falling onto his lap and all he could do was sob loudly as he let go of her throat and cradled her to his chest, rocking her back and forth.

“My beautiful precious wife. My love.” It was a mantra he mumbled over and over.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” David screamed at Mathew, tears threatening to spill over. He held strong.

Standing up, David pulled Mathew with him. He gave him a hard push, watching as he stumbled back a few feet before making his way towards them again. David pushed him again and again, with all his might. Anger filling up his veins.

“You asshole.” David grumbled, grabbing Mathew by the shoulder and shoving him forward once more. This time, Mathew grabbed a hold of David’s shirt. The weight of David had them falling back and through a fence.

David quickly rolled onto his side, groaning as he tried to get up.

Almost as soon as he fell Jason was at his side and helping him up.

When they turned to where Mathew had fell they stared with wide horrified eyes. He laid on his back, eyes wide open and head impaled with one of the fence posts.

“Oh God.” David’s voice broke as he glanced at his brother.

“No, no, no, no, no. Calm down. We do not have the time to freak out.” Jason grabbed his brother’s arm before yanking him back in the direction of the car.

Richard still had his wife in his arms, Amy next to him. Her shoulders shook as she cried. They neared the trio about to tell them to get inside the car when they realised.

Their mother had died.

David took a step back, letting out a gasp while Jason’s head fell trying to keep himself together. Now was not the time to lose himself. He had to stay strong for his family. They needed him. They needed a rational mind to get them through this.

He took a deep breath, trying to keep the tears from falling

He looked over his shoulder, realising that the others had noticed their presence, of course. They had to leave. NOW.

He stepped forward putting a hand on David’s shoulder. When his brother looked up at him he motioned behind them and David realised with wide eyes the same his brother had.

He only gave a nod, immediately understanding what his brother wanted.

David walked up to his family, putting his hands on his wife’s shoulders and pulling her up. She looked up at him, eyes glassy from the tears and cheeks wet. He put his arms around her and hurried to the car, situating her in the back.

Jason took a deep breath, crouching down beside his father.

He put his hand on his father’s arm giving him a meaningful look when he looked up.

“I hate to do this, u know I do. But we need to go.”

Richard protested, but as soon as Jason motioned to the commotion behind them he let a few more tears fall.

He turned back to his wife, stroking her cheek one more time before closing her eyes and placing a kiss on her forehead.

“I love you.” He whispered, before reluctantly getting up and stumbling to the car behind his son.

As soon everyone was situated in the car David was pulling away from the madness behind them. Richard was looking out the back window of the car, tears still streaming down his face as he saw his wife’s lifeless body on the ground.

Amy was looking out the window at the fires that had broken out, watching as people ran away from others, much like they were.

Jason watched as a couple ran before the woman tripped, man going to hep her. He watched horrified as a disfigured shadow cam out of the flames, falling on the ground behind the woman and grabbing her legs, staring to bite her.

Richard was mourning as he let his head fall when his wife went out of view. The family of four was silent as the chaos broke out around them.

David took a right turn, the road leading onto the highway and leaving the four feeling empty inside.

Amy silently cried, tears streaming down her face, but making no noise.

Richard was staring sadly at his hands that were around his wife only moments before. He didn’t break down, but he felt so empty and useless.

He let his wife die.

Jason stared out the window; cursing himself silently as they drove down the highway, which was surprisingly empty.

He should have been more careful and looked out more for his family.

David was also cursing himself for not reacting. He could have stopped it, he could have saved his mother. It was his fault she was dead.

“Where are we going?” Richard rasped from the back, his voice breaking as he spoke.

Jason sighed as he tried to come up with a plan of action he was to lead them out of this hell-hole.

“Just pull over a few miles from here. We need to get our shit together.”

David nodded as he drove until he noticed a bend in the road, taking them off the highway and onto a dirt patch. He stopped and turned off the engine before just sitting there and looking at the steering wheel.

Jason groaned and opened the door before slamming it shut and walking a few feet off cursing himself out loud.

Richard and Amy were both silent as they just stared out the window, still trying to process what had happened.

Jason motioned towards David once his brother looked up at him and with a nod David stepped out the car, giving his wife’s hand a squeeze before heading towards his brother.

“What the hell happened back there Jason? Why were people eating other people? What the fuck is going on?” David asked, his hands running through his hair. He looked so helpless; he wanted to protect his family, but how could he when he didn’t even know what was going on.

“I don’t know David, I don’t know what happened back there. All I do know is that we have to keep our family safe. We can’t let anything happen to them.” Jason sounded so sure of himself, like he had everything under control.

Little did David know that Jason was feeling useless. He didn’t know what he was going to do. He knew what he needed to do but had no idea how. Not when the world has gone to shit.

“But you need to know this, little brother, those ‘people’ back there weren’t people. They were something else. They walked through fucking fire and was just fine.”

The two stared at the open field that tracked beyond the highway, no idea what to make of the situation.

“What do you mean they aren’t people?” David asked, staring helplessly at his older brother.

“They were eating people, David, fucking people!” Jason whispered screamed, as not to alert the two in the car, as he threw his arms out.

“Then what the hell are we supposed to do?” David sighed, squatting down and staring at the ground.

“Lets just get to the next town and try to figure out what’s happening.” Jason suggested, and David nodded.

He was trusting his brother with this. He was trusting his brother to keep their family safe.

“Okay.” The brothers made their way back to the car, David once more getting into the driver’s side since he knew the roads the best.

Jason opened the back door, looking at his father to make sure that he was okay. He put his hand on his father’s shoulder as he searched his face, looking for any sign that he would need to stop for longer.

Richard nodded as he smiled sadly at his oldest.

“I’m okay, let’s just get to safety.”

Jason nodded before closing the back door and getting into the front seat, giving his brother the thumbs up to get back onto the road.

As David pulled onto the highway once more Jason started to fiddle with the radio, trying to get a station to work. All he heard was static before cursing and slamming his fist down on the useless radio.

“Where’s the next town?” Jason asked, pouting.

David bit his lip as he calculated the closest town.

“Alberton.”

Jason pursed his lip, before nodding. He glanced at the steering wheel, seeing a light flickering on the dashboard.

“Looks like you’re running on empty brother.” He commented, before letting his eyes fall on the road before them once more.

David cursed before sighing.

“Yeah, I was planning on filling her up tomorrow. The town’s only an hour away, we should be able to make it.”

The first twenty-minutes were spent in silence. David was focused on the road, glancing every now and then through the mirror at the sleeping duo in the back. Amy’s head was rested on Richard’s shoulder, while his was placed on hers.

David was glad they were resting since the events that had taken place had likely tired them out.

Jason was looking out the window, trying to see if anything out of the ordinary was happening. So far nothing exciting. The roads were empty, and silence enveloped the area.

He let his thoughts drift, trying to think of anything that could help them in this situation. It took him a few minutes but soon his eyes widened when he remembered his bag was in the back.

“Hey David, pull over real quick.” Jason urged as he turned in his seat.

David turned to stare at his brother with wide-eyes, but nonetheless started to pull off the highway once more.

“Why? What’s wrong? Did you see something?” He asked alarmed once he had stopped.

Jason didn’t answer as he jumped out and headed to the trunk, popping it open and starting to rummage through his bag.

He cheered as he found what he had been looking for, his walkie-talkie.

With a satisfied grin stuck on his face he got back into the car and motioned for David to continue driving.

David blindly followed his brother’s orders but raised one eyebrow as he looked at his brother.

“Mind explaining what that was about?” the younger sibling asked.

Jason lifted the device for his little brother to see and grinned.

“This, young one, might just help us to figure out what’s going on.” He started fiddling with walkie-talkie, the smile still not leaving his face.

“If we get enough signal-”

“I’ll be able to contact someone for help.” Jason finished his brother’s sentence, applauding his brother in his mind for figuring it out so quickly.

“We won’t be able to turn around now to get to the tower though, not enough gas.” David reminded, but his brother was already nodding. He had already figured that out.

“I know, we get to the next town, fill up, try to find some good signal there and if there isn’t any we’ll have to turn back.” Jason explained, before letting the device fall onto his lap and setting his eyes back on the road.

The car was silent again as David continued his way to the town, the distance decreasing more and more.

“Jason, who are you going to contact?” David broke the silence about half an hour later, his hands tightening on the wheels.

“I’ll try and find a tower in this town as well and if I can hook the walkie up with the tower I’ll be able to reach the barracks where I was stationed and find out from somebody there.” Jason supplied as he glanced at his brother quickly.

David nodded before and the rest of the trip was spent in silence. When they could see the town in the distance he slowed to a stop, careful of the two in the back.

He grabbed the binoculars he kept in the glove box and left the car, walking a large distance before coming to a stop and looking through them. He heard his brother’s approaching footsteps and offered him the binoculars as well.

“Alberton seemed to have been hit much earlier.” Jason commented, and David nodded before staring at the town once more.

The ash and burned buildings indicated a fire had broken out a few days ago, but not much damage was done. Those ‘things’ seemed to wandering around the town, some walking slower than crawling babies and others standing completely still. They were spread out, with empty streets between them and there seemed to be only a few.

The brothers headed back to the car, leaning against it as they looked up at the sky.

“What’s our plan now?” David finally asked after a few minutes of silence.

“Well, let’s think about the main goals for now.” Jason suggested.

“Okay, getting gas-”

“-contacting my barracks-”

“-and getting the family to safety.”

The two nodded and David let out a sigh.

“There’s a gas station not too far into town, about two blocks.” Jason nodded and took the binoculars as he walked back to where they first stood. He stared out at the town again, his gaze focused.

David followed shortly after and stayed next to his brother while he surveyed the place.

Jason finally let go of the binoculars 10 minutes later and gave them to his younger sibling.

“There’s only about 2 or 3 of those ‘things’ on the main road, but there’s an alleyway we can cut through to avoid them. We can run in, maybe fill up a can or two and run right out.”

David listened intently to his brother while he explained the plan and nodded along. “Sounds good, but what about dad and Amy? If things go south we can’t run.”

“The outskirts of the town are clean as far as I can see. You three can hang tight in the alley while I grab the gas and then we can get out of here.” Jason’s plan sounded decent enough and since David couldn’t come up with a better one he agreed.

“Just take the machete with you, I’ll hold on to the rifle, hopefully bullets and blades still scare them.”

Jason thought over his brother’s suggestion before nodding along. “Yeah, that sounds good. But you need to be sharp and focused. And don’t back out once they’re coming at you. You either shoot or you’re gonna be in big trouble.”

“I won’t back out.” David said determined and Jason held up his hands.

“I’m trusting you little brother, better make me not regret it.”

“You won’t, now let’s just get it done with.”

The siblings headed back for the car, playing the plan over in their heads. David could see Amy stirring awake in the back and their father walking around the car, most probably stretching his legs.

Jason quickly explained the plan to the pair who was apprehensive to the plan at first, but they knew it was the only way.

David grabbed the weapons while his brother got two gas cans from the back. He carried them both in one hand and took the machete David offered him.

“Everybody ready?” a silent agreement was shared in the group and then they were heading down the road and to the outskirts of Alberton. Jason was in front, followed by Richard and Amy with David in the back.

As they approached the first building Jason lifted his hand, signalling them to stop. He pushed his back up against the wall and glanced around the corner. One of those ‘things’ were stumbling a few feet away from them, not seeming to have a destination.

Jason observed it, confused as to why it kept going in circles, every now and then it would let out a horrible growl that gave the group goose bumps. He held up one finger to signal to the rest that there was only one of the and then leaned back to be closer to them.

“I’ll distract it, once it’s on the move you follow me. Stay close.” Jason’s voice was hard, indicating that he was deathly serious.

He crouched and moved a few paces out of the building’s shadow to grab a small rock, before quickly moving back into his place.

The partially empty parking lot caught his eye and he let a little smirk slip as he brought his arm back and chucked the rock. It flew through the air and hit a handicapped parking sign. The loud bang the rock made against the metal rang throughout the air and Jason could see the sign vibrating from where he stood.

The stumbling figure immediately reacted to the noise, his head jerking in the direction of the parking lot as it started to shuffle away.

With it’s back turned to them Jason hurried along the building’s wall, his family close behind him. Once they reached the corner of the sidewalk Jason glanced around them and deemed it safe for them to cross, not one of those creatures in sight. Soon the family was in the alley and not out in the open, it made them all more relaxed.

As they made their way to the other end of the alley, Jason kept constantly checking all around them. He didn’t want to allow the opportunity for them to get snuck up on.

Luckily the gate was open when they reached the end, so Jason didn’t have to climb and make the run harder than it already was. The gas station was clearly visible from where they stood in the alley.

The siblings once again separated from the others and surveyed the building and everything around it.

“I count three.” Jason whispered. “One by the window, another next to the gas pumps and the last one in front of the door.”

“Four if you count that one.” David pointed to a gas tanker.

Jason narrowed his eyes as he looked closer and realised that there was another one shuffling on the other side of the tanker, his feet visible from beneath.

“Nice, little brother.” He gave his brother a pat on the back before turning back to the task at hand.

“How’s it going down?” David asked, eyes glancing back and forth between the figures.

“Still working on that part.” Jason confessed, eyes darting around the alley. His face lit up when he finally spotted something he could use.

“This will work just fine.” He bent down and picked up and empty beer bottle that was carelessly thrown and missed the dumpster completely.

As Jason lifted his arm to throw the bottle David stepped up and stopped his brother with a hand on his arm.

“Wait. What if the noise attracts more of them? We can’t see what’s on the other sides of these buildings.” David sounded worried and Jason pursed his lips.

“If you’ve got a better idea, I’m all ears.”

David bit his lip before shaking his head and stepping back.

“Just be careful smart ass.”

“Yeah, yeah. “

A second later the sound of shattering glass echoed through the air and the ‘things’ started stumbling in the direction of the broken beer bottle. Once Jason was sure that none of those ‘things’ were going to go off course he ran out the alley and across the road, stopping next to one of the gas pumps.

David stayed alert as he held the rifle at chest level, surveying the area as well as keeping an eye on the distracted creatures.

His nerves ran on end as he wondered whether something would go wrong. He couldn’t stay still as paced slightly.

Jason crouched down and grabbed the gas nozzle and started filling up the first can. The machete was down on the ground, next to him and the second can on his other side. As he filled the can he glanced around him frequently, getting slightly impatient at how slow the can was being filled.

When the first can was full he set it aside and started on the second one.

David took a step closer as he noticed movement beyond the wall and froze once he saw what it was. At least half a dozen more of the ‘things’ moving in unison. What made David’s heart beat faster and sweat more was the fact that they weren’t heading towards the broken glass pieces, but right towards Jason.

David started panicking as he felt his stomach drop. For a second he contemplated what to do. He couldn’t give their position away in fear that they would notice him, but he had to do something, or Jason would be toast.

He glanced around him, trying to form a plan as quick as possible. He needed to do something.

When his eyes landed on another abandoned beer bottle he jumped on the chance. He had to do something.

He threw the battle as far away as he could in the direction Jason had thrown the first one. The glass shattered and David felt victorious as the slowly turned direction, snarling and grumbling all the way.

Jason jumped slightly as he heard a glass bottle shatter and bumped into the full gas can, causing it to fall over and leak next to him. He cursed as he righted the can that was only filled three quarters now.

Glancing up, his eyes widened when he realized more of the ‘things’ were in the vicinity and what was more alarming was that some of them were heading right towards him. he hastily gathered his supplies, slipping the machete into the back of his pants and grabbing the cans.

David was filled with glee as the creatures headed for his distraction, but a frown immediately replaced his smile when some wandered off course and was heading back towards his brother. When he glanced back at his brother it was to find him grabbing his things and steadily making his way back towards them.

Anxiety filled his gut once more as his eyes moved from his brother to the stumbling ‘people’, hoping his brother would make it to them safely.

Jason stayed crouched down as he glanced past the gas bump and saw at least three of them making their way towards them, they were quite close too. Biting his lip he decided to go the other way around, staying out of their view and once they rounded the gas pump, he stood and made a run for it. Praying to God, or whoever, that they wouldn’t get him.

David stared anxiously at his brother’s approaching figure when he felt a tug at his shirt, he shook it off, focusing on his brother but when the tug came again he turned around furiously.

“What is-” the words died in his throat as he saw a shadowy figure stumbling down the alleyway right towards them. Amy was frozen as her small hand had a piece of his shirt clutched tightly and his father stood protectively in front of them.

Jason saw the stumbling figure just as it reached his family and his eyes widened in horror.

“NO!” it slipped out before he could even think.

All the deranged figures around him turned their heads and let out a vicious snarl, heading towards him.

David pushed his family behind him right when the figure started grabbing for his father, David being grabbed instead. Panicking David pushed the rifle between him and the biting creature who’s bloodshot eyes stared blindly at nothing, keeping him away from his face at least.

Amy let out a muffled cry and tried to reach for her husband, but Richard grabbed her arms and pulled her back, keeping her safe from the scuffle in front of them.

Jason sped into the alley letting the cans fall and grabbing his machete running for his brother.

“Close the gate.” He called behind him, the matter at hand to urgent to do it himself.

The other two nodded as Richard slammed the gate shut just as the ‘things’ reached them. He leaned back and grunted as they pushed against him, their strength more than his. As Amy saw him struggle she pushed back against the gate as well, her heart racing in her chest.

“Brother duck.” David was startled as he heard his brother’s voice, but immediately obeyed, pushing against the creature once before falling to the ground. The rifle clattered to the floor next to him.

Jason swung his machete not even a second later and caught its chest with a ‘crack’ sound filling the air. Lifting his boot clad foot, Jason kicked it away, ripping the machete out of its chest and making it fall to the ground.

David sighed in relief as his brother heled him up and started to head for his family when he was suddenly grabbed by his ankle. He cried out and looked down, shocked to see the ‘thing’ still moving.

“What the fuck?” Jason echoed his brother’s thought and then brought the machete down once again, getting the ‘thing’ in the shoulder this time. When it still wouldn’t let go of David’s ankle Jason took a deep breath and swung the machete down again, slicing right through the ‘thing’s’ wrist. David almost gagged as the hand fell lifeless next to his foot and stumbled back, trying to keep the vomit in.

Jason stared confused at the creature. It didn’t seem like they registered pain. What the fuck was happening?

When Amy cried out David’s head shot towards her to find her and their father struggling against the gate that was being pushed open inch by inch.

“Fuck.” He immediately rushed over and helped his family, taking pressure off them, seeing as he had more strength than them.

With one last attempt Jason brought the machete down, grunting as he split the ‘things’ head open. Blood splattered everywhere, getting all over Jason’s shirt and some even on his face. He struggled as he tried to get the machete loose from where it was lodged right into his head and finally brought up his foot and pushed against it’s shoulder, stumbling back as the machete was freed.

“Stay down prick.” Jason spit out before turning to help his struggling family.

David looked at his brother and the lifeless body on the floor, trying not to panic at the situation they were in. when he caught movement right behind Jason his eyes widened. So much for not panicking.

“Jason!” David called before nodding to the stumbling figure behind him.

The older brother spun around and groaned as he realised that there were more of those ‘things’ coming. They were trapped, both exits blocked off.

The machete fell from his hands as he tried to formulate a plan, just something that would keep his family safe. He spotted a dumpster a few feet from them that would be able to block those ‘things’ from coming closer if they turned it around. it wasn’t the best plan, but it was all they got.

“David.” He yelled as he grabbed the dumpster, trying to move it the best he could alone.

Once David saw what his brother was doing he quickly hurried over to him to try and help; leaving Amy and Richard to fend of the gate alone once again.

David grabbed the other side, helping his brother to turn the dumpster around before pushing it between them and the swarm that was closing in on them. The ‘things’ started bashing against the dumpster as they stretched their hands out, trying to grab one of the two brothers. Even as the two braced themselves by locking their legs and arms it wasn’t enough to keep the swarm at bay as they started to push them back, little by little.

“We cant hold much longer.” Richard called, groaning as he and Amy tried to fend off the swarm by the gates.

“Come on David, PUSH!” Jason yelled and he and David gave it their all and succeeded by pushing the dumpster back a few inches, it only lasted a few seconds before the swarm had them bracing themselves again and being pushed back once more.

“David, you good with holding this for a sec?” Jason grunted out, his muscled straining as he tried to keep the swarm at bay.

David could only conjure up a nod and then Jason was leaving him behind and he almost fell at the harsh impact that came from being the only one pushing against these things.

Jason scrambled to grab the machete that laid forgotten on the ground and then he was next to his brother again, helping him with his back against the dumpster.

“Let’s pray to god this works.” Jason grumbled underneath his breath.

He took one last deep breath before he turned around and struck one of the ‘things’ in the face. The creature immediately fell limp and crashed to the ground, lost in the sea of stumbling ‘people’. One of the others instantly took the place he had occupied, and Jason swung his machete again and hit this one on the left side of it’s head. The corpse slumped forward over the dumpster as blood poured out, running down the slates on he dumpster’s lid. Then he fell backward because of all the movement and was quickly replaced by one of the others.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Jason yelled as he hit on after the other, but no matter how hard he tried they just kept coming and coming.

“Jason, stop. Just stop.’ David grunted with effort, sweat dripping down his forehead from the strain. Veins were sticking up all along the side of his face and up his neck, Jason not looking any better.

The sound of Amy’s cries and Richard’s sounds of distress had the brothers looking behind them, only to realize the gate was coming off it’s hinges, the ‘things’ hands poking out around the side.

David’s eyes widened and he went to help them but was stopped by the hand on elbow. He glanced at his brother about to tell him off when he saw the look of urgency on Jason’s face. When Jason nodded beyond him David followed the direction and was confused at what his brother was trying to show him.

A second later he realized what he was supposed to see. Their only chance at surviving this.

A fire escape.

David looked back at his brother and saw the determination in his eyes. Then they nodded at each other.

“How are we going about this?” David asked, still trying to push back against the swarm.

Jason pondered it for a moment before nodding as he figured out his plan. “You boost Amy up and then she’ll kick the ladder down. We’ll need to be quick about it.”

David nodded and took a deep breath.

“Amy. Amy honey.” He called for his wife, she stared up at him, tears present in her eyes and David’s heart broke at the sight, but he smiled at her

“I need you to do something for me okay? You can do something for me right?” she nodded, her movement shaky and screamed when the rattling gate startled her.

“Okay. I’m gonna boost you up to that ladder over there, and once you’re safely on the fire escape you need to kick the ladder down for me, okay? Can you do that?” he asked, his voice soft and gentle. She once again gave a shaky nod and David smiled at her.

He glanced back at his brother one more time who gave him an encouraging smile. “Any day now.”

Jason braced himself for the struggle that was to come but wasn’t prepared for it when David left him alone. He groaned against the strain, his feet sliding back from the strength of the swarm.

David stopped below the ladder and laced his fingers together in front of him, offering Amy and encouraging smile when he saw how scared she looked.

“Come on, you just need to grab onto the ladder okay?”

Amy glanced at her father-in-law and he gave her a smile before going back to pushing against the slowly withering gate. She slowly let go and took careful steps towards her husband, afraid any sudden movement would stir the two swarms up even more.

Once near him she jumped to hug him, but he shook his head gesturing with his eyes to his hands.

“I need to boost you up, and we need to hurry if we want to make it out alive.”

She gulped and took hold of his shoulders, lifting one foot to put it on his hand. They stared at each other, a question in his eyes and she answered by nodding.

She was ready.

“One, two, three.” On the last word he boosted her up and Amy lifted her hands to grab onto the ladder, her first attempt failed, and she feel back down, being caught by David.

“It’s okay, we go again.”

“Hurry up!” Jason called from behind them and Amy could feel the sweat dripping down her forehead and neck. She needed to grab onto that ladder if she wanted her family to make it out alive.

They got into position again and stared intensely at each other for a second.

“One, two, three.”

She was boosted into the air once more and this time when she threw her hands out to grab the ladder she succeeded, dangling with one hand holding on. She quickly pulled herself up as David went to help his father who was slowly losing the battle with the creatures.

Once on the fire escape Amy gave the ladder a good kick, but it only rattled. She gave it a kick again and again, until finally on the fourth kick it fell down and stopped a few feet above the ground.

“Dad go.” David used all his strength to keep the gate at bay, they only had one shot to make it all out of here alive. They had to be faster and smarter than these ‘things’.

Richard hesitated to leave his son, but he knew that he had to go in order for them to make it. so het let go and hurried over to the ladder, climbing all the way until he was next to Amy, who was shaking as she held onto the railing.

“David, you ready to make a run for it?” Jason was still clutching the machete, although the need at hack at the figures were still in his system. “We have to let go in three and then you need to climb like hell cause I’ll be right behind you.”

David nodded taking a breath as they stared at each other.

“One.” David was being overwhelmed by the swarm, starting the wiggle their way through the gap, limb by limb.

“Two.” Jason used all his might to push the dumpster as far as possible, to at least give them a little bit of a chance.

“Three.” Both brothers let go at the same time, sprinting for the ladder. David grabbed the rifle where it was still on the ground and was the first to reach the ladder. He jumped up, climbing as fast as his limbs would allow him.

With no force left to stop them the ‘things’ crowded into the small alley from the gate, the dumpster being pushed back and back.

He more felt than heard the rattling of the ladder when Jason reached it and when he glanced down his heart almost stopped. One of the ‘things’ had grabbed Jason’s leg.

David climbed the rest of the way then reached down to grab onto Jason’s arm who was trying to kick it off of him. he pulled him the rest of the way and once they were safely above them, the family sagged in relief against the walls. Breathing heavily, sweat covered and tired.

“We made it, we actually made it.” Jason didn’t sound like he believed they would make it out alive, and David was glad they did.

He took his wife in his arms, rubbing gently at her arm and shoulder, while Richard made his way to his oldest son.

“That was way too close.” He said as he patted his son on his back.

The family glanced down at the alley way that was now swarmed, every inch occupied by the dark figures. They clawed at the walls, snarling and grunting as they tried to get to them.

“They’re not climbing the ladder.” Jason observed and once he said that they all looked down to find that these ‘thing’ were indeed not climbing it, just stumbling below it.

“Are they blind?” David questioned, squinting to see. They’re eyes were greyed out, looking almost lifeless.

“I don’t think so, maybe they forgot how to use their eyes?” Richard supplied, as confused as the rest of their group.

Jason narrowed his eyes before shaking his head,

“Let’s just get off this thing and to safety.”

Jason pulled up the ladder, in case they did start climbing it before turning to peer into the window they were in front of.

“Do you see anything?” David crowded behind him and try to see as well but was met with darkness.

“It’s dark, but it looks like an apartment maybe?”

Jason jammed the machete beneath the window and wiggled it until it was deep enough before slowly sliding it across the window sill, popping the window right open.

Lifting it slowly he took a cautious look inside, poking his head in.

He let his eyes adjust to the darkness and could make out a small living room, and a kitchen to the left that was even smaller. The open doors was on his right, both open and he could spot the bathroom and bedroom through them. He slipped inside, careful to make any noise and quickly scanned through the rooms to make sure they were alone. When he was sure they were safe he hid the machete in his pants again and went back to his family.

“It’s clear, just keep your voices down.” Jason helped Amy through the window before his dad before heading to the front door of the apartment as David slipped inside. He closed the window behind him and locked it for good measures.

The room was still dark, and they struggled to adjust to the dark. Richard blindly made his way further into the room, arms spread out. He didn’t make it far before a sharp pain shot up through his legs and he cried out, falling to the ground clutching his shin.

“Dad? Dad what’s wrong?” David rushed forward to help his dad, Amy not far behind him.

“I’m fine.” He grunted, the pain clear in his voice. Richard took the hand offered by his son but once he was on his own feet, his leg crumbled beneath him once more.

“Shit.” David helped his dad again, bit lead him to the couch this time so that he could sit down.

Suddenly the lights switched on and the trio was blinded by the light, heir arms thrown up in front of them to cover their eyes.

“Let’s take a look.” Jason was suddenly next to the group, lifting his father’s leg onto the table. He rolled up his pant’s leg and frowned at what he saw. His father’s ankle was completely swollen, bruises peeking out of his socks.

“You put too much pressure on the leg. It’s looks bad, really bad.” David flinched slightly at the sight, moving closer to his father’s side.

“My pills are in the car.” Richard groaned, leaning forward to get a better look.

Jason stood up, pacing a few steps and cursed. “We’re not going anywhere with those ‘things’ out there, so, uh, just keep your leg up. Okay dad?”

David moved away to glance out the window as Jason went back to his fathers side, rolling his pants leg down again.

“Amy, can you check if the water’s still running and bring him a glass?” Before the sentence was even finished she was heading into the small kitchen.

“Of course.”

“Jason, come here a second.” David beckoned his brother over, still staring out the window.

“What’s up?” He asked once next to his sibling.

David pointed out the window and Jason looked out.

“Some are already heading back into the streets.”

Jason nodded, glancing down at his watch before he was staring out the window again. Even if the alley cleared out within the hour, their father still wouldn’t be able to go anywhere.

Behind them, Amy tried to make Richard as comfortable as possible, using pillows on the couch to put beneath his propped up leg.

“We’re gonna have to spend the night.” David groaned at his brother plan, but knew he had to accept it.

“You’re right, but I’m so not happy about it.”

“I can keep going if you need me to, this is nothing.” Richard interrupted them and the two sons turned to stare at their father with shocked eyes. It was Amy who spoke up though.

“You’re crazy if you think I’m going to let you keep going in this condition. You’ll end up hurting yourself even more, and then you really won’t be able to walk.” Her voice was firm and strict, shocking David ho had never head her talk to his father like that.

“Amy’s right. Not a fat fucking chance we’ll let you keep going. We’ll be safe here.” Jason replied.

“I just don’t want to sit around and do nothing.” Richard complained, moving to get up, but Amy pushed him back down and gave him a stern look.

“Dad, it isn’t easy for any of us to just sit around here when our lives are being threatened, but in here we are safe. Out there we are prey and I’m sorry to say this, but if you go out like that you’ll just be putting yourself in danger. You’ll be putting your family in danger. It’s best to stay in here and try your best to get better.” Jason didn’t mean to sound harsh, but he knew he needed to get his point across to his dad. He needed him to understand how dangerous it was going out there like this.

Richard deflated at this and nodded his head, eyes dull as he realised his son was right.

“Why don’t we move you to the bedroom dad, you’ll be more comfortable there.” Amy said as the atmosphere got thick in the room.

She helped support him as he limped out the room and the bedroom door closed behind, leaving the siblings in silence.

“That was kind of harsh, don’t you think?” David asked and Jason sigh, rubbing at his face.

“I know, but I needed him to understand why we need to do this. Why is was necessary.” David nodded in understanding and then Jason gave his brother a long look.

“What?” The younger asked after a few minutes of his brother just staring.

“Just, when we were down in the alley and those ‘things’ were closing in on us, you, uh, you did good. I’m proud.” He patted him on the back and David gave him a hesitant smile.

“You did good too.” David said, although he doubt his brother needed to hear that from him. Jason was a soldier in the military. He didn’t need his little brother’s approval.

Jason’s watched beeped in the silent room, dragging their attention to it.

12:00.

They moved to another window beside the kitchen and glanced down at the street where the figures were stumbling about, barely missing each other as they moved past.

“Hey Jason, when we were down there did you notice anything, I don’t know, anything weird about those.., those things?”  David sounded unsure as he asked the question, staring intensely at them.

“There were a few things yeah, now that you mention it. they seem to lack common sense and they didn’t try to climb over the dumpster or use the ladder tog et to us. They just tried to force it out of the way. That was weird.”  Jason replied, turning with his back to the window and staring at the room.

“And that other one didn’t try to take the gun from me, he just tried to keep, uh, biting me.” David pondered this, eyes narrowed.

“The ‘people’ at Coral Shores were like that too, remember.” Jason turned to stare at his brother, both confused as they tried to figure out what was happening.

“So what these, these ‘people’ are cannibals?” David didn’t sound sold on the idea that these was all that those ‘things’ was.

“No, I don’t think they’re necessarily cannibals, they lack common sense we humans have, to certain degree.”

“So then you’re saying they’re not human?” David sounded even more flabbergasted.

“I don’t know, brother, I really don’t know. They just seem dumber, fuck this all sounds like we’re fucking crazy.” Jason sighed, heading to sit down on the couch.

“I know. Fuck how did something like this happen” David followed his brother’s lead and sat himself down next to him.

“I have no idea and guessing what happened isn’t going to bring us any closer to figuring out what actually happened.”

David agreed and the brother just sat like that for a few more minutes, both trying to figure out what to do next. They had to come up with a plan, thy had to do something. They couldn’t just stay here, but they both knew that with Richard’s leg they had to.

But Jason needed to form a plan for when his father was fine, for when they needed to start moving again.

“I might have an id-”

Jason stopped talking has he heard footsteps on the fire escape and then letting himself fall to the ground, dragging David with him all the way behind the couch.

He glanced out the window with narrowed eyes but saw nothing.

“David, you stay here and keep and eye on the door. I’ll go around and try to surprise whatever comes through the window.”

He nodded in understanding as Jason started to stealthily move to the wall. David saw as he reached for the machete tucked in his pants and held it in his right hand, moving slowly. He was worried for Jason but knew his brother could take care of himself.

Once against the wall he raised an eyebrow at David, gesturing to the window. He shook his head, signalling he still saw nobody.

The footsteps came closer before it stopped, and a meek voice filled the apartment.

“Is anyone in there alive?” if the apartment hadn’t been silent they wouldn’t have heard the soft voice.

The brothers looked at each other, shock written all over their faces. David went to say something, but the stern look Jason gave him made him stop.

“If there’s someone in there, please. I’m not sick like those down there.” The voice was a little louder and they could make out the slight rasp in it.

A boy.

Jason couldn’t just announce their presence and put his family in danger, he had to look out for them and keep them safe. It was too risky, if this guy was lying he could be risking his family’s lives and he wasn’t about to do that.

“I’m coming in, if there is someone in there please don’t be scared.”

David saw movement outside the window and his eyes widened, looking at Jason panicked. Two hands lifted the window up and David could feel his heart racing. This ‘person’ was making their way inside and the brothers still didn’t know if they could trust ‘him’.

Jason revealed himself as soon as they person came inside, grabbing the intruder by the neck, and holding the machete up to it. David jumped up the rifle still strapped on his back and pointed the barrel at the ‘persons’ head.

“Wait, wait, wait. I’m not one of them I swear.” His hands shot up in surrender and it sounded like he was near crying. “It’s just a kid, Jesus Christ.” Jason sighed lowering the machete and letting the kid go.

David let the rifle fall to his side as well, his heart slowing down now that he knew they weren’t in danger.

“That’s a way to get yourself killed, kid.” He said, confused at what a kid was doing here.

The bedroom door opened, and Amy peered inside the living room, the noises she heard had sounded suspicious.

“Did something happen?” she asked and when her eyes landed on the kid they widened in shock.

“We have a guest?”  David supplied when she gave him a questioning look.

“A guest?” she asked even more confused.

“Yeah, a guest. Now what’s your name kid?” Jason asked, sizing him up. He was more on the skinny side and a little short as well.

A faint smile was on the kid’s face, but even he looked confused. “Derek sir, my name’s Derek.”