Unavoidable Truth

UNAVOIDABLE TRUTH BY LEVI SILVERBACK.

Copyright.

Copyright © by Levi Silverback.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof including the artwork may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 Internationalhttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/legalcode

About the author Levi Silverback.

I have had a talent for writing ever since I was a child. I’ve focused on it much more since 2007. I’ve been able to write how I feel when I’m happy and full of beans or sad and rock bottom depressed. I have bipolar depression; which means sometimes I’m hyper or very enthusiastic other times I’m very sad or low. I’ve had it for ten years as of December 2017. Despite this illness, I still have the ability to write and have a creative imagination; although my writing style will change depending on my mood and emotions.

The story Unavoidable Truth is the first full length long story I’ve ever written. I’ve been writing it for four years, it would have been less if my laptop hadn’t died and I needed to save up for a new one. At times I was at crippling levels of depression or chose other things to do instead of the story.

I’ve entered a few poems into a nationwide competition in spring 2014. I wrote about; The Silverback Gorilla, So-Called Friends and My Bipolar Depression. My Bipolar Depression was short-listed and didn’t win. HOWEVER, it was published in a book called The Loudest Whisper. In 2015, I have also been chosen to be in another poetry book called Ten of the Best. Being one of ten of the best poets made me feel that my writing is worthy enough of being printed and shared throughout the country of England, if not the world.

Writing is something I LOVE TO DO. I love to write made up stories; adventure, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, supernatural and paranormal. I write short stories for my friends as birthday or Christmas gifts. I’ve also written movie reviews for a friend who lives in Oklahoma as he loves how I can explain the movie without spoilers and talk about the themes of the film. Lastly, I can write my emotions and thoughts down using examples of fictional characters and quotes from them to express what I want to say and it is understood by all.

Contact the author.

If you’d like to tell me your thoughts on the story email me at levisilverback88(at)gmail.com

YouTube.

You can watch thank you video and promotional videos created by myself. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYFH1xh1hSJUWsAaRwREfTw

Contact the artist.

If you’d like to contact the artist about her design of the front cover, email her at lsposto(at)gmail.com

Her website is; lianasposto(dot)com

Acknowledgements.

Sarah Erskine – for reading, editing and making suggestions in order to improve my story.

Kevin – listening and giving advice and ideas on the entire story progression.

Chelsie Burdon – for supporting my story, helping to promote it whilst at work, thinking of ideas, suggestions and being inquisitive about the characters.

Dan – for allowing me to put promotion cards on his work notice board. For being interested in the characters and supportive of the story from day one.

Hannibal – for giving me the idea to write gay novels.

Shi – for helping with how to structure sentences.

Allison – for helping me know how to write and describe an injury and treatment procedure. Also putting me in touch with her friend Liana who did the front cover design.

Liana – for taking my original front cover idea and redesigning it to what you see now.

Scott Kratos – for helping me with how to write down biological research answers.

Luke Zombie-Killer – for helping me understand from the zombies’ point of view.

Ezile Nomkuca – for support throughout the whole writing. For giving me ideas and helping me understand about firearms and strategic manoeuvres.

Matt – for reading a few chapters and helping me improve my writing talent and how to write the correct words to describe characters.

Kevin A – for giving me an idea for a character’s development.

Those who took part in the survey to choose the best front cover.

Those who took part in the survey and chose the zombie hand as the front cover design.

Chapter One.

"Anybody know how this all started?’’ Burt asked.

The six of them looked anywhere but back at Burt. Annoyed at their lack of participation Burt decided to tell his side of events, in the hope that this would encourage the rest to then tell their story. Burt had taken it upon himself to be the leader of the group. Weighing in at twenty-seven stone and five feet five inches tall he had a domineering presence about him. Burt was twenty-six years old, but his facial features and skin complexion gave him a baby face look. His skin colour and accent was that of Caribbean origin.

Burt is my name. I was stood in line at the bank waiting to take money out. The bank had an atmosphere of stress and impatience. The woman behind me sighed every fifteen seconds. Huh, I wanted to turn round and say chill out but I knew that’d enrage her even more, so I ignored her and watched the TV that was on in the bank. The nine a.m. news was on. A reporter was talking to a guy who had witnessed a car crash moments earlier involving a bus, three cars and a bike. As he was describing his account the bus driver came through the broken front windshield, his stomach was ripped open and his head and neck were twisted. He walked up to the reporter and bit a huge chunk out of her neck. Screams instantly flooded the area. The camera panned away but to the sight of grotesque shufflers that came towards them. The camera went all shaky and all you could hear were screams. I knew it to be zombies. I’ve watched the horror movies and TV shows. I will never forget that image of pure panic and hysteria. The zombie crisis is finally here in the year twenty twenty-three, Burt concluded whilst he shook his head.

Spare the precise details. I don’t really care what the cashier wore and how her hair was. Does it really matter how we each found out about this outbreak and survived up 'till now?! Is this going to make us zombie club members? I don’t think so. It’s pure and simple; they want to eat us, we gotta run, hide, and stay quiet. Saying how we each got here isn’t going to bond us any closer! Spoke a clearly uptight woman. She sat on the edge of the group, her back to the others.

She got up and stood next to Burt, nudging him out of the way. With a single clap of her hands she began to speak. Okay, I’m sure if we were at some therapy session we would welcome Burt’s story of how he came to be here but we’re not! Let’s just go around, say our names quick, then decide how we are to survive. I’m Kelly. Who are you? she said, pointing to the woman nearest to her.

Jade.

Kelly looked at the next person.

Nathaniel.

Virgil.

Pugsley.

Okay, now we got that out the way and know each other we need to figure out how we’re to survive. I, for one second, don’t think we should remain here, it’s not safe enough.

Great plan there Kelly, where you suggest we go to? What we use for weapons? Burt asked as he stepped forward. Burt was not keen on Kelly and her taking charge of the group. If you’re to survive as a group, especially in this chaos, then you need to know who you’re surviving with.

This ‘cut the small talk’ attitude of Kelly's was something that Burt resented. Kelly turned her head to Burt, shrugged her shoulders, and walked away to stand next to Jade.

Well, it’s not rocket science guys, let’s look 'round and see what we can find, Jade said. Her voice was high pitched with a twang of American southern belle about it. Jade’s body shape was similar to the supermodels of the nineteen eighties and nineties. Her long straight black hair came down to her waist. Getting up from the ground she began to walk to the corner of the small barn they were hiding in. Others followed suit, going to various places looking for a weapon. Nathaniel decided against this. Instead he walked to the ladder that led to the level above. Pugsley followed him with his eyes, watching the mid-thirty year old, clean shaven, and bald headed Caucasian ascend the ladder. Nathaniel’s body mass was that of a large sumo wrestler, yet it was mostly all muscle. Nathaniel was six feet three inches tall and weighed in at thirty-seven stone. His amethyst purple suit and black padded three quarter length suede coat were extremely well tailored and his silver coloured boots looked brand new. His entire wardrobe did not look cheap. Nathaniel climbed the ladder and looked back down. He noticed Pugsley watching him and simply smiled and gave a head nod. Pugsley instantly looked away.

Virgil was Middle-Eastern. He had stereotypical Jesus-style dusty blonde hair. He found a crowbar on a beaten-up workbench and a short handle axe. Burt came across a mallet amongst a hay pile, where the handle had poked out. Kelly and Jade found nothing of use. Nathaniel had still not come back down. Virgil called out to him but he didn’t reply. Burt took it upon himself to go up and see why. He got to the top and saw that Nathaniel stood looking through a round window. Burt came half way towards him. Hey, didn’t you hear us call you?

Nathaniel continued to look out the window. He nodded. I’m surveying the area outside before we leave, Nathaniel said softly.

Burt came and stood behind and peered over his shoulder to look outside. The view revealed long grass that seemed to go on as far as the eye could see with patches of dense trees. Although it was midday the sun was hidden from view by grey clouds.

Well, now we know the coast is clear out back we can leave, Burt said.

Nathaniel turned and looked Burt from head to foot, and then back up again. He eyed his large body size whilst looking at his clothes. Burt wore black loose fitting jeans with an emerald green polo shirt covered by a smoky grey hooded jacket. He wore black and gold coloured striped trainers. Burt was a six XL in clothes size. His black hair was styled in a zigzag corn row pattern that came down to below his shoulders; it suited him very well.

And your plan is to go where? Nathaniel asked plainly as he looked Burt directly in his eyes.

Well we need to get into town where there’s more help, Burt replied.

You really think that’s the best course of action? Especially after your background story all hell will have broken loose. We’re safer out of town.

Burt shook his head. That’s where the police will be, aid and rescue services that will take us somewhere safe. Out here is the danger. Besides, we’ve only three weapons between six of us. We need food and water as well.

Nathaniel rubbed Burt’s huge belly. His belly was a soft jiggle type of belly. Nathaniel felt Burt had rolls of fat underneath his top, his chest wobbled as Nathaniel rubbed. Well no doubt you need the food, must be a while since your last feast.

Burt shoved his hand off. Get ya paws off me! Burt exclaimed.

Looks like I hit a nerve, Nathaniel noted in his mind.

Burt frowned and gritted his teeth.

Hey you two, are you coming back down? Pugsley asked. He looked over the top of the ladder.

Nathaniel looked over Burt’s shoulder and gave a smile. If you insist. He then brushed past Burt making sure their shoulders made hostile contact. Burt took few deep breaths before he returned to rejoin the others.

As Burt got off the ladder the others stood in a circle with the three weapons in the centre. Burt joined the circle. There was silence as everyone looked at the weapons. It was evident what they all thought; they wanted to have a weapon just for that ‘security’ feeling. After all, they had each seen what zombies were capable of doing, whether in a group or alone.

Virgil had always thought he was tall, being six feet one and weighing twelve stone it suited his body frame well. But Nathaniel towered over him like a juggernaut. He suddenly felt like an amoeba. Kelly gave a fake cough and stepped forward. Well, I choose to take the crowbar.

Whoa, whoa! Since when do you get to have first dibs? Virgil asked.

Well, why not? she argued.

Have you ever even used a crowbar before? Jade asked.

Kelly looked across the circle with offence in her expression. Have you?

Nope, but I’ve used an axe before. My brother taught me how to chops logs.

Oh, so that makes you automatically claim the axe as your own? she snapped back.

Jade took a big step forward which closed the gap between her and Kelly. It makes me a damn worthy candidate!

Anyone else able to use an axe? Virgil asked.

No one else put themselves forward so Jade took the axe and left the circle. She went and stood by the door and opened it a tiny bit to survey outside.

So what now? Pugsley asked.

Best way to settle this is by drawing lots, Burt said.

How, pray tell, do we do that? Nathaniel asked.

Simple. One black stone is placed among five whites. Whoever picks the black stone gets to choose a weapon.

They all agreed. They scavenged the ground but couldn’t find any stones. Instead they used strands of hay. Burt changed the rule to it being that the person who picked the shortest strand would pick a weapon. Jade took the strands and made them various lengths. Burt won that round and he chose the mallet. Kelly scrunched her piece up. You cheated!

Woman, please! Burt uttered and walked away.

Kelly went back over to the hay pile. As she bent over, Virgil watched her figure hugging sapphire blue denim dungarees cling to her body. She was five feet eleven inches tall and weighed around eight and a half stone. He wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to see a physically attractive woman without her knowing she was being stared at. Along with the dungarees she wore a long sleeve top. It was the colour of a roasted pumpkin. Her long hair was a rich ginger-red that came down to just below her shoulders. Her natural hair colour suited her fair Caucasian skin. Virgil imagined her to be in her late twenties. She picked up another piece of hay in order to retry her luck for the last weapon. In the final round it was Pugsley that won. Kelly kicked the ground scuffing her cappuccino coloured boots.

Look, now that is sorted out we need to leave immediately, Jade spoke firmly.

Why? Nathaniel asked.

There are zombies coming this way, she replied.

If we stay quiet they will walk on by here, Burt said.

Nathaniel, followed by the others came up to the door. We need to leave now before it’s too late, Nathaniel said.

Burt looked at him in disagreement. They don’t even know we’re in here. They don’t have the brain power to think ‘hmmm I wonder if someone is in the barn. Let me open the door and check.’ We stay quiet we will be fine.

Well that is not my experience. The previous people I was with tried that but it went wrong due to someone sneezing twice. With all the best intentions in the world there will be some noise that will be like ringing the dinner bell. I for one have no intention of repeating that nightmare. Oh and in case you didn’t notice, there’s only one way in and out. If they come in, we’re trapped.

Burt’s face went from disagreement to one of ‘I just got put in my place'.

We’re one zombie bite away from being the main course at the zombie pub, Pugsley said.

Nathaniel glanced over to him and nodded in agreement.

How many are out there? Burt asked looking at Jade.

About a dozen or so.

Burt really wanted to stay inside and remain quiet. He felt this was the safest course of action. He looked at the others, it appeared that they wanted to leave. To him this was a dangerous choice. Does everyone know how to kill a zombie? Burt asked.

I don't, Virgil said. I hit one several times but it kept getting back up. Ever since then I've just ran.

It's just like in the movies and comics, destroy the brain. Shoot them in the head, bash their skull in, stab them through the head. They go down in one, Burt explained.

This can't be happening, Virgil replied shaking his head.

It is, Nathaniel said. And you better not chicken out when you're about to attack one as it will be game over for you.

Virgil gulped.

Well, let's do this then! Burt said.

Give me a minute, I need to psych myself up for this, Virgil said as he shook his hands.

Oh, take five everyone, Nathaniel said sarcastically.

Jade looked at the zombies' appearance; some had a few bite marks on their arms or neck while others looked savagely grotesque. Their clothes were filthy, torn and shredded in places. These former humans, now zombies, wore a range of fashion styles. She thought as she looked at them. How sad, it looks like the wedding couple had their day ruined. Hmm I see a Goth, reminds me of my neighbours who loved Goth fashion. I do to for that matter. Well, well, well, the minister is about to become one with God's green earth.

Jade, I'm going for the basketball one first, Burt said.

Okay. I'm heading for the chef and wedding couple, Jade replied.

I'll take out the one in the crop top and the one in the leather trousers, Pugsley said.

Looks like we got a plan. Virgil, you better be ready as I'm opening the door now, Jade said.

Oh help! Virgil thought.

Jade opened the door and they headed out for their targets. The zombies saw them and began walking towards them. Jade's count was close, there were in fact ten. Their pace picked up a bit but they were still slow at walking. Jade headed for the chef and wedding couple as they were on the edge of the group. Her adrenaline had kicked in to give her the extra strength she needed to fight for her life yet again. She swung her axe horizontally into the zombie chef's face, creating a huge gauge. It spun round with its back now facing her before it fell down. She then over extended her reach as she brought the axe vertically down on the groom's head. It went in no problem, destroying the brain. The zombie stopped in its tracks. It became limp and fell on top of the chef zombie. As it fell, Jade removed the axe and instantly struck out to deliver a fatal hit on the bride. Burt headed for the Goth who was in the front centre. He swung the mallet violently to ensure the zombie felt the full force in its chest; its rib cage cracked and shattered by the brunt of the mallet. It fell back taking down the religious minister and basketball player in the process. Burt quickly glanced over to Jade to see her execute the chef zombie by a swift firm swing with the axe into the back of her head. Pugsley had gone for the zombie wearing the crop top first as planned. As she came at him he delved the crowbar into her skull through her left eye. She died instantly and fell to the ground. The remaining zombies began to spread out, heading for their desired meal. Kelly had picked up a rock and headed up behind Pugsley. She threw it at the one wearing leather trousers as that was the next predator to come for them, closely followed by a zombie wearing a polo shirt. It hit him in the head making it stagger but not killing it. Pugsley took this golden moment to use the bent part of the crowbar to shatter the skull and brain of his desired victim. The zombie died falling to the ground with the crowbar still stuck in his head. Pugsley yanked it out; the crowbar took part skull and brain along also. Burt came over and whacked his mallet down on the three zombies fallen before him. In succession he killed the minister, basketball player and Goth. Each thundering blow destroyed their heads with bone crunching noises. To Virgil, who hesitated on how to help, it looked like the famous fairground and arcade game where you whack rodents or insects that pop up and down in a variety of holes; but in this case the game would be called ‘Whack a Zombie’. There was no way those three zombies were getting up again from that devastation. The zombie wearing a buttoned down shirt outstretched her arms as she came for Jade. Jade grabbed her left arm in order to swing her round and let go. The momentum of the swing was too much for the zombie and she fell over. Jade came over and split her head open with the blade of her axe. She pulled the axe out and stood up. As she turned round a zombie in a t-shirt was almost upon her. His mouth was wide open with jagged teeth and bile coloured tongue all visible. His so-called lifeless eyes were alive with gnawing hunger. Jade saw they were anything but lifeless. She took a few steps back then suddenly saw a bar emerging from his head for a few moments before being retracted back again. He fell forward and landed flat on his face. Pugsley stood there with his crowbar. He gave a single nod to her. Jade returned the gesture and added a smile. They both looked over to see Burt finish off a naked zombie.

Everyone alright? Burt asked looking round at the others.

I've been better, Virgil said.

Where’s Nathaniel? Burt asked.

They looked around and couldn’t see him. Burt wasn’t surprised that he’d left already; he just thought it wouldn’t be so soon. There was something about Nathaniel he didn’t feel cool with. When Burt stood face to face with him in the upstairs part of the barn he looked into his sky blue eyes. Burt felt that Nathaniel’s eyes had a character of their own and not in a good way. The others grouped together again.

I’m over here, Nathaniel called.

They rushed round the side of the barn to where he stood with his arms folded.

We could have used some help! Burt snapped.

Nathaniel shrugged his shoulders. You had the situation in hand, why compromise it? Besides, you all had a way of working together as a tag team, didn’t think you would have welcomed a new kid to the gang, he said cheekily.

Burt marched up to him and rested the head of the mallet on Nathaniel’s foot. Now look here, I’ve had enough of your back chat! You stick with the group and help out or else I’ll crush your head like I did theirs!

Nathaniel looked at him, not intimidated by Burt's threat. Really, he tutted. Nathaniel was virtually immune to threats and bullying. A long time ago he would have reacted differently. Those foolish teachers and even his parents who said he would never amount to anything felt his rage. He would lash out at them either physically or verbally. Today was a different age, yet some things still hadn’t changed. Burt shoved him.

You fool! Nathaniel said angrily.

Nathaniel shoved Burt back to collide with Jade. Burt was furious. He headed towards Nathaniel who stood smiling, welcoming him. Pugsley stepped in, blocking Burt’s path. Out of the way Pugsley! he ordered.

Look, this ain’t getting us anywhere, we must work together. We need to get into town and find a rescue service. Plus we all got loved ones we are no doubt worrying about. We need to find out if they're okay as well, Pugsley said.

Burt growled to himself but nodded. He picked up his mallet. Nathaniel took a step forward and patted Pugsley’s shoulder briefly signifying his gratitude. Pugsley side-glanced Nathaniel, he looked at his hand then at him.

Too soon? Nathaniel asked. He looked at Pugsley's face and nutmeg brown hair. Pugsley was a thirty-three year old Caucasian. He shook his head and stepped away whilst brushing away the ‘marks’ Nathaniel placed upon him. Pugsley wore an expensive ruby red designer t-shirt covered by a dark hazelnut brown leather pilots jacket. It had the off-snow-white faux fur on the collar. His trousers were thick black corduroy and he wore Caribbean Sea blue trainers. Pugsley weighed around thirteen and a half stone and was six feet tall. He was of an athletic build.

Guys, more of them are heading this way, Virgil said, pointing with his thumb back round from where they came. He thought it best to keep an eye out, so he went and stood at the corner of the barn.

Okay, we need to move now and head into town. Look for a police station and take it from there, Kelly said.

They each agreed it was time to leave, even Virgil (for a change).

Well before I was rudely interrupted, I was about to finish by saying I’ve found a path. This sign says Horsham, Nathaniel concluded pointing.

Directly opposite this side of the barn was a ditch. On the far side were the path Nathaniel referred to, and the sign.

Okay, Jade, you and me will lead the way. Kelly and Nathaniel behind us, Virgil next, and Pugsley I want you to bring up the rear with ya crowbar, Burt ordered. No one seemed opposed to his commands.

As they began to walk the path, Virgil took this opportunity to ask a burning question to Pugsley.

Why did you protect Nathaniel like that?

Pugsley looked back to see if the zombies were in pursuit. One had just turned the corner of the barn. Pugsley turned his head again.

No reason, he said plainly.

Chapter Two.

As they walked along the natural-made path with trees either side, they could hear moans and the snap of twigs underfoot from further in the woods. It definitely wasn’t safe to head into the trees.

How long does this path go on for? whispered Burt, as he looked back at Nathaniel.

Nathaniel shrugged his shoulders in response. Burt looked forward again. The path was generally straight with the odd twist and turn. As they followed the turn of the path, they saw a group of zombies on the path about twelve meters away. They were on the ground devouring a human. All that could be heard was the gnawing of flesh, and the moans of zombies who were trying to reach for another body part. Burt signed for them to back away round the corner. Luckily for them the zombies were too engrossed in their delicious meal to notice that a second course of human had arrived.

What now? Kelly whispered.

We need to find a way around them, Burt replied.

That’s too risky with more of them in the woods, Virgil said. I say we just run past them while they’re eating.

No way, too dangerous, Burt said.

Well somebody think of something! Kelly spoke impatiently.

Burt looked around and noticed a group of thick sturdy trees. Okay, we use those trees to go above them.

Are you insane?! Kelly replied scoffing at him.

We can’t run past them. It’s too dangerous to go round them as we’ve no idea how many more are in the woods. Forget going back. So this is the only option left, Burt explained.

Jade agreed with Kelly. If just one of those branches breaks we’re all done for. Either trapped up there or fall to our death. We’re better off sneaking round them.

It’s okay for you little miss agile axe killer. Your delicate cat-like frame will have no problem scouring these trees, Nathaniel remarked. You’re about five feet four inches and weigh eight and a half stone if I had to hazard a guess.

Jade’s body was slim and of Chinese origin. Jade was twenty-two years old. Her clothes consisted of a black leather cat suit and knee high boots to match.

I may look the part of an agile cat woman but I can assure you this will be as difficult for me as it is for you. Oh, and I’m actually five feet five and weigh nine stone!

Oh I beg your pardon, Nathaniel replied sarcastically.

C’mon then. Let’s be quick and quiet about this, Burt said.

They began to creep into the woods just before the bend. There wasn’t much plant life here that would cause a noise and make their presence noticed. Using the front row of trees and bushes as cover they soon began to walk parallel to the feeding zombies. The situation was extremely tense. As they got closer to the zombies they saw that three people were being devoured. Stomachs being ripped open, organs being pulled out, arms being chewed on. It was a horrific slaughter to behold. Virgil felt nauseous, feeling vomit inside him churn and go up and down like a rollercoaster. He began to gag. Kelly felt the same way and Virgil’s actions began to set her off as well. The group stopped. Those in front looked back, begging them to be silent with the simple sign language of the index finger over the lip. Pugsley came up behind him and put his hand over Virgil’s mouth. Speaking softly into his ear he said. Breathe slowly. Slow your breathing down. Listen to my voice and follow my breathing pattern.

Pugsley began breathing deeply. He inhaled for five seconds then exhaled for five seconds. Repeating this process Virgil began to follow the pattern as Pugsley took his hand off slowly. Nathaniel suddenly grabbed Kelly and began to strangle her. She began to gasp for much needed air. Burt took a few steps forward, shocked. Nathaniel moved round so he faced Burt and Jade while holding Kelly in the stereotypical hostage position. He shook his head to Burt.

I’m not going to kill her, just apply enough pressure so she passes out, Nathaniel whispered.

Why? Burt replied softly but with fury in his tone.

You want her throwing up and alerting them? I’m doing what I can to keep us alive, Nathaniel replied narrowing his eyes. They were fixed on Burt. All this time he had one of Kelly’s arms up her back. Kelly struggled frantically so Nathaniel used his weight to force her to the ground. He crouched over her but raised her head up so he could squeeze her throat still. Her one good arm waved about desperately. She felt herself beginning to lose consciousness, her eyes widening as she tried to gasp for air. Burt and Jade stood there motionless and helpless. They felt as though their arms were twisted behind their own back in order to prevent them from doing anything to help. Kelly passed out, at which point Nathaniel released his grip on her and stood up. Burt and Jade came over, they rolled her onto her back. Nathaniel took a step away. He looked at Pugsley who had almost got Virgil calm again.

Not necessary! Burt exclaimed.

Nathaniel looked down at him. Oh but it was. Now we carry her past this place and bring her back around. Nathaniel spoke with firm conviction. He felt one hundred and ten percent justified by his action. As far as he was concerned he just saved everybody’s life. Jade and Burt lifted Kelly up and began to carry her. They continued to creep along past the oblivious zombies. A meter or two further away they passed another victim being devoured by four zombies. The man being ripped apart and eaten alive had his head facing the direction where Burt and the others were walking.

"…help me! Arrghhhhhhh… you please help me!" he begged.

Burt stopped and looked over. He saw this man was as good as dead. The desperation in the man’s eyes burned into Burt’s mind. He turned away and continued to carry Kelly. The others took a look over as they passed by. Each saw the man’s urgency but did nothing to alleviate it. As they got further away from him his cries became distant due to them separating themselves mentally from him; but also he had died from too much blood loss. Being some distance away now from the danger, Jade and Burt laid Kelly down. They still remained off the path. Jade could feel Kelly had a pulse and still breathing. Jade began to wake Kelly up. Virtually everyone looked in suspense, hoping she would wake up again. Nathaniel went and stood next to Pugsley with his arms folded. Kelly laid flat on her back motionless.

If she's dead, she’s dead. One less life to worry about. Now let’s move on, Nathaniel said.

Have a heart and shut the hell up, Burt said, as he still looked at Kelly.

What I did was group preservation…

I did not give you permission to speak, Burt snapped.

Nathaniel just stared at Burt. A few moments later Kelly suddenly gasped as she awoke. She took in some heavy breaths.

There you see. She’s fine. You can thank me now, Nathaniel said.

No one did. Kelly looked around seeing faces looking upon her. When she saw Nathaniel looking at her she welled up in fear and began to shallow breath rapidly. Nathaniel crouched down and leaned in. I did what I had to, to save your life and everyone else. Your gagging and vomiting would have alerted them and we would be currently getting torn limb from limb. Apology accepted? Nathaniel asked as he offered out a hand.

Kelly had fury in her eyes and hatred for Nathaniel. He had nearly killed her as far as she was concerned; the reason was not justified. The traumatic experience reminded her of a time past where her life was in danger. The images came flooding back to her of that time, and now images of this life-destroying moment were placed on top. Kelly fought hard to keep her tears from falling. Jade comforted her briefly then helped her onto her feet. Kelly used Jade for physical support. Burt glared in disgust at Nathaniel. They joined the path again, following it for a further fifteen minutes until the path ended. They had arrived at a virtually deserted play park and lake. On the far side of the park they could see Horsham. Laid on the ground in various spots were motionless bodies. Some could be clearly seen as zombies by their decaying body and putrid garments, others they were not sure about as they still looked more human than zombie.

Well, there’s the town and our deserved help, Pugsley said.

They headed carefully across the park, giving the bodies a wide berth. They didn't want to chance any of them being a zombie. The atmosphere felt still even as they came nearer to town. The normal familiar street sounds were not present. After crossing the first half of the park they passed the lake. From this point Kelly felt able to walk unaided, but she still walked alongside Jade.

Thank you, she said looking at Jade.

No problem. Glad you’re alive and okay. Sorry me or Burt couldn’t stop him though. Did you hear what he said while he… you know.

Not really, I don’t want to know what he said. I could hear his voice but not the words, if that makes sense, Kelly explained.

A little.

As they walked towards town, the dynamic of the group had shifted. Burt was still at the front with Jade and now Kelly. Nathaniel kept a distance back but walked alone. Behind him Virgil and Pugsley walked together. Nathaniel didn’t seem bothered that he was in the middle or alone. If any zombie approaches it will be from behind or up front. Little do they realize I’m in the strongest and safest position here, he thought.

As they left the second half of the park