I couldn't breathe.

A loud terrifying ding activated the elevator doors and it felt like time stopped. To make matters worse, the doors were pulling apart so damn slowly that I bet the electricity was giving out in the entire building.

My heart started racing when I saw a horde of them piling up at the door, each one of them with their greedy hands animatedly groping around. I unconsciously grabbed Ray's hand in mine and he gripped back even tighter.

Once the doors opened wide enough for us to get through, I let out a breath.

It was now or never.

Right as one of those things set a foot in, I saw our opening and knew we had to go for it.

"Duck and crawl, Ray!" I screamed and dragged him down to the ground with me.

Once my stomach hit the filthy tile floor I started crawling around using my arms to push through the first pair of rotting feet I came to. My foot hooked onto one of their decaying ankles and I used the opportunity to trip it and knock it to the floor.

I couldn't get a strong enough grip with my slippers but eventually managed to push through myself to each opening I could find. I had to eventually stop and take a breather from the amount of energy it took. I swore to myself to never wear these kinds of weak ass shoes again.

I barely had enough time to think before I saw two smaller ones who look like they used to be kids. They were just staring. And...smiling? Smiling at me with those empty dead white eyes.

"Jesus." I muttered under my breath before scrambling back to all fours and crawling back through another pair of feet.

The man let out a startled grunt when he saw me and began to slowly turn his body around, trying to grab me with his grubby hands. I tried to crawl faster to dodge out of the way but two others saw me and started chasing after me too. I couldn't react fast enough as I watched them crash into each other and then tumble into the man above me.

All three of their heavy bodies fell down right on top of me, crushing my back and pinning me on the floor underneath them.

The air whooshed right out of my lungs and an excruciating pain shot through my ribs. Warm liquid dripped down my chin and my eyes burned with tears when I realized that I bit the hell out of my tongue when we landed.

"This fucking sucks." I groaned in pain. Coughing and out of breath, I placed my hands flat on the ground to pull myself up but my arms wobbled like jelly when I tried to squeeze out from under them.

All of them were groaning silently but otherwise stayed immobile and dazed until I was finally able to squirm.

I got back up to my feet clutching onto my side and stumbled over to a deserted gritty column. I pressed my back against it, letting my feet fall from under me and sank down to the floor. Everything was fuzzy and out of focus in front of me. I rubbed my eyes and then finally spotted a clearing leading straight to the exit. Relief and then panic surged through me, and I looked behind me to see if Ray was close by.

But I couldn't see him anywhere.

I scrambled back to my feet and spun around in all directions, my eyes searching frantically through the mosh pit of bodies.

"Oh God...Ray?! Ray, where are you?!!"

Nothing.

"Ray! Answer me damn it!" I shouted. I would never forgive myself if something happened to him! How could I be so careless?! Why didn't I look behind sooner?

"Ray?!" I screamed. More and more faces were turning their cold dead stare towards me. I knew a crowd of the deadheads would soon be on my ass for yelling but right now I didn't care. I kept my distance, scanning every head in search of his beanie.

"Sasha! Over here! Help me please!"

I followed his voice until I found him trapped between two people limping towards him. He was backed up into a corner and I spotted the woman from earlier latching her hand onto his wrist, stopping Ray from getting away. He let out a terrified shriek and was shoving his hands into her disgusting face to keep her away.

I tried to get up, to get my body to run over to him, but every step I took sent a wave of pain through my chest that I was out of breath and dizzy. And God and the smell of rotting flesh in here is getting to me, making me nauseous...but I had to move. Ray needs my help.

"Sasha help! She won't stop attacking me! Sasha?! SashaHHH!! What the-! Sh-She just bit me! She just fucking bit me!!"

The noise suddenly drowned out all around me and everything felt white and fuzzy. My legs felt like I was tracking through a field of molasses and my head was pounding. Damn it! Move! I promised that I wouldn't let them get their hands on him! I promised myself that!

I stumbled forward, clutching my chest in agony as I tried to get to Ray. My eyes scanned around everywhere for anything I could use to fight against these fuckers.

I spotted a lone gurney by the emergency exit and, using all the strength I had, made a break for it. I was fumbling over my own feet, staggering a few times until I tripped and fell over the bedding.

Panting, I used the metal beam to support my weight and pulled myself back up to my feet. By the time I was wheeling it towards him, I was running on empty fuel, out of breath and exhausted. My eyelids felt so heavy that I wanted to shut my eyes and go to sleep.

When I finally came across them, I watched as he roughly shoved the woman out of the way and she crumpled down to the floor. Another one with his jaw missing was heading for Ray but he was too distracted with stomping the woman on the ground who was still trying to sink her nails into his leg.

Right before the guy grabbed Ray's arm, I rammed the other end of the gurney deep into the pit of the man's stomach, pinning him into the wall as hard as I could so he couldn't move. Blood spurted out from his mouth and stained the clean white sheet in front of me.

Ray yelped and clutched onto me. The woman still had her hand wrapped on his ankle, still attempting to drag him to the floor with her.

We both tried kicking her and stomping on her head but we both weren't strong enough and only seemed to agitate her. More clumps of her hair fell apart and I saw a huge strand stuck to the end of my slipper.

"Ugh sick." I hurled.

"It's not working!" Ray screamed.

I reached down to break her grip off him but she growled menacingly at me when I grabbed her arm. My eyes went wide as she opened her mouth and leapt at me with her teeth, snagging onto one of the straps on my arm.

"Shit!" I jumped up out of the way, the strap tearing off in her mouth. I caught the rest of my tank top in time before it revealed my breasts with my other hand and stood back up.

"O.K. that was a shit plan." I muttered and looked at the gurney. "We have to knock her out somehow, maybe she'll let go."

"Please just do something! I want to get out of here now! I want to go home!" Ray wailed.

"Alright, grab the gurney, we're going to run her head over."

"What?!"

"Ray, come on! We don't have time to think about this!"

I heard him gulp.

The guy I pinned seemed knocked out, so we practiced rolling the gurney a few times before ramming it over the woman's head hard. She made a weird gurgle sound before we did it once again.

"It's not working!" Ray shrieked.

"On three. Slam it down hard on top of her okay? One, two...three!"

The bed dropped fast as we slammed our weight down, crushing her skull open. No sound came out from under us and her bony fingers relaxed.

"T-thanks." He stammered.

"Don't thank me yet. We are not exactly out of this mess, come on let's go."

We used the gurney to push our way through, literally knocking over bodies to avoid fighting them. I was barely catching up with Ray's pace. It was getting so much harder to breathe. But we were so close to the exit, I didn't want to stop now even though I was dying to lay down.

The gurney took one hell of a beating that one of it's wheels broke off and was wobbling in all kinds of directions. We hit the doorway stopper and the gurney did an unexpected stop and chucked us right outside onto the concrete.

We ended up rolling over the shattered glass shards and one of my knees scraped against one of them, causing a cut deep enough to draw blood. I was in so much pain. My sides hurt that I wanted to scream but I bit down onto my tongue instead not to scare Ray.

"Are you alright?" I asked him.

"Yeah.." He wheezed and scooted over to me.

"This way." We hid behind one of the pillars of the building and I opened my arms to hug him.

He crawled in and rested his head against my chest as we caught our breath.

"Are you alright sis?" He asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I lied even though I sounded unconvincing. "Just a few scrapes, nothing a few bandages can't fix..." I looked at my arm. "Wait a minute."

Blood?

My wrist was covered in it. It wasn't dried up or reeked of the combination of that black gunk from all those other freaks. It was fresh and warm too. Where was it coming from?

I checked my body.

My t-shirt was splattered in everyone else's blood but my own. Turning over my hand, my eyes lowered to where Ray was holding onto me and I gasped and released him, covering my mouth to stop from screaming.

"Holy shit dude! What happened to your-?!"

Tears were forming in his eyes but he looked down and hid his hand from me. "Please d-don't worry about it. Let's just go find a real hospital already." He said while shaking. "I...I don't want to think about it right now O-O.K.? It's no big deal..It's just...it's a finger..."

My mind went blank. I pulled him into a tight hug. I wanted to do nothing much but to cry right now. I got him into this mess. This was all my fault. If only we would have just stayed at home that night. I didn't have to go to that stupid concert...

I held back the bile that was forming in my throat when I remembered the missing spot where his thumb should have been. The sight made my body and stomach weak but when I saw how strong he was about it, I knew I needed to be stronger for him.

Even though it was tearing me apart.

Oh God...my little brother... damn it, this really was all my fault...

For now, I needed a way to stop Ray's bleeding. I thought about shredding a piece of my clothes to use, but mine was practically shredded from being grabbed on and probably infected anyway.

Fuck just what could I use?

Suddenly Ray let out a terrified squeak.

"What?!" I cried out. "What is it now Ja-!"

No.

No way.

There were at least fifteen more of those monstrosities wandering around outside the parking lot. The guy I had dumped out of his chair earlier was no longer where I left him. He was out here somewhere, roaming about.

"Oh God...What do we do now?" Ray panicked and started hyperventilating, stirring an asthma attack. His breathing was out of control, wasting the small amount of air left.

No! This was not the time Ray! I screamed in my head.

Gripping his unharmed wrist tightly, I motioned for him to cover his mouth. He was inhaling in and out through his nose rapidly while we waited to calm him down. I couldn't help but to look at his hand again. He wrapped his beanie around it to cover it up but the blood had already soaked through the material. It wasn't enough, but it seemed to control the bleeding for now.

When I glanced around our surroundings, I saw three staggering near my truck. One of them was just staring at the ground in front of my bumper, wearing close to nothing but a barely tied up green gown. Two others were limping by both the driver and passenger doors.

Just our luck.

I looked to Ray who was steadying his breathing and he glanced at me worriedly. "So what now?" He asked quietly. "I think I really need to find help soon."

"I know that Ray, I know, just give me a minute. I'm trying to think of a way to get those things away from the truck so we can get the hell out of here."

He turned his gaze towards them and I could see the gears ticking inside his head as he tried to think of something too.

"How about if we found a way to distract them somehow? Maybe if one of us goes out and causes a distraction behind the truck. It might draw them away from it."

I blinked. "Oh, you mean like bait them?"

He nodded. "And then the other can sneak to the driver door, get inside and start it up."

That could work but...

Who would be the one to sneak over and start up the truck?

I could do it but that would leave Ray with leading those freaks away by himself and I wasn't about to jeopardize his life again for that.

Not after him already losing his...

I closed my eyes and let out a breath. O.K. that would leave me to go and distract these sick freaks while Ray goes to start the truck.

However, as far as I knew I don't think Ray has ever driven a car before in his life, let alone know how to turn the engine on. Actually, now that I think about it, over the four years we've been on our own, I haven't heard him talk about his friends driving and I haven't taught him to drive this whole time. I mean, the kid is almost sixteen already.

Thinking back on it now, it was stupid of me to constantly bark at him to never touch my baby "Lanora".

"Alright, I think I should be the one to distract them and you can go and start the truck. But, I hate to ask but do you even know how to put the keys into the ignition or where it is...or what it is?"

He thought about it for a moment before his face fell slightly. "Sort of?" He said, shrugging his shoulders. "I've always seen you put them in the slot behind the wheel but I have no idea what to do after that."

I shook my head, mentally slapping myself. How stupidly selfish of me indeed. I could have taught him this whole time and I failed to. I'm a horrible big sister.

"Don't worry, it's not a problem. We can still manage to get out of here." I comforted him. "You'll just need to listen to me very carefully. When I run out, I'm going to call them over with my whistle...." I paused and pointed at the gas tank at my pick-up. "As soon as they both walk past that smaller door, you are going to sneak by them and get into my car without trying to make a sound. You should be able to get in, it should be unlocked."

He looked at me sideways.

"What?" I hissed. "We rushed out, I didn't have time to think of something like that. There's nothing valuable in it anyway. Look, just when you get to the door, open it, get inside, and close it immediately. Then use the key with the ladybug keychain on it and stick it in the slot you've seen me put it in, the key should plug right in."

I demonstrated it by using my hands, holding imaginary keys and twisting it forward in a turning motion. "Then, you're then going to turn the key towards the motor, just like this."

He nodded and then repeated everything back to me perfectly.

"Alright, good, now let's get this shit over with and get the hell out of here already."

"O.k. hand me your keys sis."

I went for them inside my pajama pockets. My heart froze when I came out empty on both ends. I frantically tore them inside out. I checked inside my bra too (to my brother's dismay) and even inside my slippers for my damn keys.

I didn't believe it.

I didn't have the damn things on me.

"I don't have them..."

"What do you mean, you don't have them?!"

I covered my hand over Ray's mouth so he couldn't draw any more attention to us but then hung my head down sadly.

"I-I don't know, I must of fucking dropped them somewhere when those fuckers landed on me or something." I searched beneath me in hopes that they magically fell out of my pocket and were by my feet the whole time, but of course life never worked out that way. I started to nervously run my fingers through my dirty blonde hair.

"It's OK, It's OK." I murmured to myself and began the deep breathing techniques I learned in jiu jitsu class.

Keep it together for Ray, Keep it together for Ray...

Once I calmed down, I briefly caught a memory of him slapping my hand and knocking the keys out of them. They must be on the floor of the car. I must have completely forgotten to take them with me.

Ray's hands were shaking as he clung onto his inhaler and he did a huge puff to calm himself down. I gently tapped him on his knee.

"I think they're in the truck, on the floor by the gas pedal."

"Are the doors locked?" He whispered.

"They shouldn't be, I don't remember doing it. I'm praying that they're not though."

"Yeah, me too." He nodded nervously.

Thinking about it now, if it wasn't unlocked I would have to come up with a plan B or I was going to be this monster's dinner.

I crouched down lower and quickly whispered, "Be careful this time Ray," and slowly made my way to the rear of my truck.

"Gee, thanks for the pressure." He replied, rolling his eyes.

"I meant-"

"I know. Don't worry, I won't be a fuck up this time sis. I got it."

I smiled softly, noticing my little brother growing braver despite the whole situation we were in. I nodded appreciatively before giving him the play-through once more.There was only one problem I had with this plan. How was I supposed to escape?

I didn't get a chance to think of anything because suddenly the glass shattered behind me over by the hospital's entrance. The bastards from inside were starting to flood outside too.

"Shit, we need to move now!"

As Ray took another hit of his inhaler for good luck, I stayed hunched over and snuck to the bed of my vehicle.

With the two freaks by the truck in sight, I stood up and placed both of my pinkies over the corners of my mouth and let out a quick but loud whistle. I did it a few more times until it finally caught their attention. Slowly they followed the noise I was making and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end when they got about halfway to me. I backed up deep into the parking lot to draw them away and allow Ray to pass through. Though, I noticed that some from inside were getting attracted to the sound too, making my heart speed up.

I felt safe for now, especially with the rows of cars behind to hide behind but the numbers kept growing as they came after me.

"Go, GO!" I hissed once the two were lured away from my truck and Ray crawled by, pausing every few seconds for them to wobble closer to me until he was able to reach the car door. We both let out a huge sigh of relief when he pulled it open with ease and he scurried inside, quickly shutting the door behind him.

Beads of sweat trickled down my forehead. The crowd of bloody zombies were stumbling a little too close for comfort towards me and I ducked, hiding out of sight behind a mini cooper. I waited on pins and needles for the sound of my truck to start.

"Come on Ray. You said you wouldn't be a fuck up any more." I pleaded desperately. A few seconds later the engine spurred to life but then stopped suddenly. It started up again for a few moments before cutting off into silence once more.

Shit! He's not turning the key long enough to start it!

Ray continued to toy with the motor a few more times and all the previous creeps that were coming for me stood still for a moment before turning around for the obnoxious cry of the engine. I circled around the parked cars trying to bee-line it straight for the truck to stop him. My lungs burned at every pant I made but I had to stop him before they ended up surrounding the truck.

On his fifth attempt, the truck finally roared to life and Ray poked his head out of the window with a cocky grin before it faded instantly and he ducked back inside, rolling the window back up fast when he saw them heading his way.

With the deadheads distracted, I quickly staggered behind them undetected, circling back to the passenger door and yanking it open.

"Alright, show's over kid." I coaxed and pointed for him to change seats. I didn't bother waiting for him to finish climbing over because we needed to go now. The numerous growling behind me was putting me on edge, like they were right on my heels. I don't even think I have enough strength to hold even one off.

I stepped up on the metal platform and shut the door behind me. As he climbed over, our bodies squished, tangled in the tiny space we had as I forced my way over him. My head bonked onto the sunroof and once he plopped into his seat, I found myself with my feet on the steering wheel and my back slumped against the driver seat. When I tried to pull myself back up, I lost my balance and my foot accidentally pressed into the horn. A loud arrogant wail filled my ears and I fell down into the leather seat stunned.

What have I done...

All the zombies around us started twisting their heads around unnaturally and let out the same agonizing scream the first guy we came across did before. Both of us covered our ears, each wail was growing higher pitched than the last that it was almost enough to make me go nuts.

We shrieked when the truck began shaking in all different directions; close to five of them were hitting the bumper and hood while two more appeared in front of both of our windows.

I screamed when one of them started bashing his head into my window over and over again. A gash was forming down the middle of it's forehead each time he smashed his contorted face against the surface and blood gushed from the wound, squirting onto the window each time.

I quickly shifted the gears in fright, sending us flying forward in our seats as I flooded the gas in reverse. The man still held onto my side mirror as we tore away from the hospital parking lot and after a few seconds, it broke right off and dropped him down with it.

************

As I headed back into the city, the orange rays of the sun blinded me and I shielded my eyes for a moment before bringing the visor down. I found a noticeably large zigzag crack trailing down my window, the man's blood filling in the cracks like a bloody trail. I scoffed and shook my head while shaking.

What the hell was this world coming to.

I wanted a cigarette so bad.

Every part of me ached and Ray and I haven't talked since we got back to Harbor City. I haven't asked him about his you-know-what because I didn't want to think about it right now.

I couldn't help but to glance in the side mirror when we passed by Lily's street. My guilty conscience finally caught up with me and I felt a sharp sting in my heart from abandoning someone who I've practiced and played many, many concerts with. There was something stinging my eyes and a tear ran down my cheek. I wasn't sure if it was from remorse or from staring at the road for too long.

I popped open the glove compartment for Ray's cell phone and ran my fingers over the buttons. What would happen if I called her and she answered, sounding terrified and afraid? It was painful to think about it, but what if Ray was right? Maybe there was a better way we could have tried to save her. We basically bailed on her and now she's all alone with no one to save her?

I dialed her number and hit send. It rang once, twice, and then a third time before I heard a click.

"Lily?!"

"Hi! This is Lily! I must be caught in something major to not see your call or doing a bang ass concert right now, do leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can! Mwah!" Silence and then disconnect.

I called her three more times before Ray ended up lowering my hand down with a deadpan look on his face. "It's O.K. There's a number of things that could explain why she didn't answer."

He didn't list through any though and I knew it was to avoid saying the inevitable possibility we were both thinking.

"I texted her earlier too." He whispered softly. "I sent one saying that if she made it out of there alive, to come find us at her house and that we'll be waiting for her. I thought maybe we can, I don't know...maybe come back everyday to see if she-"

He stopped mid-sentence and looked down, defeated. He never finished but exhaled and laid back in his seat.

I patted him on the shoulder and gave him a weak smile.

"Sure kid. I think that sounds like a great idea. Let's go home first and we'll check back here first thing tomorrow morning."

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