by Kadin, Karri
Allison stood up, turned on her heels and rushed through the forest, not bothering to be silent any longer as the shouting drowned out her footsteps. Once Nurse Catherine and the Collectors’ campfire faded away, she moved out of the forest to the edge of the road and broke into a run. The fire in her gut grew hotter as she ran, and the butterflies continued their flight in her torso. She had to leave, now, while they were distracted. If she was lucky, Kevin would win the argument and no one would go check on her until the morning. She would be hundreds of miles away by then if she left now. She recalled Dr. Neff’s tense face filled with hate as he watched her leave the medical camp. I can’t end up in one of his cages like a lab rat.
Allison made it back to her truck and climbed into the driver’s side. She peeled the tape away from the light and pulled down the driver-side visor. She slid the mirror on the visor open. She tried to angle her body to see the bump behind her ear, but it was impossible. She pulled the knife from her pack and sterilized it again. Her heart pounded as she placed the tip of the blade near the edge of the bump and sliced.
“Fuck!” Blood seeped down her neck.
She pressed on the bump, shimming her finger from side to side until she felt it slip out of her wound. She held it in her palm. A tiny, gray disk barely larger than a pencil eraser. She tossed it out of the truck window, followed by the device she had just stolen, and dressed the wound behind her ear. She made sure to drive over the device a few times before she got back onto the road, leaving the campsite and hopefully that witch of a nurse and her flying monkeys far behind.
Chapter Fifteen
Allison
Allison didn’t bother consulting her journal or notes for her next stop. She knew the ultimate goal was the cabin. However, the only clue she had to its location was that it was between the party where she started and the forest she awoke in. Something about the cabin flashback kept creeping its way to the forefront of her mind. It was important. But for now, there was safety in numbers. I need to find that town.
Allison drove throughout the rest of the night, keeping her eyes peeled on the road behind her. No sign of the black truck. Her gas tank was near empty and she had to pull over and empty her reserve gas into the tank so Old Blue could keep moving. As the sun rose, softly illuminating the road with early morning light, Allison spotted a hand-printed sign: “Populated Area Ahead.” Allison smirked as she passed the sign. Try to take me in front of an audience, fuckers. Hopefully, they wouldn’t even think she would head to a town. As the sun continued to rise, its light glistened on the morning dew covering the road ahead. Allison’s heart fluttered at the sight. Beautiful.
She glimpsed a sign that read, “Welcome to Harbor, Population 3,000,” but in spray paint the word “New” had been added before “Harbor.” So, this must be New Harbor now. She turned onto the street indicated on the sign and followed the remaining signs until she reached a makeshift wall with a gate guarded by a few men with large guns. No alarm bells sounded in her head. They were not in black, so they were not Collectors. Allison slowly approached the gate and the guard waving her forward and rolled down her window as one of the men approached her vehicle.
“Welcome to New Harbor.” The man who had to be close to her dad’s age smiled at her as he spoke. His army green cargo pants and t-shirt were worn, but clean. “We welcome all into our town, but we have some basic rules and laws you must follow. They are simple. No violence, no stealing, everyone works. Are you agreeable to that?”
“Yes, sir. That sounds great to me,” Allison replied, a genuine smile plastered across her face. For the first time in days her muscles were relaxed, her stomach calm, and her breathing easy. It was an odd sensation to feel so normal when she was so accustomed to being on unceasing alert.
“Great. First, I need to scan you to make sure you aren’t infected,” the man said as he pulled a retina scanner from his back pocket.
Allison tensed. Will it show I’m a former Infected? Will they let me in? Allison nodded her head, and the man held the device level with her eye and started the scan. The machine beeped, and the man looked down at the screen. He smiled.
“You’re all good. Head straight down this road; you will see the town hall about two miles down on your left. Pull in there and they can get you some food and a place to stay while you are here.” He waved his arm toward the gate.
The gate opened. She pulled through and saw people walking on the sidewalks, talking, laughing, living seemingly normal lives. She drove slowly as she took in the splendor of New Harbor. So many people. She had not seen so many people in one place since she was at the medical camp and that was not a fond memory. Almost every open area had a garden in it that was being tended by people of all ages. People waved at her as she passed, and she couldn’t help but wave back. She wished she could stay here or somewhere like it forever. But that life was not for her, at least not now, maybe never. Children frolicked in yards, people entered and exited different buildings, and everyone seemed happy.
She parked in front of Town Hall. The walkway was dark red brick and lined with flower beds full of colorful blooms. She admired the flowers while she walked to the door. An older woman in a white t-shirt with hummingbirds and pink flowers on it greeted Allison. Her pants were khaki and barely grazed her ankles. Her hair was light brown, pulled back into a loose bun, with streaks of gray. She smiled warmly.
The woman’s name was Kathy, and she smelled like cold cream, but in the best possible way. She echoed the same rules the gate guard had presented, adding that anyone wearing the army green color was security. They were responsible for enforcing the laws and leading the supply runs. Kathy showed Allison into an auditorium with distinctive stations set up. Kathy picked up a canvas sack from a table in the entryway and handed it to Allison. They walked from station to station as the woman chatted about the town and handed Allison different items to put in her bag. Toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, a bar of soap, shampoo—no conditioner, unfortunately. Kathy said they had run out. She received one pair of jeans, two shirts, and a pair of combat boots in a tan color that were only slightly too big. Two sports bras, and two pairs of underwear and socks. Allison never felt happier to receive clothes as a gift. Yet another station had feminine hygiene products of which Allison acquired three boxes. When the last box of tampons dropped into her canvas bag she couldn’t resist hugging Kathy. Allison wrapped her arms around the older woman’s neck.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Allison screamed.
Kathy must have been used to being hugged by strangers because she didn’t even flinch as Allison squeezed her tightly.
“Oh, honey, it’s my pleasure. We all help each other here,” Kathy said.
Once they hit all the stations, Kathy gave Allison a hand-drawn map to a house a few blocks over. The house was managed by the town and used for newcomers. If someone stayed in the town long term, they were assigned a permanent home or a place in a home. Kathy told Allison a doctor would meet to examine her and tend to any medical needs she had. Allison’s spine stiffened.
“I know it isn’t pleasant being poked and prodded by someone you don’t know, and a man at that. But we have to take precautions to keep the town infection free.” Kathy smiled as she spoke. “We are lucky enough to have a doctor here, so we don’t have to send anyone to one of those government medical clinics. I’ve heard of horrible things happening at those clinics. But you understand the importance of being examined by a doctor, right dear?” Kathy’s voice was smooth and comforting. Allison nodded slowly in agreement as she twisted her hair around her finger with clammy hands. Fucking doctors.
“What’s the doctor’s name?” Allison asked.
“Dr. Dryanski. He is wonderful and kind.” Allison breathed a sigh of relief as Kathy gently patted her on the shoulder and handed her a key. Allison smiled, released her hair from her fingers, and took the key from Kathy.
“That will get you into the house. Come back to Town Hall around 7:00 for
dinner. The community always hosts a lunch and dinner daily for residents and guests. Most people choose to attend, but you are free to eat at home if you wish,” Kathy said.
“That sounds great. I will see you there,” Allison replied.
Allison followed the hand-written map along the streets of New Haven. The map was full of bright colors, easy to follow, and very detailed. She passed a city garden full of happily chatting people. Their laughter floated through the air infecting all those who heard it. Allison suppressed a giggle and waved to the group. The group waved back before falling into a fit of laughter once more.
Allison walked up the old brick path to her temporary home. The house was a single-story ranch. The brick exterior had been whitewashed and was embellished with deep blue shutters. A large front porch stretched along most of the length of the home and a wood bench swing hung from the rafters, swaying slightly in the breeze.
Allison used the key from Kathy to open the blue front door, which perfectly matched the shutters. She walked into a small entryway and set her bag down near the front door.
“Hello!” Allison called. No answer. “Hello, anyone here?” she said, louder this time. No answer.
Allison maundered through the home admiring the cozy, traditional décor. As she was admiring the kitchen, a knock sounded at the door. Allison froze. The knock sounded again. Duh, Allison. This is where you live. You answer the door. Allison rushed to the door and opened it. An older gentleman with a medical bag in his hand grinned at her from the doorway.
“Hello, Allison. I heard you’re new to our tiny town. I am Dr. Dryanski. May I come in?” he asked. His smile reached his eyes, and his face radiated with kindness.
“Yes, yes. Sorry it took me so long to get to the door. I’m not used to answering doors anymore,” Allison apologized, ushering the man in.
“Well, let’s begin.” He walked into the living room and Allison followed. He gestured his arm in the direction of the couch and Allison sat on it. “I hope you don’t mind a talker. I talk quite a bit,” Dr. Dryanski said.
“I don’t mind,” she replied.
“Well, while I prepare my equipment and paperwork I’ll tell you about this town you stumbled upon, if you don’t mind,” he said as he opened his bag.
“I would love that, actually,” Allison told him.
“Good, good, good. Let’s see, where to start? Ah, yes. The people. All the residents in New Harbor came from somewhere else, just like you. So you will fit in just fine, in case you were worried. The original town of Harbor had been abandoned sometime during the outbreak. A group of survivors stumbled upon it a little over a year ago, and New Harbor was born. I found this place soon after the first group,” he said. He slipped a laptop from his bag along with a case of electrodes before he began inputting information into his computer. “People just started showing up. They had become so accustomed to being alone or in small groups they really enjoyed participating in large activities as one community. Although the town is still not very big by traditional standards, I am proud to say we have a population of two hundred and sixty-three residents and seventeen guests at this time,” he went on as he plugged the electrode bundle into the laptop and began unraveling the cords. “I need to attach these to your head, and they will remain there while I finish the exam,” he said.
Allison nodded and leaned forward so he could reach her easily. He attached the electrodes, hit a button on the laptop, then picked up his stethoscope and moved onto the couch by Allison.
“I’m still a little old-fashioned. I prefer to avoid using a retina scanner as much as possible. Plus, the only one we have is at the gate and it’s only programmed to detect infection. It can’t do all the fancy things the newer ones can,” he said.
He used the stethoscope to listen to her heart and lungs. Then pulled a tiny silver hammer from his pocket and tested her reflexes. Dr. Dryanski ran a thermometer across her forehead and nodded at the result on the screen. His movements flowed smoothly into each other like syrup over warm pancakes. He’s done this a lot.
“How long have you been a doctor?” Allison asked.
“Oh dear, let’s see.” He wrapped a blood pressure cuff around her arm and hit the button to start the test. “About 32 years now,” he said.
The cuff squeezed Allison’s arm as it inflated. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat. When the cuff deflated she let out a sigh of relief. The doctor chuckled.
“I know it can be a little uncomfortable. Thank you for being an exemplary patient,” he said before unwrapping the cuff from her arm and setting it next to her on the exam table. Lines appeared on his forehead as he adjusted his glasses. “Turn your head please, Allison.” He gently guided her head in the direction he wanted.
“What is it?”
“You have a fresh scar behind your ear. What happened?” he asked. He ran his finger across the raised line of scar tissue.
“I don’t know. I’ve been through a lot of thorny brush in the woods. I was probably scratched.” Allison turned her head, blocking Dr. Dryanski’s view of her injury.
He nodded and walked back over to his bag, placed his equipment inside, then glanced down at the computer screen. His brow furrowed. He clicked a few buttons. Then he frowned.
“Are you feeling okay, Allison?”
“Yes,” she replied. A bead of sweat formed across her forehead. She leaned back into the couch and felt her gun press into her hip.
“Were you scanned at the gate?” he asked.
“Yeah, it’s the first thing they did. They said I was good to go,” she reassured him.
Dr. Dryanski tapped away on the keyboard, keeping his eyes locked on the screen. Allison looked around the room and made a mental note of all the exits. She slipped her hand over to her pocket and felt her keys. Maybe I shouldn’t have come here. Allison’s heart quickened, her muscles tensed, ready to flee at any moment.
“Ah yes,” he said. “You were scanned, and it was very normal. No infection. I must say, you have a clean bill of health.” He walked over to her and removed the electrodes from her head.
“That’s great,” she chirped. She sighed and her body relaxed.
Dr. Dryanski loaded his remaining items into his bag. Before he zipped it, he pulled out a handful of lollipops and a piece of paper. He quickly scribbled something on the bottom of the paper, then folded it up. He handed Allison the candies and paper.
“For being such a good patient. That paper has directions to my house on it. In case you ever needed me,” he said.
Allison walked Dr. Dryanski to the door and waved him goodbye. She then firmly closed the door and locked it. She leaned against the door, letting out a sigh of relief, and popped a lollipop into her mouth. That was nerve-racking. She opened up the paper the doctor had given her. A crude map was drawn on it in black ink with a red star showing the doctor’s home. On the bottom, scribbled in blue ink, was, “Your secret is safe with me.” Allison’s hands trembled as she folded back up the paper and shoved it in her pocket. Can I trust him? He didn’t make her gut churn like Dr. Neff. He seemed kind. Allison remembered how his smile reached his eyes. Yeah, I can trust him.
Allison finished exploring the house. One room seemed occupied. It held two twin beds, so she assumed it held two people. One bed was neatly made with a small stuffed animal sitting on the pillow. The nightstand next to it held a glass of water and a few bobby pins. A girl sleeps here. The other bed was messy, barely made, and the drool-stained pillow was haphazardly hanging off the side. The nightstand near it was scattered with wrappers, and a camo print backpack leaned against it. And a boy sleeps here. Interesting. The remaining two rooms were void of any personal belongings. She picked the room near the front door of the house in case she needed a quick escape. The room was pretty basic, with tan walls and the same dark wood floors that ran through most of the house. A single picture of a flower in a vase on the wall above the bed was the only piece of decoration. Allison sat on the edge of the bed with
her feet dangling off and let herself fall back into the soft comforter. She closed her eyes, intending only to rest them, but quickly fell asleep.
Chapter Sixteen
Allison
Allison felt a tap on her arm and heard some murmuring voices but couldn’t make out the words. Her mind immediately raced to Nurse Catherine and the Collectors. She startled, jumping up to face the intruders, jerking the comforter off the bed onto the floor. A boy, maybe about sixteen with sandy blonde hair and shamrock-green eyes, stumbled backward, tangling his feet in the comforter and falling right on his backside. A girl with light brown hair to her shoulders and the same green eyes was standing in the doorway to Allison’s room and snickered as the boy fell to the ground. Oh, shit. These are my roommates. Allison breathed a sigh of relief.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I thought you were someone else,” Allison said, as she reached her hand down to help the boy up. “My name is Allison.”
“I’m Matt and this is my twin sister, Morgan. We are in the room down the hall. We saw your welcome bag by the door and just wanted to say hi. I swear I didn’t mean to scare you. But man, are you fast. I’ve never seen anyone awaken from a dead sleep and move so fucking fast before! It’s like you’re the Flash,” Matt took Allison’s hand and heaved himself to his feet.
He was definitely younger than her, but he still towered over her small frame. He had to be six feet tall. Morgan took a step forward and extended her hand to Allison. Allison shook it and nodded in her direction. Morgan was thin and almost as tall as her brother. Allison was accustomed to being one of the shortest people in a room, but these two made her feel childlike.
“I’m Morgan, but you already knew that thanks to my brother here. We are newbies like you. Been here a whole forty-eight hours. But we can show you around.” She frequently glanced at her brother as she spoke. He nodded at her reassuringly.