Artefact 299: Accounts of the Zombie Apocalypse

by Binley, L. A.

  All too soon the zombie emerged from the darkness. It lumbered into my clearing. Slowly, carefully making its way towards me. I'd never seen one behave like that before, but I'd also never seen one interact with someone with an open wound. Despite its hesitancy, it was focused. Focused entirely in my direction. As though it could see me.

  I took a step back, faltering as my head spun again. I'd manage to survive the past few months without getting too close to one. Now, in the space of two weeks, I'd seen more than I could ever want. At least before, I had the ability to protect myself. With the wound on my arm and the dizziness that plagued my thoughts, I would be lucky to last more than a few minutes.

  Its lurching deliberated steps helped me keep the thing in my sights. I said thanks that this one wasn't running. That it couldn't run. Another step back. A branch snapped beneath my foot. I held my breath. The zombie zeroed in on me. It staggered forward as I wedged the spear back against my side, knees bent awaiting the first touch. As it came within reach, I jabbed at its face, glancing off what remained of its chin. The zombie tried to grasp at the weapon, too slow for my pained retreat. I tried not to think of the person this creature had been. I ignored the band t-shirt, now ripped and bloodied, hanging from its frame. This was once someone's son. Did they know what had happened to him? I shook my head to clear the emotions clouding my judgement.

  I took another step back and changed the position of the spear. I jabbed again. Again, it stopped and tried to grab it. It wasn't enough to keep me alive, but it might prolong the end I was imagining. I was bait. Bait doesn't get the chance to survive.

  I was feeling confident about my chances until a noise caught my attention. The zombie focused on the intrusion. A low rumble emanating from it. Dread filled me. I would struggle to survive against one. Any more and I know that I would never make it out of here alive. I wouldn't know if Rachel and Daniel survived. I wouldn't live to see a cure. It would be over. In this patch of trees and used as bait.

  The noise sounded again, this time to my side. It was louder, closer. The zombie in front of me moved towards the new threat. If there was more than one, did that mean Nick had lied to everyone? Or were they not prepared for this one? Neither questioned alleviated the panic rising through me.

  My fears were confirmed as a figure stumbled into view. I took a step to the side, attempting to distance myself from both threats. I closed my eyes and prayed. Prayed that they would turn on each other rather than both attack me. I was curious. How they behaved in this moment could give more insight into their overall behaviour. Not that I would be around long enough to do anything with the knowledge.

  As the second moved closer, I got a strange feeling from it. There was something off about it. I couldn't figure it out, but it didn't seem right. The first one shuffled closer, trying to guess where it was. The eyesight issue must be a universal thing once a person changed. We had to have one advantage over them. The second one stumbled slightly to its left. The two danced sluggishly along the edge of the trees. No malice or anger, only frustration from the first one on the scene. Emotion, they were showing signs of emotion.

  Curiosity rose inside me, urging me to take a step forward and note what the two creatures were doing. Common sense pulled me back a few more steps. My vision moved in and out of focus as I tried to keep an eye on where they were going. Leaves rustled behind me. I froze. Please let that be one of Nick's team. Please don't let it be something else trying to kill me. I repeated over and over in my head.

  The zombies barely interacted, but the second one didn't move any closer. It gave up its quarry, me, but it didn't leave from where it stood. Maybe hoping for a scrap of what was left. The first turned back to me, in what I thought was a triumphant manner, and inched closer.

  Another noise sounded behind me. I fought the urge to twist round and see what new danger awaited. I gripped the spear in my hand. Letting the coarse bark ground me. Stopping me from spiralling and giving in. I didn't want to panic. I knew I needed to stay calm, focus on surviving this. But you try telling yourself to stay calm in this situation. Again, a noise sounded from behind me. Closing in each time.

  “Come on Anna, you've dealt with worse. Deep breaths.”

  Both zombies stared at me. I almost lost my nerve. I'd never seen any of them stare so intently at anything before. I moved slowly to my left, aiming for the tree line. If I could make it behind some safety, I might make it out of this. If only Nick hadn't cut my arm, my odds of surviving this would be higher. I've never been the fastest runner, but I could have evaded them. Or at least made it out of here with enough chance to survive.

  The zombie had decided to follow me. It took maybe four steps when it was hit by something. A guttural, animalistic noise erupted from its mouth. I'd never been happier that something could feel pain. Something else hit it. I stumbled backwards, trying to pull myself to safety when I backed into something. I started to fall forward when I was grabbed by the arm. I stifled the shriek that reverberated in my body. A hand wrapped itself over my mouth as an added precaution.

  “Shush Anna, it's us.” I heard a familiar voice say.

  I almost collapsed into the body behind me. Relief washing through me.

  “Follow my steps, don't make too much noise.”

  I nodded as I was pulled backwards. Away from the two zombies howling in pain. Away from what I thought would be my grave. Once we were sheltered by the trees I turned to face my saviour.

  “I can't believe you found me. Why didn't you carry on and leave? You could have been safely away by now.”

  Rachel peered behind her brother's shoulder. “We couldn't leave you here. Not after you gave yourself up to save us. It would be like leaving Daniel behind. You're family.” She paused. “Almost like the weird distant cousin who you'd hate to lose.” Her face broke into the biggest grin.

  “Thanks, I feel so touched.” I responded, my face mimicking hers.

  “Quiet,” Daniel said. “We're not sure if they want to keep you here for longer or not, but we need to go while they're distracted with those two.”

  “Good thinking.” I went to move as the world swirled around me again and I stumbled forward.

  Daniel caught me, concern quickly flashing over his usually unreadable face. “I hadn't noticed that.”

  “Yeah, it's my souvenir from a wonderful trip.” I said weakly, waiting for the world to right itself. “Do you have anything that can help?”

  “I do!” Rachel said.

  She rummaged through her bag before pulling out what looked like a cut up sheet and a bottle of vodka.

  “Where did you? Never mind, can you help? I don't know if I can manage.”

  She smiled sheepishly at me. “I thought it might be fun to try, but I never got the chance.” She looked at my arm. “This is going to hurt. Danny, grab her hand, we need to make sure she doesn't make a noise.”

  Daniel grabbed the spear from my left hand as he grasped my palm. “Squeeze as hard as you need to.”

  I nodded as Rachel poured the liquid over the wound. I clenched my jaw and squeezed until my knuckles turned white. She dabbed at the liquid before wrapping the strips tightly around my arm. The wound pulsated, but it was better than before.

  “Let's go and get out of here quick.” I plucked the spear from Daniel's hand.

  Daniel took the lead and picked his way through the trees. There was a mess of roots, bushes, plants, and rubble but he seemed to know where he was going. The trees were starting to thin when I heard a noise behind us.

  “Rachel, go in front of me. I'll make sure nothing's behind us.”

  “Are you sure?” Her eyes peered at me, full of concern.

  “Go,” I said pushing her forward.

  She followed her brother's path. I hesitated. I knew someone or something was behind us. I took a quick look over my shoulder before trailing behind the twins. Then I felt it. A searing hot pain flashed through my leg. If I'd not had the spear, I'd have fallen. I bit my cheek to
stop the scream that wanted to fight its way through my body.

  I didn't have time to stop and see how bad it was. I pushed forward, ignoring the throbbing.

  “Please have missed an artery. Please have missed an artery.” I mumbled to myself. A mantra of hope that I might survive this. I could see Rachel and Daniel weaving their way through the trees in front of me. They hadn't heard what had happened, and they were getting further away. I let them go. If they didn't get out of this because of me, I'd never forgive myself. Which would be easy if my projected lifespan of a few minutes was right.

  I pushed myself forward. Listening for any sound of pursuit. Whoever had done this had vanished. Maybe a bullet to the leg was enough payback. I braced myself as I dropped to my knees. My knuckles turned white as they gripped the spear for support. My eyes watered, and I choked back a sob as I started to pull myself across the floor. If I was lucky, I'd be able to find somewhere to crawl under. I might even find something in my own bag to clean out my leg.

  The only good thing from this was my arm no longer felt like it was hurting.

  Day 38

  I wrote as much as I could yesterday. I didn't want to forget anything, but I wasn't in the best place. Even now the world seems fuzzier. Too much blood has left my body in the past 24 hours. Between my leg and my arm, I'm surprised I woke up this morning. One more day to live. If this is a life worth living anymore.

  I managed to scrap some branches around me and keep most of the cold and the rain out. It was only a temporary hideout, but I felt safer. Plus, there was no way anyone would think this was constructed. There were barely enough branches to cover me. I was lucky it's been dark. No one could mistake the mass under the broken limbs as a person. The only downside to this is I've lost Rachel and Daniel again. When they came back for me. Maybe it's better this way.

  My leg is in agony. I think whatever I was hit with is still lodged there. At least it feels like it. I've only been able to see one hole in my leg which isn't giving me a lot of hope. I tried to clean it out as best I could last night and ripped apart one of the cleaner shirts from my bag. That should at least stop much else from getting in it. I tried to make a tourniquet, but I don't think it's tight enough to completely stop the bleeding. My saving grace is my artery seems to be fine. At least I woke up this morning, so I'm guessing it is.

  My arm is feeling better. I unwound part of the makeshift bandage and it looks like the two pieces are gluing themselves back together. At least I'll only have to deal with one life-threatening injury.

  Day 39

  My new goal is to: one survive, and two find Rachel and Daniel. I might not be much use anymore, but I need to know they're safe. And if it comes to the worst of it, they will be able to take my things to keep going for a little longer.

  My movements have slowed down. I can barely walk and without the spear I was given, I don't think I'd have been able to at all. My leg is aching. The wound isn't healing. I'm getting used to the dull throbbing in my thigh. Maybe if I can pull myself together, I'll be able to make up some ground and find where Daniel might have led Rachel. Maybe.

  I need to find somewhere for me to go that's safe. Somewhere with a doctor, or a surgeon. Anyone who might be able to save my leg. Save my life. A best-case scenario for sure. Also, the most unlikely option. Would there be any doctors left? There was so much confusion when this happened at the start. The first wave of casualties went to their doctors and their hospitals. No one knew what was happening until it was too late. I'd be amazed if there were any medical professionals left. If they are, I can't imagine I'll stumble into one. I'm not that lucky.

  The best hope I have is for my leg to heal. I might limp for the rest of my life, but at least I'd be alive. That's all I want.

  Day 40

  I can't get out from these trees!

  I feel like I'm being trapped, held back from any escape. I'm lost. I'm exhausted. I can barely think straight from the pain that's constantly plaguing me. Every step feels like fire in my leg. My arm is itching, which I'm taking as a good sign, but it's still there. When I want to sleep, there's no end to it. I don't know if the wounds will kill me off, or the sleep exhaustion.

  The realisation that time is running out has started to take root. It's weird. You always know you're going to die, but it never seems obvious until you can feel its cold grasp reaching out for you. I can feel the icy tendrils reaching out, wrapping around my limbs. Gently pulling me closer to the abyss.

  I swapped the material over on my leg this morning. It doesn't look good. I'm itching to rinse it out with scalding water. Sure, fire doesn't attract zombies, but I don't want to attract anything else to me either. If I can pick up my pace, I might be able to find somewhere safe to clean it out.

  I should be panicking more. I shouldn't be so willing to let go. I'm worried if I give up all hope, even the hope of only being able to clean it out, then I'll have given up on living. Losing any hope won't end well for me. Despite my current situation I'm going to keep going. I need to put one foot in front of the other until I literally can't move any longer.

  Days 41 and 42

  Yesterday was bad. Really bad. The pain in my leg worsened to the point where I couldn't stand on it. I curled up under some branches. Two days I've spent curled up in the same place. I've barely eaten. I want to move. I need to move, but I can't shake the pain. I rummaged through my bag, looking for anything that might help me. Anything to take the edge off. When I found it. The holy grail. A packet of paracetamol had fallen into one of the crevices at the bottom of my bag. I'm hoping that once they settle and pull apart some of the pain, I'll be able to set off again.

  I'm hoping tomorrow will be the day I can pull myself from the trees' shadow. Without this injury, I would have been free of it days ago. I'm worried I will need the sort of energy non-injured Anna had. My weakened, limping state might not be enough to get me out. The dark cloud is threatening to settle on me, but I will be positive. Even a few more steps means that I've survived to another day.

  Tomorrow, I have to move. If I don't, I might never get out of here. The noises of the trees are making me jump. It's been another two days of little sleep. Every time I settle down, something happens. The pain shoots through my leg or something twitches nearby, breaking my rest. I need to move, for my own sanity if nothing else.

  Day 43

  I managed it! I moved from my pit of despair. I'm not sure how far I've gone, but I got out of there. I'm not sure if I've made any sort of significant progress to escaping from the psychopaths around here. But I moved. That's all that matters. My leg ached and grumbled every step of the way, but at least I don't have to worry about slowly becoming a part of the undergrowth.

  Even such a small accomplishment has me feeling optimistic. With the happiness I'm feeling now, I can see myself getting out of this alive. I might even manage to find a safe place to stay until all this is dealt with. I'm feeling more and more optimistic I'll be able to find Rachel and Daniel as well. If I can keep moving forwards, I shouldn't have any issues with stumbling across them. I think it's been nearly a week, I'm not sure if I'm counting my days right. But they can't have gone on without looking for me, right? They came back for me.

  As long as I can find enough food to keep me going, I will find them. I've barely eaten these past few days, but my bag is getting lighter. Maybe they will have some food to spare. I'd be willing to take anything if it meant I'd found them again.

  Day 44

  I found them. Two days of positivity is enough to get anyone thinking they can survive an apocalypse. But I did it. I stumbled across a small hut. I'm not sure what it used to be. It was run down and ruined, but I thought it could have something inside to help keep me going. I peered inside, and they were about to leave. I've never considered myself a lucky person, and with some of what's happened, I still don't. But I wasn't going to question this.

  “Rachel. Daniel.” I called out.

  They both quickly turned around to see m
e frantically waving at them from a small window. Their faces lit up. I don't think there were any three people happier than us at that moment. I couldn't help myself; my face broke out into the biggest smile I'd given in months.

  “Anna, you found us!” Rachel exclaimed.

  She grabbed her bag and ran out of the building. Tears slipped from her eyes as she pulled me to her.

  “I didn't think I'd be able to manage it, but I have. I can't believe you were here.”

  “We'd gone further, but after a couple of days without you catching up, I persuaded Daniel to turn back. I wanted to know you were okay. I knew you'd find us. I knew you wouldn't leave us behind.” She laughed and sobbed at the same time. Palming the streaks left on her face.

  “Nope, not left behind. I did let you go without me. I didn't want to slow you down.” I gestured to my makeshift walking stick and the wrapping around my leg. “I got hit. Not long after I pushed you in front of me. I didn't think I was going to make it and I didn't want to risk your chance of surviving. I've struggled to move, but it's slowly getting better.”

  “What's getting better?” Daniel asked as he caught up to us.

  I was about to answer when he looked at my leg. His face dropped. It was a quick reaction. He tried to hide it before either of us could tell that he was worried. It made me feel like I was right to have worried about this.

  “Bullet wound,” I said. “Or at least I think it is. There's no exit wound so I'm not sure what's lodged there. If it is, it must be the only gun they have. No idea where they picked it up from, not that we should be worrying about that.” I looked at the concern etched on both faces. “Don't worry, I'm not as fast as I used to be, but I can move. That's all that matters. I've managed to drag myself this far.”