Life In Death (Book 1): Surviving Death (The Struggle)

by Holmes, Ethan

  “You want to know something,” she asked.

  “What’s that?”

  “I wish we didn’t put off each other for so long. I wanted to be with you for a long time but I didn’t know what to say or even how to say it.” Tears started to run down her cheeks and her chin started quivering. “I wish that we had each other before all this started.”

  Frank took her hand. “I know, honey. I know. But we have each other now. That’s all that matters. I love you and I’m thankful every day that I get to wake up next to you.”

  Anna half sobbed, half laughed. She had never felt so loved, even by her late husband or from her own family. She got up on her feet, leaned down and kissed him. “I love you, Frank. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

  “I love you, too,” Frank said.

  She kissed him again and stood back up. “Go to sleep. I’ll see you in a little while.”

  Anna walked out of the room and closed the door. Frank was staring at the ceiling, thinking about Anna and Isabelle. He smiled and closed his eyes.

  Frank awoke with a startle. Anna was asleep next to him. She had nudged his ribs while turning over in her sleep. Frank tried to sit up in the bed but bending his abdomen put pressure on his ribs. Frank put a foot on the floor, gripped the side of the bed, and pulled his upper body up while keeping it as straight as possible. It hurt but he ground his teeth and fought through it. Sitting on the side of the bed, he looked back at Anna then at Isabelle who were both still fast asleep. He stood up and walked as quietly as he could out of the room. He walked down the stairs, slowly, then out to the front porch where Kim and Steve were sitting together. The crisp cool air felt good on his aching body. Kim and Steve didn’t hear him come out.

  “How are you love birds doing tonight?” Frank said.

  They both jumped. “Don’t scare us like that,” Steve whispered.

  Frank chuckled. “I couldn’t help it. How’s it going?”

  “It’s fine. Why are you out of bed,” Steve asked.

  “Good question. I feel a lot better though. Head ache isn’t nearly as bad.”

  “Well that’s good, at least.”

  “How long have I been out,” Frank asked.

  Steve looked at his watch. “About ten hours. How do you feel,” he asked, pointing at Frank’s ribs.

  Frank rubbed his ribs, gingerly. “How did you put it? ‘Like I got stomped by one pissed off bull?’ I’m walking a bit better, though.”

  “Good. You really should get some more rest, though,” Steve said.

  “I will. You guys need anything before I go check on the others,” Frank asked.

  “No. I think we’re good. Thanks Frank,” Kim said.

  “You’re welcome. Have a good night, guys,” Frank said as he turned and walked back inside.

  Frank stepped out on the back porch. Jim and Jesse were standing out in the yard.

  “Hey guys,” Frank called out.

  “Hey Frank. How are you feeling,” Jim asked.

  “A bit better,” Frank said, still cradling his ribs.

  “You look a lot better,” Jesse said.

  Frank chuckled. “Thanks. You guys need anything?”

  “Nah, we’re good. Think we should be asking you that,” Jim said.

  “Nope. Just taking a walk. Stretching out the sore muscles and bones,” Frank said.

  “Sounds like it would hurt, especially with broken ribs,” Jesse said.

  “Well, it isn’t comfy but it’s good for me,” Frank said.

  “Ok. Just don’t overdo it,” Jesse said.

  “Will do. I’m going back to bed. Have a good night,” Frank said as he turned and went back into the house. I took a while but Frank made it back into the bedroom and eased himself into bed. He turn on his side and watched Anna sleep for the rest of the night.

  Chapter 18

  Horrors of Life

  A few days later, Anna, Tommy, Frank, Steve, and Kim were sitting at the dinner table discussing their next trip to town.

  “I was thinking we could go tomorrow. We are running low on just about everything, including gas. Most of the vehicles are down to about a quarter of a tank, including the JERRV,” Steve said looking at his inventory list.

  “Shit. That’s going to be a rough trip then,” Tommy said.

  “We knew that would be an issue when we came out here. Less Biters, less gas,” Frank said.

  “That’s true. We’ll need to top off the vehicles we take, so we’ll need to bring the pump,” Steve said.

  “So we know what we need. Now, who is going?” Frank said.

  “Well, you’re not. Don’t argue Frank. Your ribs are nowhere near ready for running and gunning,” Steve said.

  “I know.”

  “Wait, what? You know? I was expecting a bit more of a fight than that,” Steve said.

  Frank chuckled. “Sorry to disappoint you. I know that the state I’m in, I would be more of a liability than an asset. I trust Anna and Tommy to handle the job. I do feel a bit useless, though.”

  “As much as you’ve already done for us, you deserve a little R&R. Too bad you had to break a few ribs to do it,” Tommy said.

  “I would say that I’ll kick my feet up but I’m pretty sure I’ll hurt myself doing it,” Frank said. Everyone at the table laughed.

  “On a more serious note, I would like to fit in a welfare check for Sam and her parents.”

  “I think we could fit that in. I can run by there before heading back,” Anna said.

  “Good. If you can, grab a bit extra at the grocery store and run it over there, that would be great.”

  “Will do.”

  “Another thing I would like to bring to the table is getting more silencers. We only have the one for my M14, which came in extremely handy. I would like to get some for the M4s and the pistols as well, just in case.”

  “Might be a pain to find,” Steve said.

  “Yeah. It doesn’t have to be today. Just keep your eyes peeled. Here in the next couple of weeks, I would like to go to the gun shops around town,” Frank said.

  An hour later, the entire group was sitting out on the porch with Frank standing in front of them.

  “So that’s about it in a nutshell. Like always, we are looking for volunteers. Any takers?” Frank announced.

  A few of them raised their hands. “Ok. Good. That should be enough. Anna, Tommy? Take it away.”

  They both stood up. Anna took the lead. “You guys know the drill. We split up into two teams. Jesse, Jim? You will be with me. Craig, Steve, and Will? You will be with Tommy.”

  Frank watched as Anna took charge. They were in good hands. Tommy stepped forward.

  “Alright guys. We’ve done this a hundred times. Stick together and watch each other’s backs. You all know the golden rule: never go anywhere alone. We do this by the book. Stay safe and we’ll be alright,” Tommy said.

  Frank was impressed by his team. He always knew that they were good soldiers but he didn’t know how they would be in a leadership position. He knew Anna would be ok but Tommy never seemed to have that take charge attitude. He always seemed more like the little, joke cracking brother. He smiled, letting his pride show a bit.

  Frank stood up. “Alright guys. You leave tomorrow at 8am. Check your gear tonight and be ready. Any questions?”

  No one spoke up.

  “Good. Thanks everyone.”

  Everyone headed inside.

  The next day, the group heading to town was beginning to load up into their vehicles. He caught Anna before she got into the JERRV. “Be careful out there, ok?” Frank said.

  Anna turned and saw the concern on his face. She nearly cried. Frank was so worried about her that he could barely contain it. She caressed his face. “We’ll come back. I promise.”

  Frank shook his head. “Ok. I love you,” he said then kissed her.

  Anna got into the truck and the small convoy left on their way to town.

  A few hours later, Anna h
ad split off from Tommy and pulled in front of Don’s home. She had everyone stay in the vehicle and took a few bags of groceries with her. As she topped the steps, she knew something was wrong. The door was cracked open. Anna sat the groceries down slowly, simultaneously raising her rifle. She debated whether or not to go in. She knew that Sam and Dorothy may still be alive. She took out her radio.

  “Bravo to base,” Anna said calmly.

  “Base here,” Frank replied.

  “Base, I’m at Sam’s place. The front door is open…” she said.

  “Bravo, do not enter. There is no telling how many are in there,” Frank said with worry in his voice.

  “Base, Sam and Dorothy could still be in there. You and I both know that you would go in for them,” Anna reasoned.

  Frank couldn’t say anything. She was right.

  “Frank, I have to go in,” Anna said, her voice dripping with conviction.

  “Fine. Be careful. Charlie, are you listening,” Frank asked.

  “Copy. We’ve already turned around and are heading her way. ETA seven minutes,” Tommy said.

  “Good man. Be careful and good luck, Anna. All units go radio silent,” Frank ordered.

  She put her radio away and slowly opened the door. She could hear someone banging on something. The light from the doorway illuminated the area. In the middle of the living room, she saw a body lying on the floor. It was Beth. Anna approached her, kneeling down to examine her body. She nearly slipped on the wet floor. She looked down and saw she was standing in a pool of Beth’s blood. Anna noticed, Beth had her throat had been ripped out. Anna knew she hadn’t been dead long. She drew her knife and dug it into her skull, just in case. She twisted the blade as hard as she could just to make sure that her brains were scrambled. Her heart sank but she knew she had to keep her feelings bottled up for now. She got up to her feet and continued across the room. As she approached the hallway she clicked on her weapon light. She knew that the banging was coming from her right. She decided it to clear the left side of the house first. She knew that she could hear if the banging stopped. She approached the bedroom at the end of the hallway. As she entered, she noticed a second body on the floor. This one was the Biter that broke in, she knew from the decay of its flesh. Its skull was caved in by an old glass ash tray that was sitting next to its head, broken. Feeling satisfied that this side of the house was cleared, she continued to the other side. As she moved down the hallway, the pounding grew louder. She turned the corner and her light illuminate the source of the noise. Don was trying to break down a door to what she figured was the bathroom at the end of the hallway. Don noticed the light and turned around. His eyes were so bloodshot they appeared to be black in the dim light. She knew what she had to do.

  “Sam?” she called out. “If you’re in there, get down on the floor.”

  “Please help us,” Sam cried.

  Don was still approaching her, his mouth was wide open. Drool and bile pouring from his mouth. She aimed for his head.

  “I’m sorry, Don…” she said then pulled the trigger.

  The back of his head blew out, splattering brain and blood over the doors and walls behind him. She continued down the hallway.

  “Anna,” Tommy called out.

  “I’m in here,” she called out.

  Tommy came around the corner. “You ok?”

  “I’m ok,” she said then walked over to the door. “Sam? Come out. We need to go.”

  The door slowly opened. Sam had Dorothy in her arms. They were both shaking, terrified at the situation. Anna took her hand.

  “You’re ok. Dorothy, keep your eyes closed. Shut them real tight, ok?” Anna said.

  The child closed her eyes. They started walking down the hallway then Sam saw Don’s body.

  “Daddy…” Sam whimpered.

  They continued down to the living room. Then she saw Beth.

  “Oh my God! Mom,” she began to cry uncontrollably.

  “I’m so sorry, Sam…” Anna said. She took her by the hand and led her outside. Jim was waiting for them outside the door. Once they were outside, Anna turned to Sam.

  “Sam, are either of you hurt?” Anna asked, seeing if they were bitten was her true intent.

  Sam took in a deep breath, trying to compose herself. “No. That thing attacked my Mom. Dad struggle with it for a while. When he finally killed it, he pulled us into the bathroom and told me not to come out. I saw that he was bitten…” she started crying again.

  “He wanted to protect you. He knew that you couldn’t bring yourself to hurt him,” Anna said.

  “He told us that you guys would come to help us…” Sam said.

  Anna hugged her and Dorothy tight and let Sam cry into her shirt. Soon, Sam pulled away.

  “We should probably go,” Sam said, still sobbing.

  “You’re right. Come on,” Anna said.

  Anna pulled out her radio. “Bravo to base.”

  Frank nearly had a heart attack. “Bravo, what’s your status?”

  Anna waited until Sam and Dorothy were in the JERRV and the armored doors were closed. “Don and Beth are dead. Bringing Sam and Dorothy back with us.”

  Frank’s heart sank. ‘This horrible world keeps claiming its victims. How much longer can we keep this up?’

  “Did you copy, base?” Anna said.

  “We copy. Are you alright?” Frank asked, depressingly.

  “Physically yes,” Anna said. Frank had a good idea at what she probably had to do.

  “Understood. Be careful on your way home,” Frank said.

  About 30 minutes later, they pulled into the yard. Frank met them as they were pulling in. Anna hopped out of the truck and hugged him tight. She pulled away and looked at him.

  “I’m sorry. It should have been me to go into that house,” Frank said.

  “It’s ok. Sam and Dorothy are ok. That’s all that matters,” Anna said.

  Frank took her hand. “That’s not all that matters to me,” he said then walked by her. Sam was just getting out of the truck, when he came around the JERRV. Their eyes met.

  “I’m sorry,” Frank said.

  “You don’t have anything to be sorry about, Frank. My dad wanted me to tell you that he was sorry. He said he should have listened to you. He knew that you guys would come by sooner or later. Thank you for keeping your word,” Sam said, tearing up again.

  Frank nearly started crying himself but was able to keep control. “Come on. Let’s get you settled in.”

  That night, Frank and Anna were standing out on the front porch on watch. Neither of them had said a word in an hour. He knew that she was not ok with the events earlier that day. He knew he needed to say something but didn’t know what. Finally, gathered enough courage and nudged her.

  “Hey. How are you doing?” Frank said. He knew that wasn’t very good but he was never good as a counselor. He saw in the moon light a tear streamed down her cheek. She quickly swept it away.

  “I’ll be ok. I’m just exhausted,” Anna said.

  Frank knew she was trying to be strong. He put arm around her. “Come on, Anna. It’s me. I know you better than that. You know you can talk to me. Whenever you need to,” he said.

  “I know. I’m just scared. I don’t want to lose any more friends. I think I finally understand why you can be so reckless.”

  “Feel like hunting down every Biter you can find,” Frank asked.

  Anna looked at him, surprised.

  “Hit the nail on the head,” Frank asked.

  “Yeah. How did you…”

  “I know the feeling. After Nick, I was so angry. I wanted to hunt them down, as many as I could find. It was all that I could think about. After a while, I thought about it. Who is going to protect you and Isabelle when you really need me?” Frank said. “If you go on a Biter killing spree, who will be here to protect us when we really need you?”

  Anna started to cry. “You’re right,” she turned and embraced him. “You’re always right. Thank you.�
��

  Frank held her close. “You’re welcome. I will always be here for you.”

  Anna pulled away when she heard some rustling behind her. She turned and shined her light. Steve was standing there. He held up his hands.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” Steve said.

  Anna wiped her face. “No, it’s ok. I feel better.”

  “What’s up?” Frank asked.

  “I was just coming to check up on you guys. It’s been a rough day. Guess I should have waited a bit longer,” Steve said.

  “No it’s ok. I feel a bit better, thanks to Frank,” Anna said.

  Frank smiled. “You guys doing ok?”

  “Yeah. Just bored. Will has been hanging around with Kim and me for a while. Figured I would check in on you before he goes to bed. Need anything?” Steve said.

  “No. We should be ok now,” Frank said.

  “Ok.” he turned and started walking back, waving his hand in the air. “Have a good night.”

  “You too, Steve,” Anna said.

  Anna looked at Frank and saw that he was smiling.

  “What?”

  “He reminds me of a big brother who’s worried about his little sister,” Frank snickered.

  The thought of it made her smile. He was right. Everyone here did act just like a family.

  “I hadn’t really thought about it. I never had any brothers or sisters so I really don’t know what it is like. It’s nice,” Anna said. She leaned her head on his shoulder and they held each other for the rest of the night.

  The next morning, Frank came into the kitchen and saw that Sam and Dorothy were already there. Natalie was preparing breakfast with Gloria.

  “Hey guys,” he said then sat down at the table with them. “How are you two doing?”

  “I think we will be ok. We just need some time,” Sam said as she stroked the back of Dorothy’s head.

  Anna came up behind Frank and put her hand on his shoulder. “We’ll give you all the time you need. If you need someone to talk to, you can come to any one of us, especially me,” Anna said.