The bells at the Catedrale Di San Sabino have been ringing since yesterday evening. The bells aren’t the only things I am hearing though. I have heard several crashes. I have heard windows shattering, and I have heard two explosions. The worst things I have heard are the screaming and yelling of people. My apartment faces into the street so I can’t see a lot out of my window, but I saw a lot of smoke to the south-west. I’m not sure if it’s the private hospital about five hundred meters away, or if it’s the big Ikea store just behind there.
Things have gone to hell over here! I have been emailing, texting, and skyping with a bunch of my friends and they all say that the same things are happening around them. Is this the end of the world?
My good friend Marcello was feeling very ill last night when I was skyping with him, and this morning I can not reach him anymore. I never even heard back from lots of other friends of mine.
Filippo, Luca, Roberta, Norberto, Angela. If you read this, I hope you are ok.
My family has shut themselves into their house. I talked to my little brother this morning and he says there are crazy people around. I told him about what happened to me yesterday, and that these are dead people! He was very upset. He promised me that he would talk to Mama and Papa, and that they would try to be safe. Mio Dio, I’m so worried!
A lot has happened since two days ago, when I brought Elena here. Elena’s stomach-ache got really bad that first night, but I could not contact the Policinico hospital. We tried to walk there, as it’s only about a fifteen-minute walk from my place – but we only got two blocks before we saw more of those things – the Morto – the undead! They were coming right at us, so we turned back and ran back to my building. Poor Elena had a terrible night and was crying a lot.
Where is the government, I wonder? There is very little information on the television. ‘Stay in your residence’ is about the only thing that they are saying. Where is the cure? Where is the army?
Yesterday was a bad day for Elena. She was feeling worse all the time. By last night, she started to get feverish. I was frantic! But we can’t get anybody to help us! The police don’t even pick up the phone anymore! Also, we can’t leave the building anymore because I see four of the undead outside. They are hanging around the door like they are waiting for us!
As I was helping Elena up from the couch to my room, she told me ‘Darsi all’ippica’. That means something like giving yourself to the horse race – but what it really means is ‘I give up’. That was a very sad moment. We cried together.
I got her finally into bed, but she was having a lot of pain, so I gave her some of my painkillers. Actually, I gave her lots of painkillers!
I did not sleep well at all the last couple of nights. The couch is not so comfortable, and the noises outside have me on edge. Last night I heard some guy screaming in the building – I think it was upstairs somewhere. I didn’t want to leave my apartment, but I snuck up to my door and looked through the peep hole. I don’t know why I did that. It’s not like I can see up the stairwell and down the hall. I was really scared. I expected to see a dead person on the other side of the door, looking right at me! But there was nothing there. By that point, the screaming had ended so I crept back to my couch.
This morning it’s quiet, but at the same time not – you know? It’s quiet because I can’t hear any airplanes, hardly any cars, and what’s worse hardly any people. It’s not quiet because I constantly hear movement, like people bumping into furniture upstairs, or things being dropped. And of course, there are the bells from the Catedrale. They go on and on and on. They drive me crazy!
I should go see how Elena is doing. I’m worried I gave her too many of those painkillers... Maybe she is still sleeping.
I hope she is still sleeping...
I will go check on her now.
Chapter Twenty-four
Shelley
October 28, 4:55 P.M.
‘Clack.’
The echo of the locks sliding into place reverberated through the hall. Shelley felt conflicted. On one hand she felt that they had locked the dangerous world out. On the other hand, she immediately started feeling claustrophobic. Was this school their safe haven, or their prison?
For a moment, everybody was stunned by a mixture of shock and fear. The silence was overwhelming.
Shelley looked around. The artificial lighting gave everybody a slight yellowish tinge. The group looked as if they were frozen in place, eerily similar to the undead outside.
She didn’t want to be the first person to say something. That wasn’t how she was put together. Just then, thankfully, somebody made a noise – somewhere between a sigh and a moan. This broke the spell, and people started looking around at their surroundings. Some looked each other up and down, sizing up their co-inhabitants.
Shelley was never the most social or confident person. Growing up third generation American, her characteristics nevertheless were still dominated by her Japanese roots. She was prone to the traditional oriental traits of being polite, respectful and shy. Exactly the polar opposite of her colleagues at the hospital. They were always jokingly mocking her for only speaking when spoken to, always being punctual, and following the direction of others without argument. But that was just who she was.
So, she hung back and watched the scene play out.
The rich guy was the first to speak up. “Um... All right.” He started off.
The entire group turned to the man. He briefly balanced on the edge of withering under the scrutiny, before manning up and continuing.
“Ok people. We need to do what the guy said. We should make sure all the doors and windows are shut,” He hesitated slightly as Joe Collins took a step towards him “...and secured.”
He had introduced himself on the bus earlier that day, just like a few of the others had. But the events of the day had driven his name out of Shelley’s mind. She knew he was rich, based on the clothes he wore and the mansion that he and his trophy wife were extracted from.
Joe Collins took another step towards the rich man, puffed up his chest and spoke up. “Now who made you the boss?!” The big African American was using his size to intimidate the smaller man. Shelley could tell that it was working.
The rich guy raised his hands in a placating manner. “Hey, I’m just repeating what that soldier guy told us.”
“Yeah, well you ain’t running the show here!”
That started several folks up with murmurs of discontent. All the while, Joe was staring down the rich guy.
He’s enjoying that. That asshole. Off to one side, she could see the solid looking guy with the prosthetic being held back by his wife.
Ern – the old guy – spoke up at that moment to break the tension. “We’ve got a few things to do folks – and arguing about who is ‘running the show’ isn’t going to help.” Some other lady complained loudly “We don’t have time to argue about this!” Shelley couldn’t tell who it was.
At that point, a chorus of voices spoke up from all corners. Things were degenerating fast. Shelley started shaking her head.
What a mess...
“EXCUSE ME!” Somebody yelled at that point.
“EXCUSE ME!” he repeated as the rest of the group’s discussion died down and all eyes turned to him. It was Craig. Jack’s dad. He was not a terribly imposing sight. Just a tall, lanky man, who looked like he was in his early forties. His dark hair was slightly receding at the temples, giving him a bit of a Dracula look. He stood straight as people stared at him and made the classic ‘slow down’ movement with his hands.
“Ok.” Craig said as all noise died down. He stepped back to the exit that he had just locked, choosing a position central and in front of the group. With his back turned, Shelley heard him mumble ‘Ok.’ to himself once more before he turned to face the group.
“Hi.” He said with a disarming smile.
He had positioned himself so that most of the people could see him clearly. “My name is Craig.” Craig looked at several people around him, mee
ting eyes whenever possible.
Shelley noticed it. This guy was obviously experienced in dealing with groups.
“Let’s not worry about who the leader is for the moment, ok?”
He continued before anybody could respond.
“What we do need to do, folks, is to focus. We need to work together. The enemy is not here amongst us, but out there.” He stated as he threw a thumb over his shoulder towards the exit behind him.
“Hey–” Joe started to speak but was hushed by several people including his wife. She had walked up behind him and tugged on his arm. “Let the man speak, Joe.” She said in a low voice.
Craig continued with a grateful smile directed towards Joe’s wife. “We can deal with other things later, but I for one would feel a lot more comfortable if we can get this place secured... So, none of those things can get at us!” He said this last bit as he was nodding at the people around him and received affirmative nods in return.
“I have an idea. Can I share it with you?” He received several nods, so continued.
“Look, we need to cover this floor and the basement floor as quickly as possible. What I propose is that we split into two groups. Each group takes care of one floor. We just need to make sure that all the exit doors and windows are closed and locked.”
The soldier, Bill, took that moment to stand beside Craig. His uniformed presence provided a feel of authority, despite the bandage that covered his face and the sling around his arm.
Shelley thought about that for a second. Or maybe his presence provides motivation exactly because of those visible injuries...
Craig organized the group into two teams. One team, led by the two remaining soldiers, went downstairs, and the other team was to take charge of the main floor. Shelley noticed, that as Craig was talking, Joe Collins was starting to bristle again. But then Craig asked Joe to take charge of the group responsible for checking the main floor. That surprised the big man. It surprised others too. Shelley could sense that while some approved of the tactical step, others resented it.
“Erm... Yes. Yes, I can do that.” Joe’s face betrayed a flash of pride. Craig had appeased Joe’s ego and still gotten what he wanted out of the deal.
“Ok, great. Let’s get this one thing done and we’ll all feel safer.” And with a nod to Joe, Craig relinquished control of the group. Shelley was impressed. This guy knew how to motivate folks – or at least disarm situations.
The first group had already left. Joe looked at the remainder of the group. Eight expectant faces were turned to him.
“Ah. Ok. ... I think we’re right in the middle of the school. So, half of us can go check the cafeteria area and the rest of us take the opposite direction.”
Shelley had to give credit to the big man. He could think on his feet.
“Ok – you,” He pointed at Shelley. “and you three,” this time he pointed at Craig, his wife and his son Jack. “take the cafeteria area and meet us at the gym at the end of the hall when you’re done. The rest of us will start in the offices here to our left.”
He nodded once and the group got started.
Shelley had already met Craig and the seventeen-year-old Jack, so quickly introduced herself to Craig’s wife, Sarah.
“Nice to meet you!” Sarah said enthusiastically. She smiled at the younger woman. “I heard from Craig that you’re a nurse. It’s good to have somebody with your skills! I’m just a housewife, myself...”
Shelley returned the smile shyly. “My mom used to tell me that a housewife is both the humblest and noblest profession. I’m sure you have more useful skills than me.”
“Well isn’t that just the nicest thing to say!” She stuck her arm though Shelley’s elbow. “You stick with me, Shelley.” She said as they entered the cafeteria.
Craig and Jack took one side of the cafeteria, while Shelley and Sarah took the other. It only took a minute. The windows weren’t ones that could be opened. The emergency exits at the far end of the cafeteria and in the back of the kitchen were securely locked.
The four-some exited the cafeteria and quickly checked the washrooms before meeting up with the Collins group further down the hall. They all walked into the gym together, but other than two exits, there were no windows to secure. Unless zombies could scale buildings, that is. The only windows in the gym were located about twenty-five feet up. After ensuring that the doors were locked, the group had a quick look at the supply drop.
The gym was filled with what looked to be quite an impressive cache. Shelley first noticed the large pile of stuff that seemed to include cots against the far wall, and a big pile of bedding lying beside it.
At least we won’t be sleeping on the ground.
She looked over and saw the pallet with the large container of water that had been mentioned before, and quickly counted seven other pallets, containing various sizes of boxes. Shelley could see the curiosity on everybody’s faces.
“What is all this stuff?” Joe Collins gave voice to everybody’s thoughts.
“Captain Matheson had that manifest!” Jack reminded them of the clipboard Matheson had held up to the group earlier. It had been left behind on the stage in the cafeteria.
They heard the other group coming back up the stairs, so they exited the gym and headed back. All-in-all it had taken only a few minutes to secure the two levels.
Not bad for a disorganized bunch. Thanks to that Craig, anyways. Shelley watched the lanky man walk in front of her.
THEY ALL GOT TO THE cafeteria at the same time, and people started to take seats. The benches provided plenty of seating. Shelley made her way to the elderly couple and sat down with them.
Craig and Sarah went into the kitchen and came back out shortly after with a couple of cases of water. They started to distribute bottles. Craig spoke up to the gathering as he handed out the last few bottles.
“Hey, this might be a good opportunity to get people acquainted. Maybe we can get some introductions going?” Nobody rejected his idea, so Craig started with himself.
“Ok, I’ll start. I think you all heard, but my name is Craig Van Gilze. I am... uh, I was, a project manager at State Engineering here in town.
Ah, a project manager. That made sense to Shelley.
Next, his wife, Sarah introduced herself. With a wink to Shelley, she stated that she was a housewife ‘And proud of it!’
Craig next introduced their seventeen-year-old son Jack, who was a student in grade 12. The slender young man had the blonde hair of his mother, and the sharp facial features of his father.
Shelley couldn’t help thinking that Jack’s college prospects had just taken a turn for the worse.
Patrick Bentley was the next to introduce himself and his wife Rosa. Although they didn’t introduce themselves as a rich couple, most people seemed aware that these folks had been rich before the world went to shit. That mansion that they had been picked up from was easily as big as this school. Patrick had owned an internet business and called himself ‘extremely lucky’.
Your luck just ran out, bub. Shelley berated herself for that thought immediately.
Rosa didn’t say much. The shapely beauty merely called herself ‘Patrick’s wife, Rosa.’
Shelley noted a distinct Latino accent though.
Maria sat next to Rosa. The young girl simply said ‘Maria’ and dared anybody to comment with an angry expression. Shelley was impressed with her. The young Hispanic girl carried herself with undeniable pride. Shelley got the sense from looking at her that she was the type of girl that everybody cared for, but also the type of girl that could take care of herself.
But she is still a little girl. Maybe twelve years old? She had obviously been through a lot. How is she going to cope with all of this?
For that matter, how are any of us going to cope...
Bill Moyers was next. Most of the group already knew the injured and unlucky soldier. He appeared shy in the group setting. Shelley guessed that he was still struggling with his tragic role in the e
vents earlier that day.
Bill had a twang in his voice, and Shelley figured he originated from the south somewhere. Missouri maybe. Or possibly Tennessee.
“Name’s Bill. Bill Moyers. I’m National Guard Reserve.”
“What do you do when you’re not on guardsman duty, Bill?” Craig encouraged.
“Farmer.” He quickly looked around, as if embarrassed with the admission. “I grew up on my parents’ farm and was runnin’ the farm. Until...” He shrugged. He was clearly done talking then as he dropped his face to intently study the table-top in front of him.
Poor guy. The guilt will eat him up. Shelley had the strong urge to sit with him and comfort him somehow.
Everybody already knew Ern. He looked like a curmudgeonly old man, but Shelley suspected that he was actually quite charismatic. Ern’s wife’s name was Nancy. The large older woman had matriarch written all over her. Shelley had the feeling that Nancy would be handing out hugs and hot cacao soon.
It was Shelley’s turn next. “Hi. I’m Michelle. Call me Shelley. I am... I was. A nurse.” She said with a shy smile.
“You still are a nurse, Shelley.” Craig said. “We will definitely need your expertise.”
It was meant to be a reassuring gesture, but instead it filled Shelley with dread and fear.
The Collins clan went next. It was the woman of the household that did all of the talking. The African American woman stood at their table and addressed the group. “I’m Rachel Collins, a proud housewife also,” She said with a quick smile towards Sarah. “and here we have my beautiful nineteen-year-old daughter Christine and my handsome sixteen-year-old son Ethan.” She said as she tapped each of her kids on the shoulder as she introduced them. The kids looked appropriately embarrassed.
Those kids are indeed handsome. Shelley had to admit. She’s a bit full of herself but she’s right about that.
Shelley took a closer look at Rachel. She looked the part of the doting mother and housewife. Her long black hair was straightened and styled with bangs. She had the warm and experienced face of a mother. She wore comfortable yet fashionable clothing. Shelley could almost imagine the busybody home maker keeping the house tidy but making the time for morning spin or yoga classes, afternoon coffee dates with the hen club, and a mountainous stack of junk romance novels to fill the evenings with.
Apocalypsis Immortuos | Book 1 | Syndrome Page 12