A Rational Zombie

Chapter 40

I almost couldnt believe it. An infected dressed in camouflage with a bow. Was it a hunter before it died? That seems to be the most likely answer. Who knew infected could retain their memories after turning? It almost makes me feel a little bad for killing so many. Almost. Since my kill count mostly consists of traps, I dont feel too guilty. A normal person wouldve avoided them with ease. Theres even a sign outside that warns of caltrops and tripwires ahead.

Honestly, I never thought Id be done in by an infected. I figured if I died, itd be from old age or another person. Infected people are just like animals, brave animals, but still animals. They flock towards food. Traps work on them. They cant speak. The only difference is they dont run when startled. Well, they do runtowards the sound, not away from it.

And dehydration. Dehydration is a big killer. I nearly did die from it at the start of the outbreak. But even that time doesnt compare to the crisis Im in now. A pile of burning bodies is right next to me. The door cant be shut because of them. The second door cant be locked into place because the first one opened. Paul is holding it shut, but he doesnt seem like hell last much longer. I cant stab at the infected pushing against the door without exposing myself to the infected with the bow. I did say burning only the clothes and hair wouldnt set the building on fire, but for some reason, this pile of bodies is burning really well. I think theres a layer of grease and grime on the corpses thatre serving as fuel, but it should burn out soon. Whether or not the door catches fire before that happens remains to be seen.

Bern, what do we do? I dont think I can hold them back much longer.

What do we do? Well die if this situation keeps up. The infected dont get tired during their pursuit. Ive noticed they get sluggish when theres nothing to eat around it, but they seem to have unlimited energy when chasing people. As for us, we dont have that. Well gradually lose our strength, and one slipup will cost us our lives. Theres wooden stakes tied to the infecteds hands, and their tips are black. Its safe to assume theyre infected considering what happened to Mark. Its unbelievable how fast he turned.

Bern?

I have a plan. Its a risky plan, but it has a higher chance of survival than continuing what were doing. Josh, get all the stink sauce we have. Now.

Stink sauce doesnt work on the smart one, Spencer said. It doesnt hunt by smell.

But it works on all the other ones, right?

I think? But that doesnt matter. Once the smart one draws their attention on us, were screwed.

How does it do that?

How the hell would I know?

If this infected leader really could command all the infected as it pleased, then I dont see a way out. Originally, I wanted to cover all of us in stink sauce. The infected would ignore us and eat Lacy instead; Spencer already killed her when she opened the door. While they were distracted, wed escape, but the odds of that happening depend entirely on the infected leaders capabilities. Wheres Josh? He shouldve been back by now. Dont tell me, did he escape out the window in the back?

Bern? Where are you going?

Hang on a second, Ill be right back. Did he really? Its high up to prevent others from seeing in, and theres a pitfall trap underneath the window outside, but its easily avoidable by hanging on to the ledge and swinging. If all the infected are at the front door, then the back should be completely clear. We could escape that way; the only problem is two people have to hold the doors shut. And once everyones out, theyll have to make a run for it. If the infected are distracted long enough by Lacys corpse, they might not even be in danger. Josh! Where are you?

There was no reply. I entered the storage room, and just as I suspected, the window was wide open. The jars of stink sauce were left untouched in the corner of the room. I looked outside and didnt see a single infected. Even their groans sounded extremely faint, the noise coming more from behind than from outside.

Everyone knows how the saying goes: Everyman for himself. I went to my room next door to the storage, took out the bag from underneath my bed, and slipped it onto my back. Then I went back to the storage room. I threw my spear out the window, making sure it avoided the pit. I might not be as nimble as I once was, but climbing out a window isnt a difficult task. Supporting myself on the ledge with my arms to swing and avoid the pitfall traps doable as well. My shoulders might be a bit sore in the morning, but at least Ill live long enough to enjoy the feeling of being sore. Do infected get sore? Probably not, considering they dont react to painful stimuli. Why am I struggling so hard to survive as a human when I can live pain-free with infinite stamina by turning into an infected? Theres even a chance Ill retain my sanity.

Im not sure. I figure the chances of me staying sane is similar to the chances of me winning the lottery. Of all the infected Ive encountered, only one has been smart. I dont like those odds. The spear I threw was wet from the morning dew. Not much time had passed since that infected horde chased me and Spencer down. The brief struggle was intense, making it seem longer than it actually was, but at least I escaped. I really invested a lot of time into this place just to have it taken away. Its almost like Im getting divorced again. What an awful way to start the day.