Page 20 of Surviving Her

“Just stay quiet and breathe. Let them pass. You’re okay, I’ve got you.” River grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

Eliza leaned in to River’s body. She lifted her head and stared into River’s eyes. They were soft and kind.

“Oh, God. What are we doing?” asked Eliza, smiling. “This feels so good. How do you do that? I’m terrified, but I feel so safe with you.”

River agreed. “I want to kiss you. I have since I met you. I can’t explain it.”

“What?” Eliza asked, pulling away violently. “I’m not your girlfriend, River. Why are you acting like this? I said I’d help you with your father, but that’s all there is to it. I’m not gay, okay?”

“But you…just then…you…” River stuttered in confusion, knowing full well she hadn’t imagined what had just happened. “Fine. Let’s get out of here.”

As they left the store and continued through the streets, River noted that the city felt like a silent witness to her struggle.

Why did she do that? The way she looked at me. The way her eyes met my lips. She’s in denial.

Every road was lined with abandoned vehicles, their contents long since scavenged. Buildings stood like skeletal remains of a once-thriving community. At times the infected would make an appearance, but they managed to stay out of their sight. It seemed if they remained quiet, hidden and still, they would pass them by.

“What about over there?” Eliza asked, pointing to two high rises. “We could go looking for supplies. We’ve been walking the streets for hours. One of us is going to have to make a decision. We can’t just keep roaming up and down streets and back alleys. My feet are fucking killing me, River.”

“Oh? Your feet are killing you, are they? Should we stop off somewhere and get you a massage and pedi, Eliza?” River answered in an irritated tone. “Can’t you hear that low hum? The groaning? That’s them! They’re getting closer and soon they’ll be everywhere. Why do you think we haven’t been into any of these buildings? They’re full of infected. It seems like most of them take cover during the day. That’s what my gut’s telling me. I’m not marching you all over Campdale for the fricking fun of it, doc.”

“I’m sorry,” Eliza whimpered.

Despite feeling like her emotions were about to get the better of her, River was still determined to keep her senses on full alert, every creak and distant moan forcing her heart to race with anticipation for the next unseen threat. “Just keep up. And remember that I know what I’m doing.”

As they turned a corner, River spotted a man standing in front of a small laundromat. His presence was unexpected, and the sight of him felt like a beacon of hope in the monotony of thatafternoon’s slow journey through the city. The man’s clothes were neat and clean, and he carried a radio in his hands, its crackling broadcast breaking the silence around them.

“Hello there!” River called out cautiously. “Can we talk to you?”

The man looked up, his eyes bright with a mixture of relief and curiosity. “You two look like you’ve had a hell of a time of it,” he said, his voice carrying a note of genuine concern. “I’ve been listening to these reports. They’re on repeat. Things are pretty bad out there.”

“Really? You can pick up the news on that thing?” River said. “Wow. My dad has one just like that. Does it work? What can you tell us?”

The man gestured for them to come closer. “The government has collapsed. Well, I guess most of them will be hiding in underground bunkers. Something like this happens, and you don’t see their asses for dust, right? They’re saying the military is in control now, but it seems they’re struggling to contain the situation. This virus thing is spreading faster than they can keep up. I don’t think it’s a virus. I reckon it’s chemical warfare. It’ll be the commies. If you get bitten, or possibly even scratched, it’s over. It’s genius if you ask me.”

“Let’s not get political. There’s no point playing guessing games,” replied River with a cautious smile.

“And what about killing them? Is that what they’re doing? Or are they hopeful for a cure? I mean, the military can’t exactly go around killing its own citizens, can it?” interjected Eliza.

“The only way to kill them is through the head,” River said, her tone grim. “We’ve figured that part out.”

“You meanyou’vefigured it out. I’m not talking abouthowto kill them. My question is, should we even be doing it?” Eliza snapped angrily. “Two days ago, it was illegal to go around murdering people. Do you remember? They’re still people.”

The man turned to Eliza, his expression grave. “Your friend’s right. Headshots are the only way to stop them. The virus doesn’t kill you—it turns you into one of them. You can’t let your guard down, not for a second.”

River exchanged a glance with Eliza, their worry mirrored in each other’s eyes. “We’re making our way to the northern forest. We have a cabin up there,” River said, her voice steady despite her uncertainty. “Any advice?”

The man considered them for a moment, then nodded slowly. “All the roads north are blocked. The military closed everything down. They laid mines. They’re trying to contain it; keep the virus in the cities. But it’s too late. I don’t know why they’re bothering. It might be worth taking a look, but you won’t get out. Be careful; it’s not safe out here. If the zombies don’t get you, our boys in green will.”

“Thanks,” River said, gratitude in her voice. “We’ll be careful. What are you going to do?”

“My great-grandfather opened this laundromat in 1902. I’m staying right here,” he replied, smiling. “I turned eighty-two yesterday, you know? I’m not going anywhere.”

“I understand,” said River softly. “Happy birthday, sir. Thank you so much. Take care.”

As they were about to leave, River’s keen senses picked up movement behind them. She turned just in time to see three walkers stumbling toward them. Her heart jolted as she grabbed the crowbar from her belt and pivoted toward them.

“Eliza, get behind me!” River shouted.

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