Y Wednesday, February 18, 2009
8:42 pm
"Wait, I think we could use this." Ian muttered.A dark blue mountain trekking bag laid at the corner of the shop. It was Bill's. He used to carry it around whenever he made deliveries or collected stocks. "Always handy to have a knapsack around. Put yer stuff in it!"
Ian shook his head clear of Bill's voice. Pangs of guilt crept on him. In life, he took free shoes. In death, he raided his fridge. Kate took whatever they could carry in the knapsack - water, food, batteries and even a torchlight for herself. Thank god Gramps keeps these stuff around.
They packed light but sufficient - with proper rationing it should last two days, or three if they decided to starve. At least he wore a belt.
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What the hell? Hey, isn't that my iPod? Damn, so it was in Gramp's shop! Crap. No wonder I couldn't find it. Hmm? What's this stuck onto it.
Ian's. Remember to return it to the young man - they need their music!
Forgetful as always, Bill. That's that, I think we better leave..
"Kate, come on. Van's just behind the backdoor." Damn she's taking her time.
"Okay okay, coming." Well at least there was urgency in her reply.
The van door proved difficult to open, or maybe it was just because my side was burning. I could feel the warm blood ooze and trickle to the ground every moment I exerted strength onto the door.
"Unngh.." Damnnit, I did not mean to do that.
"Eh you okay? I better help you in.." Her voice was panic-stricken as she came over and supported me into the van, getting her blouse stained in the process.
"S-sorry bout that blouse, heh heh." I smirked. She shook her head and skipped to the driver's seat, and started the engine.
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The van rumbled to life as its engine hummed strongly. It was no Ferrari, but Ian suspected a van would be more efficient at bowling zombies. A frown momentarily flashed across his face as he gazed at Kate behind the wheel.
Women drivers.
His classmate was killed by one. It was ages ago, but somehow there are certain things you just can't and won't forget.
The nostalgia came to a dead halt as the van jolted and moved out of its parking lot. This is going to be on helluva ride. Kate tensed guided the van slowly out of the parking area, her knuckles white from gripping the steering wheel.
"Do you know the way to Changi?" Ian asked. He didn't seem to have a reply in the event she said no.
"Ya. I go there last time with my boyfwend when we don wan people ka chiao us.." Kate replied almost wistfully.
"Huh. So where's he now?" Ian quizzed nonchalantly.
"Break liao la. Dat toopid guy, best is go die."
The sudden change in tone elicited a chuckle from Ian, which was quickly stifled into a hiss as his side reminded him that motion was not preferred.
Groans emerged from all directions. Shit. The sound of the van attracted the horde like ants to honey. Kate switched on the headlights in a panic and drove straight. Bad idea. The undead ahead of them screamed and started charging towards the accelerating van.
"Just drive through them! Get to the highway, we'll be safer there!" Ian yelled.
"I trying I trying!" Kate replied, the edges of her voice cracking under stress.
A gnarled hand smashed into the passenger seat, startling Kate as she swerved the van hard. Ian swore and pulled out his pistol. Taking aim was a luxury he did not have. To hell with you.
Click.
Shit! Forgot to reload it.
He inhaled deeply and hammered the butt of the pistol on to the hand over and over. Ian was sure every bone in the hand was smashed to bits, but clung on to the edge of the window. It wouldn't have made any sense if it his assailant were human. Not that anything made any sense now.
The sickening symphony of metal on flesh and bone cracking under impact sounded into the night, as blood-curdling screams served as accompaniment while the van sped away from Marine Parade.
Seeing the highway, Ian felt the allure of unconsciousness welcoming him with open arms. He embraced it.
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