The creature’s hand shot up to its face. Blistered fingers smeared with dirt took hold of a piece of flesh dangling beneath its nose. Its fingernails dug in until they pulled a strip of skin off completely. The couple watched in horror as it held the rotten fragment out, offering it to Kate. Although Nick’s hold on the monster was steady, Kate stepped back.
“What the hell is that thing trying to do?” Kate asked.
“I don’t know. Maybe he likes you. He’s trying to give you a gift. Sorry, buddy. She’s all mine. Cool shirt, though.” With his free hand, Nick pulled the hunting knife from his side and drove it through the Infected’s temple. The creature’s undead animation ceased, and it fell to the ground.
“I’ve never seen one of them do that,” Kate said. Fear still swam in her eyes as Nick returned the hunting knife to its place.
“Add it to the list of things we need to ask Dr. Chamberlain about.”
Kate nodded, ridding herself of the burden of questions that could not be answered. She placed a hand on Nick’s chest and shoved him.
“Maybe I enjoy receiving rotten flesh as gifts,” she said, her tone playful. “He would’ve made a great boyfriend, always laughing at my jokes. We’d have to work on his taste in music, though.”
“We haven’t seen any Infected wearing Slipknot shirts. Just saying.” Nick shrugged.
“That’s because all the Slipknot fans are too smart to become Infected.”
“Oh, is that right?” Nick laughed.
“What were you were saying just before that thing pulled a piece of its skin from its face? That I’m always right?” Kate wrapped her arms around Nick’s neck, looking up at him with a smirk.
“What? I would never say such a crazy thing.” Nick kissed the top of her forehead.
“Yeah, yeah. Let’s keep moving,” Kate said. She pressed her lips to Nick’s, then broke away.
A clearing in the woods led them to a white farmhouse, its scalloped siding reminded Kate of an oversized dollhouse. Children’s laughter made them pause and caused Nick’s hand to jut out in front of Kate. This motion had become a reflex—protection upon instinct.
The duo walked with cautious steps, aiming to continue past the house without disturbing its occupants, whether living or undead. The pleasant sounds drifted toward them once more, little girls playing in the backyard. Nick knew what he would see before looking at her. Kate’s eyes were fixed on the sound, glimmering with hope and desperate for rescue.
Nick gripped her wrist, urging her to press on. Kate turned to look at him, and he had to watch her nurturing spirit fold in on itself. She relented to being led away.
“Hi!” a small voice called from behind them. Kate whirled around to see a young girl with messy, tangled hair wearing a nightgown and peeking around the backside of the house.
“Hi sweetheart,” Kate said sweetly, dropping to one knee. The little girl smiled and started across the overgrown lawn toward them. An older girl wearing jeans and a muddy t-shirt peered at them from the back of the house. Her expression was stern and full of worry.
“Evie, don’t!” the older girl called.
“It’s okay, Tate. She’s a friend!” Evie said without looking back. Tatum grumbled, then started to follow her when the front door flew open. Nick swung his rifle around in his hands and aimed, moving forward until he was blocking Kate. Pulling the revolver from her waistband, Kate clutched the handgun in a ready position.
A man armed with a shotgun crept down the steps.
“Girls, get back! What do you all want?” The man moved forward with the shotgun aimed at Nick. His dingy, stained jeans bristled against the knee-high grass.
“We’re just passing through. Lower your weapon!” Nick responded.
“Daddy, don’t shoot her, please. I like her!” Evie pleaded.
“You military?” the man asked, his fingers twitching against the stock of the gun.
“Used to be,” Nick answered. “Marine Corps.”
The man sighed, then lowered the shotgun.
“Sorry, friends. It’s been a crazy year. I always respect a man of war. I’m Ron. This is Evie and Tatum.”
Nick searched Ron’s eyes, then lowered his rifle with hesitation.
“Yay!” Evie shouted and ran into Kate’s arms, hugging her fiercely. Kate laughed, closing her eyes and taking in the moment.
