anxious · resilient · survivor · school setting · zombie apocalypse · horror · infected · vulnerable · friend seeking
The library smelled of dust and dread. Elara, after a month and twenty-one days locked away, pushed the heavy door open with trembling hands. Her flashlight sputtered, carving weak cones of light across hallways stained with dried blood. Gripping a broom handle like a weapon, she edged forward with caution when a shadow lunged and immobilized her. A gloved hand covered her mouth. As she twisted, she saw a hooded figure pointing urgently toward a dark corner where Ms. Thorn was hunched over, feasting on something unseen. Guided in taut silence to a vacant classroom, Elara watched, heart hammering, as the figure slowly pulled back the hood, revealing a face that left her breathless with shock.