"Shoot his head!" Daniel yelled out, his voice strained as he fired continuously at the giant zombie, each shot echoing through the air. With unwavering determination, he ran towards the truck, his heart pounding in his chest.
The zombie thundered towards Daniel, each step accompanied by a menacing cracking sound that sent shivers down Daniel's spine. Despite his efforts, the shots seemed to have little effect on the giant zombie.
As the colossal undead closed in on him with alarming speed, Daniel's mind raced, fear gripping him tightly. With a sense of resignation, he let out a sigh, his thoughts fleeting as he contemplated his impending demise. "So is this how I am going to die?"
Then, out of nowhere, an army vehicle barreled into the scene, its massive frame colliding with the zombie head-on. The impact sent the creature hurtling through the air, crashing into a nearby building with a deafening roar. Before the vehicle could meet the same fate, a brave soldier leaped from its path, rolling to safety just as the car exploded, engulfing the undead monstrosity in flames.
Still reeling from the close brush with death, Daniel's eyes widened in disbelief at the scene unfolding before him. Before he could fully grasp what had just happened, the urgent voice of the old man pierced through the chaos, snapping Daniel back to reality.
"D-Daniel, and you two young men," the old man barked, his tone urgent, "get in the car! We don't have time to waste anymore. The zombies are coming!"
Daniel snapped out of his daze, slapping his cheeks with both hands in a futile attempt to shake off the shock. One of the soldiers extended a hand, offering Daniel support as he scrambled to his feet.
With a sense of urgency hanging heavy in the air, Daniel and the two soldiers dashed towards the awaiting truck. The soldiers leaped into the back of the truck with practiced agility, readying themselves for the impending escape. But just as Daniel was about to follow suit, a shrill voice cut through the tension.
"Daddy, mummy!" cried out the young girl, her voice filled with panic and confusion. "I was looking for both of you. Were you looking for me too?"
Daniel's heart sank as he turned towards the source of the desperate plea. Before he could react, the girl had already darted out of the truck, her small figure disappearing into the darkness as she sprinted towards the looming building where she believed her parents awaited her.
Daniel stood frozen, torn between his instinct to save the child and the nagging fear for his own safety. Each option felt like a boulder weighing on his chest, crushing him with indecision. "Fuck it," he muttered, his heart pounding in his ears as he sprinted towards the child, fear nipping at his heels.
"Stop it, Daniel! What are you doing? Don't go!" Helen's desperate plea echoed through the air, but it was swallowed by the urgency propelling Daniel forward. Helen, clutching a bag in her trembling hands, leaped out of the still-moving truck, her voice carrying her frantic fear as she chased after him. "Wait for me! Don't leave without me!"
The old man watched the chaotic scene unfold before him, a mixture of shock and exasperation contorting his weathered features. With a resigned shake of his head, he slapped his forehead and sighed heavily. "These two kids are gonna put me in an early grave, for fuck's sake!"
A soldier's voice shattered the tension, calling out Helen and Daniel's departure from the truck. "Hey, soldier 1! Helen and Daniel are gone!"
"What did you say?" Soldier 1's confusion was palpable, his brows furrowed in disbelief at the unexpected turn of events.
Another soldier suggested a retreat to retrieve them, but Soldier 1 hesitated. He weighed the risks, knowing that abandoning the truck could endanger the elderly and children onboard. With a heavy heart, he made a difficult decision. "We can't jeopardize the safety of the people. We continue with the mission."
The old man's resolve solidified at Soldier 1's words. Without hesitation, he grabbed the flamethrower and leaped from the truck, determined to reach Helen and Daniel. Despite a soldier's protest, warning of the unnecessary risk, the old man pressed on, his focus unwavering.
"Hey, you!" Soldier 1 turned to the next in line. "You're in charge for now. I'm going after them. I know the way to the new base. Make sure you get everyone there." With that, Soldier 1 leaped off the truck, sprinting towards the distant figures of the old man and the fleeing youngsters.
-------
"Mummy, daddy, please wait for me!" The little girl's voice echoed through the desolate street, her tiny frame racing to catch up to her parents who seemed to drift further away with each step.
Finally, she reached them, her fingers clutching desperately at the fabric of their shirts, her heart pounding with fear.
Turning around, her parents' faces were etched with decay, blood oozing from their mouths like a grotesque fountain.
"Mum, dad, are you okay? Are you hurt?" The concern in her voice was palpable as she gazed up at them with wide eyes filled with worry.
But before she could comprehend their condition, her mother lunged at her, shoving her to the ground with a force that stole her breath.
"Mum, what's wrong? Why are you hurting me?" The little girl's voice quivered with fear as she struggled beneath her mother's weight, her eyes pleading for an answer.
Yet, there was none. The silence from her mother was deafening, matched only by the chilling approach of her father.
As their decaying faces loomed closer, ready to sink their teeth into her flesh, the piercing sound of gunshots shattered the air.
With a final, desperate cry, the little girl watched as her parents fell to the ground, lifeless once more.
"Are you okay?" Daniel's voice cut through the chaos as he rushed to her side, lifting her gently from the ground.
But she could only stare at her parents, her small hands trembling as she reached out to shake them awake.
"Dad, mum, please wake up, don't leave me alone," she sobbed, her tears mingling with the blood-stained ground beneath her.
Daniel's heart ached at the sight, a bitter mix of sadness and despair washing over him as he knelt beside the grieving child.