I knew I couldn't stay here. The door was busted, the barricade barely holding, and with every second that passed, the air felt thicker, heavier, like the whole place was closing in on me. I can't stay. Not with that thing dead on my floor, its blood slowly pooling across the wood.
My chest tightened as I pushed myself to my feet, wiping the tears from my cheeks. My apartment was already a mess, but I still had some supplies. I grabbed my backpack from the corner, shoving in what little food I had left—cans of beans, some crackers, a bottle of water. It wasn't much, but it would have to be enough. I found an old knife in the kitchen drawer and added that too, though I wasn't sure how much good it would do me if I had to use it.
I moved quickly, not giving myself time to think. Just pack and go. Get out. I grabbed an extra shirt, socks, my jacket, anything I thought might be useful. My hands shook the whole time, my pulse racing as I kept glancing at the door, half-expecting something else to burst through.
When I finally zipped up the backpack, it felt too light—like I wasn't prepared for what was out there. Because you aren't. But there was no time to worry about that now. I slung the pack over my shoulders, grabbed the fire extinguisher again for good measure, and forced myself to head for the door.
My breath hitched as I pressed my ear against it, listening. The hallway was quiet. No growls, no footsteps. Just silence. My heart pounded in my chest as I slowly pulled the door and inched it open, peeking out into the dimly lit hall.
Blood. The floor was streaked with it, dark smears leading away from my door. But there were no bodies. No movement.
I stepped out into the hallway, every muscle in my body tense. The air smelled of iron and rot, but I pushed forward, my shoes sticking to the dried blood as I walked. I couldn't stay here. I couldn't go back.
The door to the apartment across from mine loomed in front of me, and I hesitated for just a moment. What if no one's there? What if... I didn't let myself finish the thought. I couldn't do this alone.
I raised my hand and knocked, the sound of my knuckles against the wood echoing through the hallway like a gunshot. I held my breath, listening. Nothing.
I knocked again, harder this time, desperate. "Hello? Is anyone in there? Please…" My voice cracked, barely more than a whisper. I knocked again, louder, my heart thudding painfully in my chest. "Please…"
Then, a sound. Shuffling on the other side. My breath caught, and I took a step back, gripping the fire extinguisher tighter in my hand. The door creaked open an inch, and I saw a flash of movement—then, in an instant, the door swung wide, and a hand shot out, grabbing me by the wrist.
I screamed, but before I could react, I was pulled inside with a force that knocked the breath out of me. The door slammed shut behind me, and I found myself face-to-face with a man—wild-eyed, his hair disheveled, and clothes stained with dirt and sweat. He looked just as terrified as I felt.
"Shut up!" he hissed, clamping a hand over my mouth. I froze, my pulse racing, my body rigid with fear. His grip on my wrist was tight, and his eyes darted around the room like a cornered animal. He didn't speak at first, just scanned me, looking at every inch of my body as if I were hiding something. His expression hardened, lips pressed into a thin line.
"Were you bitten?" His voice came out harsh, almost a snarl.
I shook my head, the fear rushing back, making my heart pound in my chest. "N-no, I wasn't. I swear."
He didn't seem convinced. His hand was still on my wrist, holding me there, keeping me pinned under his gaze. "You sure?" He leaned in, eyes narrowing. "Because if you're lying to me, I'll kill you."
"I'm not lying!" I cried, pulling back instinctively, but his grip tightened. He was stronger than I'd expected, and I realized just how powerless I was in that moment. The fire extinguisher I had been clutching slipped from my grasp, clattering to the floor.
His gaze flickered to it for a second before locking back on me. "Take off your clothes."
My stomach dropped. "What?"