Chapter 1: Those Granted to Hell VI

Nikolai and George left the mall. Under the circumstances, the park was a dangerous option for escape, as most of the dead were concentrated in the surrounding area. On the other hand, the gate of Grand Mont Plaza was open (Destroyed, mostly) and, by asking Megan to activate the alarms elsewhere, the zombies were able to walk to another plaza, leaving a free space. That way the survivors could get out of the mall.

Nikolai looked at the cars he crashed into the night before. Some of them were bloodied, which gave him to understand that, perhaps the owners in an attempt to escape were killed. It would not be surprising, since there were human remains and torn clothes that had belonged to someone on the floor.

The atmosphere smelled terrible, it smelled rotten, and it was not at all strange since there were bodies in a state of decomposition, walking freely.

—I'm beginning to suspect that we are already infected, —George was looking for the vehicle in which he had arrived with Michael. A black sedan.

—Why do you say that, George?

—We are exposed to a lot of gases and fluids expelled by the human bodies of the people who have died. I understand there's some kind of infection... something that brings us back when we die.

—Hmm... What do you think it was, then? Because I can assure you that in my city people who died went to a coffin, not to eat people's faces —Nikolai was trying to find the sedan so he could leave.

—There are many things to which the epidemic can be attributed. On the one hand, an unknown virus that has been released, a variant of a known virus that mutated... some bioterrorist attack... I would even agree with the person who tells me that this is God's Punishment —George continued walking to one end of the parking lot, as he had already found his car.

—I think it's too late to make the first communion.... —Nikolai laughed, closing the door once he entered and checked the back to eliminate any unwanted guest.

—And me to become a Catholic. But one thing is for sure... we are infected. What I fear most is... if in life some effects are going to proliferate, if this is something recessive or if dying is the only manifestation of whatever it is we have inside.

—By this point the scientists of the world should know, shouldn't they?

—It's going to take weeks to find out. We already have the answer: death. We know that dying brings you back. But these people who don't know what's going on? We saw that kid you shot, he came back some time later and killed the last group of assholes, Megan did us the favor of turning off the lights at Black Card Plaza until we could no longer hear screams.

—So... What exactly are we looking for, George? When we get to your home sweet home.

—Take all the medicine I have in storage and all my paramedic equipment —George stepped on the gas and drove through the streets of Vallimorth. Nikolai could notice how some locals and several houses had pieces of wood on the doors, or there were barricades set up by the police in some streets, forcing George to retreat.

—Apparently a lot of things had happened while we were shopping...

—It was not surprising. Besides... Did you see the large number of patrol cars outside the mall? Strange...

—I have a sneaking guess that the mall was one of the areas where there was the highest concentration of zombies, that's why the police cordoned off the area. Maybe they were trying to stop them from coming to Vallimorth's Shopping Mall?

—Or maybe they were trying to stop them from getting out of the mall...

—I don't want to know, and I have no idea.

Nikolai leaned his arm against the car door. It was strange to him that the atmosphere had a "green" fog, and the smell of burning rubber from the tires made his eyes burn and he began to sneeze.

—Are we almost there?

—No. They blocked so many streets that it is difficult to move.... Why don't we talk? Tell me a little about yourself, Nikolai.

—Well, I was born in Kragujevac, Serbia, you may have noticed from my accent. I was born in a poor environment, I ate garbage to survive. When I was young I used to have sex with people of all kinds for some money, I would say I was luckier with men than with women, hehe. I don't know what else you want to know...

—Hobbies? family? What do you think about the current situation?

—Hobbies? I don't know if masturbating counts as one Ha ha!

—Hey man, I don't know! Ha ha... I lost my shame when I was found masturbating at thirteen.

—As for family, I have only one brother: Vidan. He got his citizenship by marrying his wife, Bessie. Me? I used to live under his care. I don't have my papers up to date... so I work at whatever you need me to. I'm multi-use. My mother died and my father disappeared without a trace. I have no uncles, no grandparents, no cousins, just my brother.

—Same here, my only family is Michael. We lived together for about fifteen years. We're getting there...

George's house was too far away from the Vallimorth shopping center. It was part of a neighborhood that was conspicuous by the absence of its inhabitants, for there was no one there. It was so unusual to see the door of all those houses open, without a car outside... the only closed house was George's.

The men got out of the vehicle and entered the house. Upon entering, Nikolai closed the door and followed George. Quickly Tennyson gave orders: Grab backpacks and bags to put all of George's medications and equipment in.

—I've got some food! Some meat. I don't know if you'd like something to eat before we leave. It's going to be another long drive to the mall.... —George offered. Both men were in the couple's room. Nikolai could see several pictures of George and Michael very happy, in some places in Vallimorth.

—No, thank you. I have no appetite... -Kalinic replied. He thought it was nice to see such a couple together for so long.

—I'll take some blankets and some clothes for Michael as well. We haven't showered in days and I'll be sure to bring him his belongings. If we're going to leave Vallimorth... or if we're going to make the mall our temporary home.

—At least there are showers. You won't have to worry about your characteristic scent.... —Nikolai whispered, which caught George's attention.

—That was too specific. So, we're all packed. We have everything ready... Do you want to leave now, Nikolai? Anything else you'd like to do?

—Yes... Well... since you're clearly the most old member of our group... and... well... since you're...

—Homosexual.

—That... and of course... that you have a lot of experience... I wanted to talk to you. I've been having a lot of doubts with Jason lately. Today we had a meeting, and you saw us. I don't know if it's the right time for cuddling...

—Nikolai... now more than ever we all must express love and the things that still make us "human", without them we end up like the men in the gun shop. Do you understand? Don't waste your time thinking; act. You have to act or else it will be too late.

—I didn't need a fucking epidemic to realize that I love a man... and that maybe I've lived my life in a way I don't want to.

—Ah, love, young love... you young people don't know what you want but you don't stop until you get it, whatever it is you're looking for. Nikolai, you have my support.

George placed his hand on Nikolai's shoulder, and caressed it.

—Did you equip the medicines I gave you?

—All ready. We have too many backpacks and equipment bags. We can go now.

—Perfect. And Nikolai... thank you. Not only did you somehow convince my husband to stay safe, but you have also accompanied me for my medicines. You're... you're a good friend.

—Friend? Wow...

—Actions speak louder than words. Jason hit the jackpot with you. Come on, let's go back to the mall.

Both men left the house, left the door locked and returned to the mall. It would be a long walk.