Day 1: We Are An Object

—That man was shot, and he turned within seconds... it's so strange... I mean... What the hell? Are we all infected?

Mia felt something strange in her neck, in fact it was hard to pass saliva. The sound of her heels, moving clumsily, was terrifying, because it made echo in the corridors.

—Surely the bald man was already infected! We have no proof that he was bitten or not, before he was killed —Ashley contradicted that question, for she was sure there had to be a great explanation.

—What we do know is that of the ten attackers, six are dead and one deserted. This is good, we can plan something now that there are fewer of them, something less risky... —Megan opted to change the subject to something that wouldn't alert the others to the origins of the infection.

—Exactly! Right now five women need our help. We don't know what they are doing to them... but we must come to their rescue —Jason also believed it was best to ignore what was seen on the cameras regarding the transmission of the disease.

—I think if we were infected, we would have shown symptoms by now —Nikolai crossed his arms as he scratched his large beard. —We haven't gotten sick, we haven't blacked out, or whatever shit happens to those who get bitten or infected. Let's stay calm. The man who came back from the dead may have been bitten, or otherwise infected, so there's no need to be so fucking scandalous about this. We need to steal the weapons from the store and keep ourselves safe....

—In case you'd like to know... the man who defected has gone into the Toy & Joy Store at Children's Heaven —Megan had seen relevant activity on the cameras.

—I have a plan. Jason, I want you to come with me. Megan... Is there by any chance an antique store or a place to get guns? I have... a little idea —Nikolai smiled, as he saw a very good opportunity to confront the group of lunatics.

—What is it, Nikolai?

Nikolai took Jason away to discuss his plan. The others could only wait for everything to go well. After a short while, both guys returned, having something in mind that might work out for them.

—We have a plan. George... Michael, we're going out... Can we trust you that the shelter will be safe? You are the only men here, and we would be very grateful for your cooperation —Nikolai approached the couple, who nodded without a second thought.

—We will take care of the ladies. You guys don't worry. It is my duty as a paramedic to protect the helpless and the less fortunate —George responded so calmly, patting the Serb on the back.

—We will do our duty. And Nikolai... Jason... be very careful. The men look very dangerous... if there is any way we can protect you from here, we will. Take good care of yourselves —Michael hugged Jason, for he was beginning to see in him something very big, something quite promising.

Jason and Nikolai left the shelter, well prepared and with weapons ready. They climbed into the vehicle and drove through Saint Michael's Park. On the drive, they both thought it was a good time to talk.

—If things get really bad back there, I'll do everything I can to protect you —Nikolai said. He stepped on the gas carefully, as some dead people were in his way.

—Thank you! I will do the same. I talked to Michael... and given the situation, I've rethought a lot of things, including what I want my life to be like —Jason leaned against the door, placing his hand on his right cheek.

—Jason...

—I want to talk to you very seriously, after we get this over with, IF we go back alive. I need to tell you some things and we need to take the situation, our situation, in hand.

—I never thought you would say that to me, Jason.... I'm glad. I like that you have initiative. Maybe... we could take a little break in the safe zone.

—We will, and it'll be a pretty long one. So the Toy Joy at Children's Heaven... You know, I never liked kids... but I don't like dead kids either. I saw some on the way to Mia's escort.

—When I escorted Holly and Molly, believe me, it was horrible. Children's Heaven is full of them... so... don't let whatever you see there... get yourself. They may look like children, but they ARE NOT —Nikolai felt he was being too hard on Jason, but it was necessary.

—I'll try not to think about it too much. Toy n Joy from Children's, here we go....

By the time they entered they saw that the area was infested with small creatures. One thing Jason noticed as he watched them from the vehicle was that some of these little zombies had a green aura around them, which attracted the other dead.

—They look like magnets... Maybe their smell is too strong and attracts the horde?

—It's weird, Jason... maybe the children are decomposing faster, which causes a particular stench. If you notice their skin is already green, and differs in red and purple colors, but the adults... the adults hardly look pale —Nikolai whispered.

—Hmm... this may be of great importance in understanding the dead. Let's get out of the vehicle, lock up and go see our friend. —Jason equipped himself with his baseball bat and Nikolai with a gun he brought from home, his revolver, and a golf club.

They walked through the second floor of Children's Heaven. Jason looked with disgust at the blood-stained bouncy houses, and those mangled playground equipment.

From the slide of horror to the house of carnage. What had once been a child's paradise was now a true hell.

—Boys! You're getting closer the target. We'll be watching you. —Ashley spoke into the walkie-talkie, alerting Jason who was off guard.

—Good! We hear you. Thank you... —Slater hung up.

Upon entering, both men saw how the game shelves were all over the floor, plus, there were several bags of Christmas shopping strewn about, coupled with the seasonal decorations and blood stains, it was possible that the parents were shopping for December 25th.

—I feel sorry for the children who are still waiting for their parents...and the parents who died with their children. What a load of crap, —Jason kicked a bag, activating a doctor doll toy that rattled. Jason immediately threw it away, as he didn't want any dead people around because of the stupid doll. —This whole situation is plain shit. They were kids, dude... and now look at them.

—You said it right.... they WERE kids, but they are not anymore. What did I tell you before? Don't let this get you. They won't give a shit if you scream at them and order them to stop while they take your intestines out and start eating them.

Nikolai came across the camera man, hiding behind the cash register. He looked pale, plus he had very noticeable dark circles under his eyes.