1 – A is for Atrophy
Bang, bang, bang!Sounds of the axe hitting the front door echoed through the deserted shack, sending curls of fear through the forms huddled inside. Unintelligible moans erupted from their mouths as they pressed together.
Trixie sent out a thought: Calm. Don’t let them hear us; maybe they’ll go away.
When the groans died down, they could hear the humans outside walking the perimeter of the structure, looking for a weak point.
Shuffling of the beings increased and a small hand found its way into Trixie’s. She knelt down near the child and put her scabby forehead to his. He seemed to understand this meant: We’ll be okay; and she felt the tension leaving his body. They stayed that way for a few minutes until a human shouted out, “Here! I found a way in!”
Instantly she was upright, willing her brethren to move from their corner, closer to the window she intended to smash to make an exit. It was the only route they had. As one, they shuffled toward it.
“I can’t get this door open!” It came from one of the female hunters.
She sounded like she was in the basement.
Off the kitchen, a doorknob was being jiggled.
Guttural moans erupted from the group again.
Trixie could just make out the fat heads of huge nails protruding from the jamb. Those humans would have to have a crowbar to get that entrance open. She sent out another thought: They can’t open it. Be quiet. At once, the low droning stopped.
Her group continued to move slowly.
She hoped they could make it to her truck. Dragging her useless right leg, she did the best she could to lead the ones behind her to the large window.
When they got to the house, they’d done what they could to fortify it against the humans giving chase. It was sheer luck the earlier inhabitants had already reinforced most of the windows, entrances, and exits. With speed she didn’t know her group possessed, they moved to secure the house against the certain death on their heels like the hounds of hell.
She wished she could speak; but the rot invading her skin eroded her vocal chords. While she had a strange connection with those who were like her, allowing access to their minds, she couldn’t communicate with humans.
This was supposed to be a rescue mission. It was an easy in and out trip. Reports had come in about three members of a family hiding in a nearby barn. Her team was sent to bring them in safely.
But, here they were, about to get their heads squished.
***
I hope you enjoyed that little peek into my book.
What are you working on? How's your NaNo going?
Well, that's all for today, folks! Until next time, WRITE ON!
Jo
This sounds really good, I can't wait to read it! The cover was the one I picked too in your poll, so cool!
ReplyDeleteIt's a very different sort of novel. I try to delve more into the structure and thought process of humanity as it rolls along. It will certainly give you the shivers and not because of the gore. :)
DeleteI'm ready for more! It's a nice twist to see a story from the Zombie's POV.
ReplyDelete