In a town not to big but not that small, the moon no more than a red sliver in an inky black sky.
Havoc and chaos taking flight, claiming lives on this night.
A virus is spreading, molding and changing its host, hiding so well it isn't noticed by most.
Only with the passion of a racing heart, adrenaline pumping, palms sweating, eyes wild can it be seen.
The flesh turns grey, eyes wide and blood shot, with a crazy rage of erupting violence.
Only in THIS state can the infected be found. See for what they really are..
A black cat sits in his usual spot, looks normal enough, until its owner starts to taunt him with his favorite toy.
At first he purrs, playing his game, until his heart beats faster with anticipation of the pounce.
His owner doesn't notice that ever so slowly his silky black coat shows a new color, streaks of blood red wrap his body as his playfulness turns into the savage hunt of a wild beast.
Pore kitty's owner will not make it through the night..
A couple is walking down the street, pushing their stroller along.
They didn't see the shadow lurking in the ally. Watching them. Waiting.
They draw near, the shadow leaps, drawing blood at first bite. Claiming its victims.
Fist one than two, going for the third, the small one in the stroller.
He turns for her but is to late as young woman runs by with child in hand, she flees.
Running for her life and the one in her arms, She fights back tears as her legs start to burn, she can't stop. Wont stop. She has to find sanctuary.
There! A dark building ahead, she prays its abandoned as she enters, locking the door behind her. Its dark, the air is stale and cold.
She feels for a light switch on the wall. But then thinks twice about it, not wanting to give away their position.
What was that?! A sound in the room, what was it? Click. The room explodes with light, she'd found the switch just in time to see them.
Three of them hiding behind pillars on this high celling room. At first they are all still, her from the shock, them, from the light. She holds the child to her, not knowing what to do
.
There, on the ledge above her, a glimmer off something metal. Its to high to reach. She jumps, misses, they start to move closer. Her heart is pounding, her palm are sweating. But she's not infect, they are.
Putting down the child she jumps again and again as they draw near. There, she's got it. A knife , a butchers knife. Child in one arm, knife in hand. She holds her place.
They look hungry, they move closer still. She wont back down.
The closest one lunges at her so fast she almost didn't see it. But the knife, thank God that knife. Went right through the chest, and its foe falls to the ground.
Then the other two bound after her as she moves almost to quickly for one holding a child. Up the stair to the right, down the hall. The room on the end is open, she goes for it, throwing the door shut, locks it, backing into the corner and waits.
The child in her arms whimpers, she shushes her and prays this will not be their last night.
The window, YES, that's it! She looks out, a fire escape, they clime onto it. It creaks, she slips, the child crys out.
She grips the rail, child and knife not wanting to part with any. She climes down in what seems like forever.
They finally reach the ground and start to run. Using the shadows along the buildings to their advantage they make their way to the one place she knows will be safe.
A hotel just a few blocks away. Her lover is there, his friends and many more that can keep her safe are there. He'll be furious when he finds shes gone out into the night alone.
Walking across the street in front of Shawn's Hotel, illuminated by the flood lights around the building already feeling safer. With child in tow she approaches the armed guards outside the door.
She pauses just long enough for clearance, but is held up by the child, she must be checked and cleared for the virus or put to death.
A nurse comes for the child and takes her to be tested as the young women heads down the hall that will lead to her love.
Nearing his door she can hear the ruckus coming from inside. He must have guest.
She knocks, turns the nob and lets herself in just as her love is reaching for the door.
The already smile on his face turns into a toothy grin at the site of her. Without warning he grabs her up in a kiss and carries her across the hall into an empty bathroom and closes the door.
The passion in his kiss is electrifying. His grip smothering but welcomed. He traces the small of her back as he presses against her. Catching her breath and yearning for whats to come she gasps.
His eyes, they're red and wild, his tone is darker, grey. OH NO! He's infected! How can this be? She screams and run for the door, pulling it closed behind her. Holding it shut with all her might.
Screams
I wake up.
