Chapter 15: The Cavalry

Walking back quietly into the restroom, I try not to wake Noralli as she lies peacefully asleep. We ran out of food so I went back into the store to get some drinks and jerky; night was the safest time of the day to go sneaking about in the store. I contently eat a stick of spicy turkey jerky and then pass out with my tired feet pressing up against the cold, tile wall. After what seemed like a few well-needed hours of sleep, I awaken to a thin line of sunshine beaming in through the cracked open door. Noralli peers out into the store with an odd fascination.

Pete: "What's going on?"
Noralli: "....Shhh...I think I see people outside...normal people."
Pete: "...infected?"
Noralli: "...they look like soldiers to me."
Pete: "What?"

I nudge her away from the door as I peak out into the streets. As my eyes adjust to the morning light, I spot a couple of heavily armed men in military gear walking cautiously down the street.

Pete: "I don't think these guys are infected...but, still, we shouldn't be so trusting..."
Noralli: "What if they're lost...maybe they can help us get somewhere safe?"
Pete: "...there's only so long we can hold out here...ok, we'll see if they can help, but stay behind
me, you got it?"
Noralli: "Yeah."

We creep out into the store as I pocket what's left of the jerky. I carefully push the entrance door open as not to frighten them, but the damn door chime rings. Instantly, one of the armed men, in panic, turns and fires in our direction. Luckily for us, he's too scared to aim correctly and shatters the liquor store's display window with burst-fire. He stops as soon as he recognizes us as survivors.

Noralli: "Please, help us!"

The armed men look at us behind their rifles in bewilderment; probably wondering whether or not to leave us behind. Before any of them can even say anything to us, a choked scream rings in the distance.

Bald Caucasian: "God damn it Charlie!"
Red "Haired Caucasian: "I'm sorry Ben, they fucken popped outta nowhere!"
Ben: "Shit, here they come! We gotta move, gentlemen, we gotta move!

As they all start to run away, Nicole and I try our best to follow them. The man who seems to lead the team looks back at us as he is running.

Ben: "If you can keep up, we'll take care of ya!"

We continue running non-stop, weaving through houses and alleyways as they clear a path in carnage. Every time Noralli lags behind, I slow down to tell her things that would get her mind off of the pain: remember to breath, we're almost there, your sister is waiting for you, etc. As we reach the main streets, I'm shocked and thrilled to see a huge, armored Humvee fitted with a 50 cal. turret swerve onto the curb.

Pete: "We made it Noralli, we're safe!"
Noralli: "Thank god!"

As we climb into the Humvee, I turn to see the faces of all the men and women who are inside. Just by the look in their eyes, I can tell that god had left these people a long time ago.