Through The Rot: New Comers

:warning: TRIGGER/ CONTENT WARNING! :warning:

Blood, death, gore

Word count: 7833

Haha, sorry about that. I may have gotten a little carried away and forgot to watch the word count. My bad. 🤷‍♂

    Missy whimpered, her frail body trembling beneath the threadbare blankets. Her small, desperate pleas for help slipped out in broken whispers, growing louder as her nightmare deepened. Suddenly, her hands shot out, as if trying to shield herself from something unseen, her pale face contorting with terror.

    “No! No!” She screamed, her voice cracking, raw with fear.

    Before the sound could echo too far, a hand clamped gently over her mouth.

    “Shh, you’re okay.” Gavin whispered, his voice low and steady as he leaned close to her ear. His other arm wrapped around her trembling frame. “You’re safe. I won’t let anything hurt you.”

    Missy’s tear-filled eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice. The terror in her gaze shifted into something fragile, recognition, relief, and heartbreak all at once. She turned sharply, burying her face in her older brother’s chest as sobs wracked her tiny frame. She clung to him with all her might, as if he were the only thing keeping her tethered to this world.

    “It was just a dream.” Gavin murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as he cradled her close. “Shh, Missy. You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”

    Her cries softened but didn’t stop, the tears soaking into his worn shirt. Each sob was a dagger to Gavin’s chest. He held her tighter, his hand brushing over her matted hair, trying to smooth it down, trying to comfort her. But nothing he did ever felt like enough.

    “They…they wanted to eat me, Gav.” Missy stammered between hiccupping breaths, her voice muffled against him. “They were growling and…”

    “Shh, Missy.” Gavin interrupted softly, his lips brushing her hair as he spoke. “It was just a bad dream. You’re here with me. Nothing’s going to hurt you, I promise.”

    How many times had he said those words? How many times had he whispered the same hollow reassurances? And yet, no matter how often he said them, they never felt true. He’d promised to protect her, to keep her safe, but the world they lived in now made liars out of everyone.

     Missy clutched his shirt tighter, her sobs rising again as she trembled harder. “I want Mommy.” she whimpered, her voice cracking with raw longing.

    Gavin’s heart twisted painfully, the familiar ache settling deep in his chest. What could he say to that? He couldn’t tell her the truth, not again. Not when it shattered her every time. He swallowed hard, forcing down the lump rising in his throat, his own tears threatening to spill.

     Instead, he said nothing. He rubbed her back in slow, soothing circles, letting the silence stretch between them. Words wouldn’t help. Nothing could.

    The memory of their parents’ final moments flashed in his mind, unbidden and sharp, like glass cutting into his thoughts. He clenched his jaw, forcing the images away, but the weight of the past still pressed down on him like a vice.

    Missy’s sobs began to quiet, her trembling easing under his steady touch. Gavin glanced toward the boarded-up windows, the dim moonlight filtering through the cracks. The night outside was cold, unforgiving, and filled with danger, but here, in this moment, he held her close, shielding her from it all.

    “I’ve got you, Missy.” He whispered again, his voice shaky with emotion. “I’ve got you.”

    And even though the promise felt like a lie, Gavin would say it as many times as it took to keep her going.

    “Get up. We have work to do.” The low, gravelly voice demanded as the large man nudged the boy with the toe of his boot.

     Gavin groaned quietly as his grainy eyes opened. He looked up at Chuck and nodded then back down at his sleeping sister. Missy was still curled into him, her arms wrapped securely around his waist. He gave her a small squeeze before detangling himself from her grip, waking her gently.

     “Hey, squirt, I need to make my rounds. I'll be right back.” Gavin knew if he disappeared while she was sleeping, she would go into a full on fit. She was paranoid that he would leave her like their parents had, so he made sure to wake her every time before he left.

     Missy pouted but nodded as she let him go. “Hurry. I'm hungry.”

    Gavin smiled as he ruffled her hair. “I'll be quick.” He winked as he stood up and stretched his tight muscles. The floor sucked to sleep on, the thin blanket did little to fend off the cold and even less to cushion it.

    Gavin walked the outside perimeter of the small grocery store they were using as their makeshift camp. He stayed close to the wall as his eyes darted around for any movement, his ears alert for the smallest sound.

     His father had taught him to trust his instincts, and right now, they were screaming that staying here was a mistake. They’d already stayed longer than was safe, and what they had, a roof, food, and water, was high priority for any survivors. It wasn’t a question of if they’d be attacked, but when.

    He sighed, adjusting his grip on the crowbar in his hand. For days now, he’d been telling Chuck they needed to move. "Take what we can carry and find someplace safer." Gavin had argued. But Chuck was stubborn, insisting this was the perfect spot.

    “We’ve got everything we need.” Chuck had said just last night, gesturing at the stocked shelves and the water barrels they’d managed to fill during the last rain. “We can defend it if we’re smart.”

    Gavin wasn’t so sure. The reinforced windows and barricaded doors might hold against a small group of the infected, but what about desperate humans? People were far more dangerous, and this store was practically a beacon for trouble.

    As he rounded the back corner of the building, Gavin froze. In the distance, movement caught his eye, a small group of about six, stumbled through the rain-soaked street. At first, he thought they were infected, their movements were sluggish and uneven. But as they came closer, he saw the truth. They were alive. And they’d seen the store.

    Gavin’s body stiffened as he watched them move closer, their hunched forms trudging through the freezing rain. He backed away slowly, careful not to make any noise that might draw their attention. When he was certain he was out of sight, he turned and moved quickly back around the building to the rear entrance.

    He slipped through the barricaded door, shutting it quietly behind him. Inside, the faint glow of lanterns illuminated the space. The others were scattered about, eating, resting, or quietly organizing supplies.

    “Chuck!” Gavin called just above a whisper in an urgent tone as he crossed the room to where their leader sat cleaning a large, dangerous looking knife. “There’s a group of people headed our way.”

    Chuck bolted to his feet, already stashing the knife into his belt and gripping his rifle. “How many?”

    “Six? Seven? Not many.” Gavin replied, setting down his crowbar to retrieve his shotgun from the weapons stash. His hands worked swiftly, checking the weapon for shells.

    Chuck smirked, his confidence almost casual as he moved toward the front of the store. “Won’t be a problem then. We outnumber them.”

    “Doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous.” Gavin muttered, following close behind. “Desperate people do desperate things.”

    Chuck glanced over his shoulder, his grin unnerving. “And desperate people make mistakes. Let’s see what they want.”

    The tension in the room thickened as the rest of the group, hearing the commotion, began to stir. A young woman clutched a knife, her wide eyes darting between Gavin and Chuck. In the corner, a wiry man quietly loaded his crossbow, his expression grim. Others began to ready weapons of every kind, preparing for a battle. Missy huddled in a corner, her blue eyes frozen with fear.

    Gavin’s gut churned. He wasn’t happy about killing people, but he was even less thrilled with the thought of them getting anywhere near his sister. She was the one thing in this broken world he couldn’t bear to lose.

    The group of six moved hesitantly toward the barricaded door, their breaths visible in the cold air. They looked around nervously before a woman in a red coat stepped forward. Her face was pale and gaunt, desperation etched into every word she spoke.

    “We need your help.” She said urgently. “We have an injured man. He was shot and needs attention. We're starving, freezing. Please, we beg you.”

    Gavin clenched his jaw and whispered to Chuck, “No. If someone’s hurt, who’s to say it’s not a bite? We can’t risk it.”

    Chuck didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he stepped closer to the door, his rifle gripped firmly in his hands. His voice was calm and authoritative as he called through the barricade. “Was he bitten?”

    “No.” the woman replied, shaking her head vigorously. “I told you, he was shot. He’s not infected. None of us are. Please, before we’re heard by them.” Her voice trembled as she gestured down the street, the group behind her pressing closer together, their fear palpable as they shivered against the cold.

    Gavin’s hand tightened around his shotgun. His instincts screamed that this was a bad idea. “Chuck, this feels like a trap. We don’t know them. We don’t owe them anything. We can't risk the others.” Gavin’s eyes flicked towards his sister then back to Chuck.

    Chuck’s eyes narrowed as he studied the group through the cracks in the boarded-up window. “They’re scared.” He said, half to himself. “And if we leave them out there, it’s a death sentence.”

    “They could be lying.” Gavin pressed. “Leading others right to us.”

    Chuck turned to him, his expression hard. “If we were out there, freezing, starving, begging, would you want someone to take that chance on us?”

    Gavin didn’t answer. He just stared at the trembling group outside, his grip tightening, his gut a mess of turmoil.

    Chuck pulled back the barricade and opened the door, the creak of the hinges sounding far too loud in the tense silence. Gavin took a step back, his shotgun raised, the barrel leveled at the group. His finger hovered near the trigger, his breaths quick and shallow as his eyes scanned each of them.

    Two men entered first, struggling to carry a third between them. The wounded man’s leg was wrapped in a blood-soaked cloth, and his face was pale and sweat-slicked. Gavin’s eyes darted to the injured limb, but the bandages made it impossible to see the wound itself. His mind raced with worst-case scenarios.

    “Thank you.” The woman in the red coat said as she stepped inside. Her sharp eyes swept the room, taking in every detail, the barricades, the weapons, the supplies stacked in the corners. Her demeanor was calm, but Gavin didn’t miss the way she subtly placed herself in the center of the room, as if positioning herself to negotiate. “Is it necessary to aim so many weapons at us?”

    “Yes.” Gavin replied flatly before Chuck could say anything. His voice was cold and steady, but his heart pounded in his chest.

    The woman raised her hands slightly, her expression softening, though her gaze remained sharp. “We’re not a threat. We just need help.”

    “Everyone says that.” Gavin snapped. “Everyone lies.”

    Chuck shot Gavin a warning glance before lowering his rifle slightly. “Let’s not start off like this.” He said, his voice almost gentle. “We’ll help you, but we need honesty. What happened to him?” He nodded toward the injured man.

    The woman hesitated for a moment, her calm facade cracking. “He was shot by someone who wanted our supplies. We ran, but they caught him in the leg.”

    Gavin’s eyes narrowed. “And where are those people now?”

    “We lost them.” She said quickly. “I swear. They’re not coming.”

    Gavin wasn’t convinced, but Chuck motioned for the group to follow him. “Let’s get him taken care of.” Chuck said, keeping a wary eye on the newcomers. “But if you’re lying, or if this is a trap…” His voice hardened, the unspoken threat hanging heavy in the air.

    “We’re not.” The woman assured him. “We’re just trying to survive. Same as you.”

    Gavin didn’t lower his weapon, his instincts screaming that danger was closer than anyone realized. He couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to take a terrible turn.

    Chuck led the group to the back storage room, clearing space on the floor for the wounded man. “We have clean bandages and disinfectant.” Chuck said as he rummaged through their supplies. “No pain meds, unfortunately.”

    The two men carrying the injured man gently lowered him onto the floor. His labored breathing filled the silence as the woman in red knelt beside him. Chuck handed her a roll of bandages and a bottle of disinfectant, while Gavin stood in the doorway, his shotgun unwavering, his eyes fixed on her.

    As the woman began replacing the bloody rags with clean bandages, Gavin’s voice cut through the room like a hurricane. “How many were there?”

    She froze for a moment, glancing up at him. “What?”

    “Those who attacked you.” Gavin repeated, his gaze burning into hers. “How many were there?”

    Her expression faltered as she thought for a moment. “I’m not sure. I didn’t have time to count, sorry.”

    Gavin’s jaw tightened. “How’d you lose them? You’ve got a wounded man slowing you down. Doesn’t add up.”

    Her eyes narrowed, but before she could respond, Chuck snapped at him. “Gavin, for hell’s sake, give it a break, would ya?” Chuck’s tone was sharp as he worked on cleaning the man’s wound. “Look at it. It’s a gunshot, not a bite. They’re clean.”

    “And the others?” Gavin shot back, gesturing toward the rest of the newcomers with his gun. His paranoia flared. He didn’t trust coincidences, and the timing of their arrival felt too convenient.

    The woman in red straightened, her thin arms crossing over her chest defensively. “What? Are you going to search us now? Has it come to that?” Her tone was biting, her eyes daring him to take it further.

    Gavin didn’t flinch. “If it keeps us safe, yeah, it has.”

    “Gavin,” Chuck growled, rising to his feet. “Enough.”

    Gavin’s hands tightened on his shotgun, his heart pounding. He wasn’t sure if it was fear or fury driving him anymore. All he knew was that something about this group didn’t sit right, and if no one else would act, he would.

    Gavin may have only been nineteen, but he wasn’t gullible. His father had made sure of that. He’d been raised on a very strict military code, one that prepared him for the harsh realities of the world they now lived in. There were leaders, and there were followers. He had been taught to obey his commander, whether that was his father, a teacher, or someone else in charge, without question. That was the way it worked, the only way to survive.

    But there was one exception to every rule, one piece of advice his father had drilled into him above all else. Family comes first.

    If his family was in danger, Gavin was to take control. It didn’t matter who he had to stand up to, or how much of a risk it was. He was to protect them, to ensure their safety, no matter the cost. His father had called it his duty. He was the oldest, the only male child. His sister's life was his responsibility, and he took it seriously.

     And right now, Gavin could feel his duty to Missy burning through him. Every instinct told him this group wasn’t just a random bunch of survivors. The way they spoke, the way they moved, how their leader, the woman in red, never let her guard down, it all felt off.

    His father’s teachings whispered in his mind. “If something feels wrong, it probably is.”

    He glanced at Missy through the cracked door leading into the small living space. She was sitting in the corner, her knees drawn up to her chest, eyes wide as she watched the newcomers. She was still safe, for now. Gavin wasn't about to let that change.

    He straightened, his posture stiffening as he turned back to the smaller room, his grip on the shotgun tightening. “Chuck,” he said quietly, his voice firm, “We need to make sure they haven't been bitten. It's nothing personal, it's survival.”

    Chuck took a threatening step towards Gavin, the look in his eyes full of challenge. “I suggest you your place, boy. I'm the leader, this is my group. I make the decisions, not you.” He poked at Gavin’s chest with his pointer finger to emphasize his words. “You're just some stupid kid who doesn't know shit. So keep your yap shut and do as you're told.”

     “If I'm so stupid, sir,” Gavin spit the last word out with as much sarcasm as he could as he narrowed his eyes. “Then why am I the only one who knows the proper procedure for outsiders? Why am I the only one who wants to keep the others safe?” Gavin knew he was prodding the bear, but he couldn't let this man's pride endanger Missy.

    The veins in Chuck’s head throbbed with anger as he shoved Gavin through the door, making the boy stumbled back a few feet before catching his balance.

     “Watch your sas, boy, or it'll be you and your sister out there alone in the rain.” Chuck growled as his hands balled into fists at his side.

    Gavin glanced back at Missy, Chuck’s words hitting him like a freight train. The thought of her out in the freezing night as they were hunted by the undead took the fight from him.

    “If anything happens to my sister because you failed to lead properly, I’ll come for you.” Gavin warned the older man, his eyes boring into him.

    Chuck didn’t respond immediately. Gavin could tell the man was thinking, but the stubbornness in Chuck’s eyes was still there. Gavin had known him long enough to know that the safety of the group was what Chuck cared about above all else. But he obviously wasn't thinking clearly right now.

     Gavin didn’t care about the group. Not as much as he cared about his sister. His father’s words echoed in his mind. “Family first, Gavin. Always.” Missy came before anything else. Even himself.

    Gavin had no choice but to follow Chuck’s lead, he had to, for the sake of his sister. But that didn’t mean he would let his guard down. His father’s lessons on survival were clear, and right now, there was no one he trusted more than his instincts. He sat next to Missy, refusing to leave her side. His shotgun rested across his knees, his eyes constantly scanning the room, alert to any movement, the slightest change in the air.

    “Gav, I need to use the bathroom.” Missy whispered, nudging his arm and pointing toward the small door in the back.

    Gavin glanced at her, his eyes full of affection. “Let’s go.” He said, rising to his feet immediately.

    Missy gave him a skeptical look. “Together?” She made a face. “I’m not a child, you know. I can go alone.”

    Gavin rolled his eyes, leaning closer. “You ARE a child. You’re nine, Miss. Plus, I don’t trust them.” He nodded toward the new group huddled in the corner, their faces downcast as they picked at the food his group had fought for . It didn’t sit right with him, the way they acted, too quiet, too secretive, the way they whispered to each other as they watched everyone else.

    Missy huffed but didn’t argue as she followed Gavin. He kept a firm hand on her shoulder as they moved down the hallway, his eyes flicking to every shadow. When they reached the bathroom, Gavin didn’t hesitate to step inside first.

    “What are you doing? I can’t go if you’re in here!” Missy whined, her voice rising in annoyance as she crossed her arms.

    “Relax, squirt, I’m just checking to make sure it’s empty.” Gavin grinned at her, giving her a playful shove on the shoulder. “Just shut up and let me do my job.”

    Missy rolled her eyes but stepped back as Gavin checked every stall with precision. He pushed open the doors, making sure no one was hiding, no one was waiting for them to let their guard down. Once satisfied, he stepped out the door, allowing Missy the space she needed.

    “Go ahead. I’ll be right here.”

    Missy looked at him, unimpressed. “You’re so paranoid.”

    Gavin gave her a tight smile. “That’s what keeps us alive.”

    She stuck her tongue out at him before stepping into the stall. Gavin grinned as he leaned against the doorframe, his ears straining to pick up any sounds. It wasn’t that he thought she was in immediate danger, it was just that nothing about this situation felt right. The new group. The way they had arrived. He wasn’t about to make the mistake of trusting anyone too quickly like his mother had.

    His fingers tightened on the shotgun resting on his forearm as he shook off the memories of his parents and focused on what was important. Missy. His sister. Nothing else mattered.

    As Gavin stood there just outside the bathroom, his nerves were on edge, every muscle in his body tense and ready to spring into action. When he saw the woman in red moving towards him he pushed off the wall and narrowed his eyes.

     “Occupied.” He warned, his voice sharp as he moved to block her path.

    The woman stopped, her eyes narrowing with annoyance. She crossed her arms over her chest, a quiet challenge in her gaze. “There’s more than one toilet.”

    Gavin didn’t move, his eyes locked on her with a cold intensity. “You can wait.” He replied, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. He wasn’t about to let her anywhere near Missy.

    A small, knowing smirk appeared on her lips, and she took a step closer, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “And how would you know that? You don’t know my body.”

    Gavin’s jaw tightened. She was pushing him, testing him, and he was done playing games. “Nor do I want to.” He shot back, his voice low and dangerous. His fingers clenched, the urge to strike her flaring up inside him. He wanted nothing more than to smash in her pretty face, watch her expression change from smug to scared. “You're not going in yet. You'll have to wait.” Gavin then smirked at her. “If you need to go so badly, there's an alley just outside that door.” He pointed to the back door, his voice dripping with disdain, and he hoped she’d take the hint.

    She leaned in closer, her voice softening, trying to soothe the tension in the air. “I don’t know what your problem is, but I think we got off on the wrong foot. I’m not the enemy.” Her smile was small but sincere, or at least, it seemed that way. “I’m Emily. The man who was shot is my brother, Jeremy. The others, Mathew, Jessica, Kyle, and Tera, we met them a while ago. I don’t know much about them, but they’re good people. We all are.”

    She took another step closer to him, her eyes locking onto his with a quiet intensity. “You don’t have to be scared of me.”

    “I'm not.” Gavin’s eyes flicked to the bathroom door, making sure Missy was still safe inside. He shifted his stance, but didn’t let his guard down. “I don't trust you, doesn't mean I'm scared of you.”

    Emily let out a soft, throaty laugh. Her finger brushed across his cheek, too close, too intimate. “I don’t bite.” She purred, her voice sultry and dripping with promise. “Unless you ask.”

    Gavin’s blood ran cold, his entire body going tense at her touch. He jerked his head back, glaring at her with disgust. “Nice try.” He growled, before grabbing her arm in a vice-like grip as she tried to push past him. “But you’re not going in there. Take another step and I’ll gut you where you stand.”

    The warning was clear, and his grip tightened on her arm, his free hand already resting on the knife at his side. His eyes locked with hers, his gaze hard. He wasn’t going to let her get the upper hand, he wasn’t going to let anyone jeopardize his sister’s safety, no matter who they were.

    Emily’s expression flickered, her smirk faltering slightly as she realized Gavin wasn’t bluffing. But she didn’t pull away. Instead, she met his gaze head-on, her voice cool. “You don’t have to go this far, you know.”

    Gavin didn’t say anything. He simply waited, his grip never changing. Emily could see the determination in his eyes, the kind that spoke of someone who had seen far too much, and wasn’t about to let anything slip through his fingers.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she nodded, the playful glint fading from her eyes. “Fine,” she said softly. “But don’t think for a second that I’m giving up on getting in there. But I hope you know who you’re dealing with.”

    Gavin didn’t respond, his eyes still locked on hers, daring her to try anything. Emily didn’t move any closer, and after another tense moment, she backed away, choosing to stand in silence a few feet from the door instead of making another attempt. Gavin’s hand never left the knife at his side. He didn’t trust her for a second.     

     When Missy emerged from the bathroom, Gavin was still standing at the door, blocking her way. He didn’t want to move, didn’t want to let her out into the open, not with Emily so close. His instincts screamed at him that she was a danger to his sister.

     Missy gave him a nudge with her shoulder. “Gavin, move.” She said, her voice a mix of annoyance and patience.

    He grunted, his jaw tight. Finally, he stepped aside, placing a firm hand on Missy’s shoulder as he guided her away from the doorway. His gaze never left Emily. The woman hadn’t made a move, yet. But Gavin knew better than to assume she wouldn’t.

    He kept his body angled between Missy and Emily, waiting for something to happen. He could feel the tension in the air like a coiled spring, and he wasn’t going to give an inch.

    Missy glanced up at him, her brows furrowed. “Gav, you’re acting weird.”

    “I’m acting how I need to.” Gavin replied quietly, his voice low. He didn’t want to explain it, didn’t want to make her worry. But this group... something about them felt wrong. It wasn’t just Emily, though she was certainly the most unsettling. It was all of them.

    They walked a few steps into the room and Gavin glanced back at Emily. She was watching them closely now, her eyes cold, calculating. She didn’t say anything. She just stood there, waiting, like she was expecting something to happen.

    Gavin’s grip on Missy’s shoulder tightened slightly as he scanned the room. His fingers itched for his weapon, but he didn’t want to escalate things unnecessarily.

    “Stay close.” He whispered to Missy.

    She nodded, her small form pressing against his side. She could finally feel her brother's unease, see his anxiety when she looked up at him.

     Gavin led them to the wall furthest from the newcomers. He pressed Missy into the corner and placed him between her and the room as he held his shotgun so tight his fingers ached. He wasn’t going to let anything happen to Missy, not while he had a say in it. His eyes flicked back to Emily. She was still watching, still waiting.

    After a bit, Missy got tired of standing at attention. She hadn't been trained like Gavin had, she hadn't been taught how to stand still for hours without moving, she wasn't forced to learn that her safety depended on obedience. She was allowed protection from others, him in particular. It was his job to keep her alive, not hers. She didn't have his stamina, his patience. Missy sighed and slid down the wall and stretched her legs out, letting them slide between her brother's feet as she rested her head against the cold wall.

     “Missy.” Gavin started, his voice low and protective, but he didn’t push her to move. He could already see the frustration on her face as she settled, reminding him that she wasn’t used to this kind of stillness. He didn't blame her, no child should have to live like this. He watched her for a moment, just to make sure she was okay, before turning his focus back to the newcomers.

    His legs were tired and his muscles ached from being tense for so long, but he couldn't relax. Not with Emily still watching them like a hawk. Gavin couldn’t shake the feeling that she was sizing him up, testing him in ways that were more dangerous than a physical confrontation. He wished he could figure out what she was planning, but it eluded him.

    Emily had eventually moved back to her group, apparently forgetting that she needed to use the bathroom. Gavin could feel the weight of their gazes on him like a physical pressure, their silent conversation unfolding just beyond his reach. Their eyes flicked to him every few seconds, a subtle exchange of glances that sent a ripple of unease down his spine. His mind raced as he tried to make sense of their intentions.

    They were talking about him. He could see it in the way they shifted their eyes, the way their heads tilted just slightly when they spoke in hushed tones. He was the only one who seemed not to trust them, so

he was the threat. He was the only one standing between them and whatever they wanted to accomplish. And he wasn’t stupid enough to think that they weren’t planning something, he could feel it in the air, like the heavy quiet before a storm. His instincts screamed at him, but he couldn't act on impulse, not yet. He needed information, something concrete, something he could use to protect Missy and himself.

    He narrowed his eyes, letting the group know that he was aware of their attention. He didn't look away, didn't let them think for a second that he was intimated. They could talk all they wanted, but he wasn’t going to give them the chance to make a move without him noticing.

    Missy, oblivious to the silent tension building between them, shifted on the floor, her feet kicking his, getting his attention as she curled up in a tight ball for warmth. Gavin wanted to get her blanket, but he refused to leave her that long. His eyes snapped back to the group, half expecting them to have advanced on him as he was distracted. He sighed when they hadn't moved.

     The hours dragged on, the tension thick enough to choke on. Gavin’s body ached from standing guard, his muscles stiff from remaining on high alert. He couldn’t stay like this forever, no matter how much he wanted to. Exhaustion was as much an enemy as anything else in this world, and he needed to be ready when the moment came.

    With a reluctant sigh, he shifted down to sit beside Missy. She immediately curled into him, her small arms wrapping tightly around his waist as if afraid he might leave her side. Her head rested against his chest, and he could feel the soft rhythm of her breathing.

    Gavin hesitated, his instinct screaming at him to keep his body free, ready to move at a moment’s notice. But as much as it grated on him, he couldn’t push her away. She needed him, and this was the only comfort he could give her in a world that had stolen so much from them both. He draped an arm around her, pulling her closer to share his warmth.

    His gaze swept the room, landing once more on the newcomers. Emily was sitting with her group, still whispering every so often. Her posture was relaxed, her head leaning slightly to one side as if she didn’t have a care in the world. But Gavin wasn’t fooled.

    When her eyes met his, she grinned, a slow, knowing smile that sent a chill down his spine. She thought he was letting his guard down, that sitting meant he was giving in, growing soft. Gavin’s jaw tightened, and his arm instinctively pulled Missy closer, shielding her.

    With a deliberate movement, he shifted the shotgun on his lap, making sure Emily saw the way his hands rested firmly on the weapon. He wasn’t relaxing. He wasn’t giving in. He was waiting.

    Emily’s grin didn’t falter. If anything, it grew wider, as though she enjoyed the challenge he represented. The way her group kept occasionally flicking glances toward him only heightened his unease. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the real game hadn’t even started yet, and they were simply waiting for the right moment to make their move.

    Missy shifted against him, her soft voice breaking the silence between them. “Gav?” She whispered.

    “Yeah, squirt?” He murmured, his eyes never leaving Emily and her group.

    “Are they gonna hurt us?” Her voice was small, uncertain.

    “Not if I can help it.” Gavin replied, his tone steady. He squeezed her shoulder gently. “You just stick close to me, okay? No matter what.”

    Missy nodded, burying her face against his chest. Gavin ground his teeth as he looked back at Emily. Whatever she was planning, she’d have to go through him first.

    The cold seeped into Gavin’s bones as the hours crawled by, and his head grew heavier with each ing moment. The room was unnervingly quiet, save for the soft, steady breaths of the others. Missy had fallen asleep against his side, her small body curled into his for warmth and protection. Everyone else, including the newcomers, appeared to be fast asleep.

    But Gavin couldn’t allow himself that luxury, didn’t dare let himself relax. He didn’t trust them, not even for a second. He feared that as soon as he let his guard down, Emily and her group would strike. His fingers tightened on the shotgun resting in his lap, its weight anchoring him to the present, warding off the creeping exhaustion.

    He yawned, stifling it as best he could, and shifted his position slightly, trying to keep his body awake. The ache in his muscles was a welcome discomfort, reminding him to stay alert. His gaze darted across the room, lingering on Emily. She was lying down, her back to him, her breathing slow and even. Too even.

    Gavin’s gut twisted. He didn’t believe even a little that she was asleep. She was waiting. Just like him.

    He glanced at the others in her group. They, too, appeared to be out cold, huddled together for warmth near the far wall. But Gavin knew appearances could be deceiving. He had learned that lesson the hard way, when trusting the wrong people had cost him almost everything.

    Missy stirred slightly in her sleep, her small hand clutching his shirt as if sensing his tension even in her dreams. Gavin gave her a reassuring squeeze, his jaw tightening as he scanned the room once more.

    Every creak of the building, every distant sound from outside, made his nerves jangle. He couldn’t keep this up all night. His body screamed for rest, his mind fogging as exhaustion clawed at him. But he couldn’t let go, couldn’t risk it.

    He shifted again, jarring himself awake. His gaze returned to Emily, narrowing as he studied her still form. She wasn’t as clever as she thought. She wasn't fooling him.

     No matter how heavy his eyes grew, no matter how much his body begged for sleep, Gavin couldn’t let himself drift. Not while Missy’s safety was on the line.

    Just as Gavin’s eyes began to close, their weight pulling him into the dangerous comfort of sleep, a wet, choking sound shattered the quiet. His head snapped up, every muscle in his body tensing as his gaze darted around the room. The noise faded for a moment, leaving only the faint crackle of the makeshift fire in the corner. Then, it came again, a gargled groan, faint but unmistakable.

    His eyes immediately moved to Emily’s group. Instinctively, he began counting their shadowed figures, his lips forming the numbers silently. One, two, three, four, five. He counted again, his pulse quickening. Five. Someone was missing.

    The low, wet sound came again, more insistent this time. It was coming from the bathroom. Gavin’s mind raced as he stared at the hallway leading to the source of the noise. Was someone sick? Vomiting? The thought hit him like a freight train. If they're sick... He didn’t let himself finish. The implications were already screaming in his head.

    Careful not to disturb Missy, Gavin gently disentangled himself from her small, warm embrace. She stirred slightly but didn’t wake. Rising to his feet, he grabbed his shotgun, his fingers gripping the stock tightly.

    His eyes flicked to Emily’s group again, his gut twisting. None of them moved, their forms still huddled together, wrapped in shadows. But he could feel Emily’s eyes on him even if she didn’t lift her head.

    Gavin’s heart thudded in his chest as he crossed the room to where Chuck slumbered against the wall, his chin slumped against his chest. Gavin hesitated for a moment, reluctant to disturb him. Trust in Chuck had frayed thin, but right now, there was no room for hesitation. Safety in numbers was better than facing the unknown alone.

    “Chuck.” Gavin whispered, gently shaking his shoulder. “We have trouble.”

    Chuck stirred, his eyes flickering open as his head snapped up. His gaze darted around the room, searching for the threat. “Where?” His voice was soft but heavy with sleep and confusion.

    “The bathroom.” Gavin said, jerking his head toward the dim hallway. Straightening up, he stepped back, gripping his shotgun tightly.

    Chuck rose to his feet, his rifle already in hand, his face hardening as he processed Gavin’s words. “What kind of trouble?” He murmured, his tone low and cautious.

    “The bad kind.” Gavin responded as he stepped toward the hallway, each footfall as quiet as a whisper. Chuck followed close behind, matching Gavin’s careful, deliberate steps.

     Another sound came from the bathroom, a throaty, pained groan mixed with something far more sinister. A wet, rasping noise that sent a shiver crawling down Gavin’s spine.

    Adrenaline coursed through him as they edged closer to the bathroom door, the shadows of the narrow hallway wrapping around him like a vice. His mind screamed at him to turn back, but he pushed the fear down, locking it away. Whatever was inside wasn’t going to go away on its own.

    Reaching the door, Gavin placed a trembling hand against the cold wood. His breath hitched as he leaned in, straining to listen. A low, gravelly moan rumbled from the other side, followed by the faint scrape of something heavy being dragged across the floor.

    “Infected?” Chuck asked, his voice barely audible behind him.

    Gavin didn’t respond, his mind racing as he gathered his courage. Slowly, he pressed against the door, easing it open just enough to peek inside. At first glance, the room appeared empty. The dim light from the lanterns cast dark shadows against the tiled walls. Then he saw it, feet sticking out from beneath one of the stall doors.

    The shoes were unmistakable, one of the newcomers, the man with the lazy eye. Gavin’s stomach sank.

    Before he could think, a low, animalistic growl filled the room, bouncing off the walls like a warning. Gavin’s instincts screamed at him to raise his shotgun, but he stopped short, his grip tightening. A blast from the weapon would bring every infected for miles straight to their door.

    With his mind made up, Gavin slung the shotgun over his back and motioned toward the crowbar he’d left by the back door earlier. Chuck followed his gesture, nodding in silent agreement.

    Backing away, Gavin allowed the bathroom door to close quietly before retreating down the hall. He moved quickly, retrieving the crowbar. The metal was cold and reassuring in his hands, a tool built for silence. He hefted it with a firm grip before heading back to the bathroom.

    Chuck was at his side, his rifle aimed low, ready to assist. Gavin pushed the door open again, this time with more courage. The stall loomed ahead, the feet unmoving.

    Another growl echoed, louder this time, accompanied by a wet, unnatural gurgle. Gavin tightened his grip on the crowbar, his knuckles turning white. He didn’t know what he was about to face, but he knew one thing, he wasn’t leaving this room without putting it down.

    Gavin stopped a few feet away and peered between the narrow gap between the wall and door. He could see the man bent over the bowl, his head bowed as if he were getting sick. The man's pale hands were gripping the edge tight, dark black veins running from his fingers up his arms. The fingers themselves were bent at unnatural angles, the nails were bloody and a few had already fallen off.

     The figure twitched, its body jerking like a puppet with broken strings. It's head lolled to the side, then turned, its gaze fixing on Gavin’s. Gavin couldn’t breathe as they stared at each other, his mind refusing to believe he was looking at a man who seemed perfectly fine a few hours ago.

     The infected man's features were grotesque, a mockery of what they'd been in life. His face was gray, stretched taut over his cheek bones, deep dark sockets held his milky orbs as they glistened unnervingly in the dim light. His mouth hung open, revealing sharp, jagged, bloody teeth, as if he'd spent time smashing his face against the porcelain to purposely break them.

     A deep snarl erupted from its throat as it suddenly flung itself at the flimsy door separating them. The door shook and rattled violently, threatening to give at any moment.

     “Gavin, move!” Chuck barked as he raised his rifle, but Gavin was already in motion.

     The stall door burst open with a loud crack, allowing the infected to to lunge from the small space. Its movements were wild and erratic, but its speed was staggering. Gavin barely had time to sidestep, the creature crashing into the sink behind him, its clawed nails racking the air inches from his face.

     The smell hit Gavin like a brick, the heavy stench of death and disease, making his stomach heave. The infected spun on its heels, crouching low like a predator sizing up its prey. Droop dripped from its slackened jaw, its teeth clacking together as it snarled again.

     Gavin gripped the crowbar tightly, his pulse thundering in his ears as he raised it over his shoulder. The creature leapt at him, its claws swiping for his throat. Gavin swung the crowbar like a professional baseball player, the metal connecting with the things skull with a sickening crunch.

     If staggered but didn't go down. It shrieked in fury as its head snapped back to Gavin, dark, coagulated blood streaming down from the jagged hole in its skull.

     “Gavin, back up!” Chuck yelled as he moved into position with his rifle raised.

     “No! Don't shoot!” Gavin shouted back as he dodged yet another strike from the creature. They couldn't afford to draw more attention to themselves from the hordes milling around. Gunfire is a sure way to attract death.

     With another deep growl, the infected lunged at Gavin again, its nails slicing his arm. He gritted his teeth as the pain flared and he swung the crowbar again, this time aiming for its knees. The blow connected, and the infected dropped to the floor with a screech.

     Gavin didn't hesitate. He brought the crowbar down on its head again and again, each blow echoing around the small room. The creature finally went still, but Gavin continued to strike, his breath coming in small gasps of rage and fear.

     “Gavin.” Chuck moved slowly toward him, his voice gentle. “Gavin. Hey. It's dead. It's dead, Gavin.”

     Gavin didn't hear him as he continued his assault, images of his parents screaming as they were torn apart in front of him dancing behind his eyes. Gavin was lost to his grief, finally able to get little vengeance for his broken family.

     Chuck moved behind Gavin and wrapped his arms around the boy, pinning his arms to his sides. “It's over, boy.”

     Gavin struggled to get free, his mind struggling to come back to reality. All he could see was the carnage of the past, hear his sister's cries as she hid behind him and begged him not to let the monsters get her.

    “Gavin!” Chuck yelled in the boy's ear, suddenly breaking through his haze of fear and anger. “It's over. You're safe.”

    Gavin froze, his chest heaving as Chuck’s words finally pierced the storm raging inside his mind. The crowbar slipped from his trembling fingers, clattering to the blood slick floor. His gaze remained locked on the mangled corpse beneath him, his body rigid as if the slightest movement might shatter him completely.

     “It's over.” Chuck repeated as he loosened his grip but kept a firm hand on the boy's shoulder. “You're safe now. Missy's safe.”

    The mention of his sister brought Gavin crashing back to the present. He blinked rapidly, his vision clearing as the fog of memories faded completely. He stumbled back, his knees threatening to buckle, but Chuck was right there, steadying him.

     “I…” Gavin started, his voice horse, but the words wouldn’t come. He couldn't explain the tidal wave of emotions that had overtaken him. The sheer need to destroy the thing that represented everything he'd lost.

     “You're okay, son.” Chuck said softly, his own face pale as he watched Gavin. “You did what you had to.”

    Gavin closed his eyes as he whispered, “It's never over. They just keep coming.”

    Chuck didn't argue. He knew better than to offer false reassurance. Instead, he picked up the crowbar and handed it back to Gavin. “We still have a job to do. People to protect.”

     Gavin took the weapon, gripping it so tight his knuckles went white. With a deep breath, he turned toward the door, his face pale and body trembling. “I have to get back to Missy.”

    As soon as the words left his lips, screams began to echo through the building, one after the other. Gavin’s heart dropped hard as he bolted through the door without thought.

All hell had just broken loose.