10. Eliza
10
ELIZA
E liza’s breath came in short, sharp gasps as she carefully navigated the small town’s narrow, debris-strewn streets. Their journey so far had been tense, but they hadn’t encountered too many infected, and the ones they’d seen were preoccupied by eating animals and corpses. Everything about it seemed completely revolting and unnatural.
“Do you know where we are, Riv?” she called out toward River, who’d gone on ahead to explore the terrain.
River turned back with a wide smile on her lips. “I do! We’re in Verdwater! I used to come here with my pops to load up on bottles of cream soda. It has to be, what, just seven miles to the cabin from here.”
“Really? We’re that close? My God! We’re on a roll here!” Eliza cried out.
The air was thick with decay, the stench of death and rot clinging to the sidewalk, the parked cars, and even the buildings like a poisonous fog. Buildings that had once been full of life now stood empty. It was as if the town itself had given up, surrendering to the relentless march of time and the horrors that had befallen it. But despite this, both River and Eliza were delighted to be closer to their destination, and possibly within reach of more supplies. The end of the trek was in sight.
“Look! There’s an old apothecary on the next street. It’s a touristy thing. I remember it really well! It’s not a real pharmacy, but you never know! We’re due a bit of luck, right?” River said, scurrying ahead before waiting for Eliza’s response.
Eliza glanced over her shoulder, the paranoia that had been building in her chest since they left the injured young girl behind returning suddenly with a vengeance. River had run on ahead, and Eliza felt a pang of anxiety at their separation. Every sound, every shift in the air, sent her heart into a tailspin. The weight of the silence pressed down on her, thick and suffocating. The fear that had been lurking in the back of her mind started to claw its way to the surface. Her head constantly turned, looking for more infected people or other dangers.
Calm down. We’re safe for now. Cool it with the anxious thoughts, Eliza.
She had to keep moving and keep herself busy, or she knew the panic would consume her. She knew she had to accept that this was how she rolled. She’d run on nervous energy most of her life—through college, the various roles she’d taken in hospitals, and even her love life. They needed supplies—antibiotics, bandages, anything that could help River’s father. The thought of this man she’d never even met, sick and waiting for his daughter’s return, spurred her on, giving her the strength to push through her terror.
Her hand tightened around the handle of a small axe River had found in an abandoned house at some point along their journey. She couldn’t recall which one—the past few days were a blur. The cold metal grounded her as she moved cautiously through the streets. She thought about every step she took. Every glance over her shoulder was deliberate.
God, I feel like I’m focusing more now than I ever did in trauma surgery. What does that mean? Was I a shitty doctor? Is all that over? What am I now, then? God, I’m unemployed! But I guess I don’t need to pay bills anymore.
She made a concerted effort to calm her racing thoughts. She had to stay alert, had to stay alive—for River, for herself, for her family, and for River’s father, who was desperately waiting for help. But there was still a nagging fear at the back of her mind, and it grew stronger with each passing second.
The apothecary came into view at the end of the street, its old-fashioned sign hanging precariously from a single rusted chain.
“Don’t worry!” River shouted back at her. “It’s meant to look like this. It’s one of those olde-worlde places. It’s quite fun.”
Eliza stopped to take a sip of water from the bottle in her backpack. When she looked up again, River was nowhere to be seen. The sight of the empty storefront sent a cold shiver down Eliza’s spine.
“River?” she called out, her voice trembling slightly as she stepped closer to the building. The only response was the hollow echo of her own voice bouncing off the brick walls. Eliza swallowed hard, her grip on the axe tightening as she cautiously approached the entrance. The door was slightly ajar, swinging gently in the breeze, and the darkness inside beckoned her forward.
“River?” she called again, this time more urgently. Still nothing. Her pulse thudded against her eardrums as she peered into the gloom, trying to make out any sign of movement.
She definitely came in here, didn’t she?
A sudden crash from inside the apothecary made Eliza jump. She hesitated for a moment, every instinct screaming at her to turn and run, but she forced herself to step through the door. The interior was a mess. Shelves were overturned and their contents were scattered across the floor. The smell of rot was even more pungent here, mingling with the scent of something else—something that sent a chill down Eliza’s spine.
I know that smell. It’s blood. Where is she?
“River?” Her eyes were wide with fear as she continued deeper into the store. The darkness wrapped around her as the four walls pressed in.
Suddenly, a figure lunged at her from the shadows. Eliza barely had time to react, instinctively raising the axe as a wide-eyed, decaying, infected zombie launched at her.
Jesus! What should I do? River! I need you!
She swung the axe with all her strength, the blade sinking deep into the walker’s neck with a crunch that made Eliza sick to her stomach. The force of the blow sent it staggering back, but it didn’t go down.
Shit, shit, shit! Remember, go for the head. The fucking head!
It came for her again, its rotting fingers reaching for her, clawing at the air with desperation.
Eliza stumbled backward, her foot catching on a fallen shelf, and she fell hard onto the floor. The zombie was on her in an instant, its weight crushing down on her as it snarled and snapped, trying to sink its teeth into her flesh. Eliza screamed, her voice high and raw with terror as she struggled to push the creature off her. But it was too strong. Its slimy, rotting hands pinned her down as its mouth gaped open and fell toward her face.
Eliza knew she was going to die. She understood with perfect clarity why she’d been afraid all day.
It was a sixth sense. Death was calling out to me.
Her life flashed before her eyes—not the life she was currently experiencing. Not this hellish world she’d been forced to inhabit. No. She thought of the life she’d lost. The memories of who she used to be, the failures, the heartbreaks, the mistakes all came rushing back, overwhelming her with a tidal wave of regret.
My parents…the hospital…my apartment…
But then, through the fog of fear and despair, a single, clear thought cut through like a beacon of light.
River.
She couldn’t die. Not now. Not when she’d found something—someone—worth fighting for. Someone who needed her help. Eliza’s fear turned to anger, a burning, searing rage that coursed through every vein in her body. She twisted beneath the zombie, her hand scrabbling for the axe that she’d dropped and was now lying just out of reach.
The zombie’s teeth grazed her cheek.
Was that a bite? I can’t feel any pain…
All she could think about was grabbing that axe and getting the walker off her. There was no question of not surviving this. She had to make it…for River.
With a final, desperate stretch, Eliza’s left hand closed around the handle of the axe. She swung it up with all her strength, lodging it in the zombie’s skull. Eliza watched in shock as something that looked like molasses fell from the gash in the walker’s skin.
Oh, Christ. It’s clots! The blood’s coagulated!
The creature’s brain was hit, and its body collapsed on top of her, twitching grotesquely as the last remnants of life, if that’s what it could even be called, drained away.
Eliza tried desperately to take a full breath as she moved away from the corpse. She was covered in brown blood, her skin slick with the foul-smelling fluid. Her cheek stung where the creature’s teeth had touched her flesh. She raised a trembling hand to her head, her fingers coming away wet and sticky. A chunk of her hair was missing, torn out by the zombie’s violent grasp.
I’m alive. Somehow, I’m still alive. But I’m going to turn…I think it got me.
But where was River?
Eliza struggled to her feet. Her legs felt weak and unsteady beneath her. She only had one goal in mind: she had to find River. She had to make sure she was okay. Ignoring the pain that radiated from her head, Eliza staggered through the old apothecary, her eyes scanning the darkened aisles for any sign of her lover.
“River? Riv? Riv?” she called out, her voice feeling hoarse. “River? Please! Where are you?”
A faint sound reached her ears—it sounded like someone in pain. Eliza’s heart rate quickened as she followed the sound. She could sense the physical discomfort of her breath exiting her body. She rounded a corner, still shouting the younger woman’s name.
And that’s where she found her. River was slumped against the back wall, her face pale and wet with sweat. Blood dripped from a gash on her arm hung as it hung limply at her side. Eliza’s stomach twisted in knots at the sight of her. A cold, suffocating dread settled over her like a shroud.
“No, no. Were you bitten, too? No, no…” Eliza murmured, rushing to River’s side. She dropped to her knees and reached out to touch River’s wound, tearing a piece of fabric from her shirt to make a tourniquet. “River? Hon? Can you hear me? Please, say something. Say anything, Riv. Anything.”
River’s eyes flickered under her eyelids before opening slightly. She looked at Eliza, a faint, weary smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “What do you mean…bitten? Have we been bitten? Fuck, no,” she whispered, her voice weak and strained. “You look okay, doc.”
Tears pricked at the corners of Eliza’s eyes, her relief almost overwhelming. “I’m fine,” she lied, brushing a strand of wet hair from River’s forehead. “You’re the one I’m worried about.”
River winced as she attempted to straighten up, a low sigh escaping her lips. “That…damn thing,” she mumbled. “I swear it came out of nowhere. This place was all clear. I…I think I killed it, but…then another one made a grab for me. Did I break my arm or something?”
Eliza’s fear for River’s safety was making her feel lightheaded. “Don’t look at your arm. Listen. Is there a store cupboard or something I can lock you in? I need to put you somewhere safe for a while,” she said, her voice shaking. “Can you walk?”
River nodded weakly, her breath coming in shallow gasps. “Lock me up? No, don’t do that, honey. I’ll manage. I can get wherever you need me to be. I can come with you,” she said, her determination clear even through the pain.
Eliza carefully helped River to her feet, supporting her as they stumbled toward the exit. Every step was agony for Eliza, the pain in her head intensifying with each movement, but she pushed it aside. All that mattered was getting River to safety.
The town was eerily silent as they emerged from the apothecary, the streets empty and still. Eliza’s eyes darted nervously around, half-expecting another zombie to lurch out of the shadows at any moment. But the only sound was their labored breathing.
“I need to find somewhere to hide you,” Eliza said, her voice hushed as she scanned the surrounding buildings. “Somewhere I can barricade you in, just until we’re both able to move properly again. I’ll go get help.”
River’s face was tight with pain, and Eliza could see the effort it took for her to stay upright. Blood continued to drip from the wound on River’s arm, and Eliza felt a surge of panic rise within her. She couldn’t lose her—not now, not when the weight of her feelings had only just begun to settle in her chest.
“Why do you keep saying that? Are you scared of m-me? It…it wasn’t a bite, d-doc. I fell while I was f-fighting them. I wasn’t b-bitten. Promise. Let me come with you,” River stuttered.
Eliza shook her head as she pointed to a small, single-story building across the street. The windows were boarded up and the door looked sturdy enough to hold back any potential attackers.
Eliza bit her lip, weighing the risk. It was a gamble, but she knew she didn’t have many options. With River in this state, she needed somewhere she could rest. And more importantly, River needed to hide…from her.
“Alright,” Eliza said, adjusting her grip on River. “We’re heading over to that building. We’re going to make a run for it. On three. Ready?”
River nodded, her jaw set in grim determination.
“One…two…three!”
They bolted across the street, Eliza practically dragging River along as they sprinted toward the building. Each step sent fresh waves of pain through Eliza’s head, but she gritted her teeth and pushed through, her only focus on getting River to safety.
As they reached the door, Eliza kicked it open with all the strength she could muster. The door gave way with a loud crack, and they stumbled inside. Eliza quickly slammed the door shut behind them. She leaned against it, her chest heaving and her heart pounding in her ears.
For a moment, the world spun around her, her vision darkening at the edges. She fought to stay conscious, forcing herself to focus on the sound of River’s breathing beside her, the warmth of her presence grounding her in the moment.
It’s happening. I’m changing.
“Eliza…” River’s voice was weak, barely a whisper, but it was enough to snap her back to reality.
“I’m here,” Eliza said, moving to help River to the floor. “You’re safe. You need to rest, okay? Let me take a look at that arm. I need to do it quickly.”
River leaned back against the wall and closed her eyes. Eliza’s hands shook uncontrollably as she examined River’s arm, wincing at the unnatural angle of the bone beneath the skin. It was definitely broken. She didn’t know how to help River with only minutes, maybe even seconds, before she changed.
“I’m sorry,” Eliza murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “This is going to hurt so bad, but I need to set it right now.”
River gritted her teeth in anticipation of the pain. Eliza gulped as she positioned River’s arm as gently as she could before bracing herself.
“Okay, I’m going to count to three again,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady. “One…two…three!”
She pushed the bone back into place with a sharp, decisive motion. River screamed in agony, her body tensing as she clutched Eliza’s arm. Eliza’s heart ached as she held River close, whispering soothing words in her ear.
“It’s done now,” Eliza whispered. “I’m sorry, River. I’m so sorry.”
After a few moments, River’s breathing calmed, and her grip on Eliza’s arm loosened.
“You…did g-good,” River murmured, her voice faint. “Don’t you d-dare be s-sorry.”
Eliza swallowed the lump in her throat, her mind racing with a thousand thoughts, every last one of them centered on the woman in front of her.
I have to get away from her now. I have to go.
Eliza leaned back as she wiped the sweat from River’s brow. “You need to rest,” she said, kissing her lover’s hand softly. “Just…just rest, okay? Goodbye, River.”
River’s eyes fluttered shut as exhaustion finally took over. Eliza watched her for a moment, her heart aching with a mixture of fear for what was about to happen and something else—something she hadn’t acknowledged until now.
Love.
It hit her like a freight train, the realization crashing over her with such force that she could barely breathe. She loved River. She was already in love with this woman. And the thought of losing her, of facing whatever lay waiting for her in the next world, was more terrifying than anything she’d ever imagined.
Eliza’s hand slipped from River’s. She could barely keep her eyes open, her mind drifting in and out of focus.
This is it. This is the end. Oh, River…
But just as she began to lose consciousness, a jarring sound snapped her back to full alertness.
A loud crash echoed through the room, followed by the unmistakable groan of a zombie. Eliza somehow found the strength to force herself to her feet as the world spun around her. The noise had come from the back of the building—a door she hadn’t checked.
“River!” she gasped, turning to where she’d left her, but the space was empty. Panic surged through her, making her head throb with renewed intensity. “River!”
There was no response. River was gone. Nothing made sense.
Maybe this is it. Perhaps I’m in hell?
A chill settled over her. River was gone .
Eliza stumbled toward the back of the building, every step sending a sharp pain through her head. She had to find the woman she loved. She couldn’t lose her.
No! What if I kill her? Don’t be so selfish, Eliza! Maybe River saw you change and ran to safety?
But as she reached the source of the noise, her heart sank. The door at the back had been forced open, its hinges hanging limply. And beyond it, a trail of blood led out into the darkness.
“No!” Eliza cried. She stood frozen, staring at the trail, unable to make her legs move. The blood was fresh, still wet. River had been here, but now…
A guttural snarl from somewhere outside snapped her back to reality.
Was that me? Did that sound come from me? How come I’ve changed so quickly? Isn’t it supposed to take a while…hours, days, even? Why is this happening to me?
Her mind raced, torn between the primal urge to survive and the desperate need to find River. But deep down, she knew the truth. She was lost. She’d become one of the undead. And with her head pounding and her vision blurring, she had no idea which way to go.
She couldn’t think. She could only act.
Eliza staggered back into the main room, her breathing uneven. She needed to get out. She had to find a way to escape. But as she tried the door that would lead her out onto the street, she discovered that it was blocked, and with each failed attempt to force it open, her panic grew.
Finally, she found a small window, barely wide enough for her to squeeze through. She clawed at it desperately. The cool air rushed in, helping her breathe a little easier.
Without a second thought, Eliza hauled herself up and through the window, ignoring the pain as the rough edges scraped against her skin. She landed heavily on the ground outside, her knees buckling.
For a moment, she lay there, her chest heaving as she gulped in the fresh air. But the sound of footsteps—heavy, dragging footsteps—sent a jolt of fear through her, and she forced herself to her feet.
A low growl echoed from somewhere nearby. Eliza’s body moved on autopilot, her instincts taking over as she ran as fast as she could down the street.
At last, she stumbled into an alleyway, her lungs burning as her body gave out and she collapsed onto the ground. She couldn’t shake the feeling of being hunted, of eyes watching her from the shadows. Everything hurt—her scalp, her face…her heart.
“River,” Eliza whimpered, hot tears spilling down her cheeks. The darkness closed in around her, cold and suffocating, and she curled into herself, trembling with a fear she couldn’t suppress.
She was alone. Truly alone. She’d lost the only person who made her feel safe, the only person she’d ever loved. She’d lost her River to a world of monsters…and now she was one of them.