章節 16: Safe

Deciding to go with distraction was his best option. Mark took out some nails he stored in his bag and started slowly throwing them up before catching them back into his hands. Continuing to observe the zombies quietly while rhythmically playing with the nails in his hand, he was waiting for the correct time to throw them.

He went for where the zombies are most concentrated at and it was near the 2nd receptionist desk the floor had, right near the entrance of the stairs. It looked more like a safe room than a receptionist's desk.

He continued to wait, and then he noticed the point when the zombies were closest to that place and threw them as hard as he could to reach the place. His hands pained, as he used too much force, especially because of the cramps and glasses shards he previously had.

As the nails flew towards the desk and bounced on top of the desk before hitting the metal locker behind it, creating some major distraction for him. He slowly made his way towards the hallway he needed to take and was as quiet as possible.

The hallway was too close to the desk for comfort, and Mark tried to keep the noise minimal. He did not want the zombies to run towards him full speed before he even reached the hallway.

Keeping an eye out, he slowly made his way towards the hallway across the main reception desk in the center of the whole lobby. He was able to attract the attention of all the zombies in the lobby and as their attention was still on the sound; he needed to cross it.

As he was in the middle of the lobby, he noticed one zombie turning around already and growling at him. Not able to hide anywhere in the open place of the lobby, he ran towards the zombie full speed and met it halfway.

He jumped towards the zombie and swung the rod at its head, trying to land one solid hit. The zombie flew at the impact directly at the wall beside them. He looked up and noticed all the zombies making their way towards him.

He could only click his tongue, annoyed at how things were going for him in the situation where he needed it to be right. He rushed towards the hallway, trying to reach it before the zombies could block him out.

As he almost reached the entrance, one zombie at the front sprung on him and Mark successfully dodged it by pivoting around. While he moved, Mark used the force behind it and bought the rod down right at its nape as it was still in the air.

Not waiting any longer, Mark ran into the hallway as the zombies continued to make their way towards him. His body was screaming with pain from cramps all over his body and the cuts from the glass opening with blood oozing out.

His speed became slower as the zombies came closer in the narrow hallway. As he noticed the zombies were already too close for comfort, Mark could only swing his rod at their heads while still running, trying to create some time.

He could successfully hit some zombies and finally reach the end of the hallway and near the window. He used the moment as he ran and jumped on the frame of the window. He quickly turned around and hit the zombie nearest to him.

Mark grabbed onto the ladder and quickly left the window frame. The zombie fell out of the window. Mark tightened his grip as the pain was already too much for him to handle. He slowly made his way up, taking deep breaths each time.

As he made it to the top Denton arrived noticing a hand and helped Mark up. Taking his support, Mark could finally get on the roof and sit down, leaning on the wall. He closed his eyes as he tried to collect some air and ease the pain.

All the eyes in the roof were on him and they could only grimace at the site of his body. His shirt was dyed black and red because of the blood he encountered and the torn shirt.

Mark slowly lifted his hand and took out the inhaler from his bag and handed it over to Denton, "Here."

Denton nodded and passed it to the person beside him, and he hurried towards the old grandma. Mark slowly took out the left out cotton and alcohol he had. He slowly opened the cap with his shaky hands. As he tried, he felt a hand on his and looked up.

He noticed it was Mona looking at him with concern in her eyes.

"Let me help you." and continued to open the bottle of alcohol before he could respond. Mark could only leave her be and close his eyes while Mina continued to treat his body. Denton stood by the side looking at his body, surprised at his state while also wondering what happened.