Chapter 11: They Hung a Sign Up in Our Town
Ethan Warren
September 9th, 2022
112 days after outbreak
The Apartment, Minnesota
Season 1
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The government came
With their guns and fancy uniforms
Killed the dead, ignored the living
They hung a sign up in our town
It read to stay away from the cities
They were being bombed with fire to stop the spread
So we stayed away from the city
But it didn't work
The dead still came
More of them now
Attracted by the noise
And we were powerless to stop them
Rudolph was shot by an officer
He bled
Aaron cried
Edin kept him alive
We stayed home
No weapons; nothing but four walls and a roof
We waited for them to leave
They gave us food but made no apologies
I wanted to kill them
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"Rudi, it's going to be okay," Aaron cried as he held his hand as he bled in the street. Rudi just stared at the sky while Edin tried to stop the bleeding. "Stay with me, Rudi." But despite our efforts, Rudi's condition continued to worsen. His life was slipping away, and we felt utterly helpless.
A soldier handed me a bag of supplies with a frantic look plastered on his pale face before he just walked away. We were thankful the bullet went through his stomach, not his head. I was angry, but Rudolph was too important.
I ran back to the house; it was only a few feet away. I hurried inside, grabbing whatever I could. Dallen, Leah, and Amy were confused. They said my face looked like I'd seen a ghost. I might as well have. As I hastily gathered supplies, my mind raced with thoughts of how to save Rudolph. The weight of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders, knowing that every second counted. With a heavy heart, I tried to remain composed for the sake of my family, but the fear and despair were etched deep into my expression.
I brought back blankets to stop the bleeding. Medical supplies were something we lacked, but Edin was getting better now. She could make this work.
"I need to get him back to the apartment; it's not safe here," Edin informed us as we looked at the approaching dead.
"I'll carry him," Aiden offered.
"No, I can walk," Rudi said weakly.
"Are you sure?" asked Edin.
"Yes, just help me stand." We all crowded around him, supporting his weight as he stood up. Aiden kept his arm around him to try to help him walk, but the pain was too unbearable, and he collapsed. Edin's heart sank as Rudi crumpled to the ground, wincing in agony. Worried glances were exchanged between us, realizing that time was running out and we needed to get back to the apartment soon. Without another word, Aiden gently took Rudi into his arms. With determination in his eyes, Aiden carried Rudi towards the apartment, his steps steady and purposeful. The weight of the situation hung heavy in the air as we followed closely behind, praying for a miracle.
We got back to the apartment. Khai killed the dead that were at the door, and we all shuffled inside. Before, we had brought all the couches down to the first level. They filled the hallways to keep the dead from getting in. It was a tight squeeze just to get into Room 1.
I prayed for Rudi as I heard his screams from Edin stitching him up. At least they didn't have to fish for the slug. He was in pain all throughout the night. We had nothing for him but a few Tylenol; he took those, but it didn't really help. He lost a lot of blood, but there was no way for any of us to give him more. Later that night, Rudi's condition worsened. His fever was high, and he was delirious with pain. We desperately searched for any medical supplies that could help him, but there was nothing left in the room. We knew we had to find a way to get him proper medical attention soon.
"He's going to die if he doesn't get something stronger. And even if he does, if I can't disinfect that with something, there's no chance for him," Edin sighed, her hands bloody.
"I'm not losing another good man. Khai and I will go out tomorrow; we'll find something."
"But with all the dead out there, how will you even make it down the block? Have you forgotten about our weapons situation?" Edin asked, looking out the window with me. I shared Edin's concern as I surveyed the desolate streets littered with lifeless bodies. It was clear that venturing outside would be perilous, especially without adequate weapons to defend ourselves.
"We can't just sit here, Edin."
"You're right, but you can't die either. Rudi needs us; he needs you, Ethan. I still don't really know what I'm doing. Maybe I'll end up being the reason he dies, but it isn't just my responsibility. We all have to try to save him."