Chapter 16

The old man pivoted, a spark of realization igniting in his mind. Hoping his thoughts weren't as dire as he feared, he urgently yelled, "Quick, let's keep sprinting ahead! No time to waste!" The urgency in his voice echoed their need for haste, intensifying the suspense in the air.

The old man's hand jolted as he swiftly sparked the lighter, flicking it toward the gas cylinders. Moments before the flame reached them, an eerie silence gripped the air. Suddenly, a wave of zombies surged forward, driven by an insatiable hunger. Just as the lighter reached the gas cylinders, an explosion erupted, obliterating the pursuing undead.

The red-eyed zombie lingered at the rear of the horde, strategically positioned to escape the blast, observing the chaotic spectacle unfold. Daniel and Helen, entranced by the explosive display, slowly snapped out of their daze. Daniel, regaining his focus, noticed a van parked across the road. He hurried toward it, discovering the key still in the ignition. A sigh of relief escaped him, only to be replaced by dismay when he glanced at the fuel gauge, registering empty.

Collapsing onto the ground, Daniel cursed, "Damn, this car's dry. We've got to figure a way out of here and find someplace safe."

While Daniel spoke, the old man sauntered away, leaving them in his dust. As Daniel wrapped up his sentence, the old man spun around, surprise etched across his weathered face. "Are you talking to me? Are you crazy? I am not going with you on your suicide mission."

Helen darted towards Daniel, gracefully kneeling beside him. 'Hey, take these.' She extended her palm, holding a handful of pills. 'Show me your leg; you were groaning in pain when you were asleep. I scoured the area for a pharmacy to get you some medicine. It should help a bit, reduce the pain you're feeling right now.'

Daniel reached out, accepting the medicine from Helen's outstretched hand. 'Thanks, Helen, for this and before too. You really saved my life out there,' he expressed his gratitude, a genuine warmth in his words."

"No problem, Daniel, you put your life on the line to save me too. I'll do anything for you," Helen declared, a warm smile lighting up her face.

The old man stood in silence, his conscience weighing heavily on him. Memories of urging Daniel to give up on Helen flooded back. The word "pharmacy" echoed in his mind, and he turned towards Helen, asking, "What did you just say? You went to the pharmacy by yourself?"

"Huh? Yes, there's one right inside the mall. Anything wrong?" Helen replied, confusion knitting her brows.

"How could you get there and back here safely? I find it unbelievable," the old man expressed, his face marked with surprise. The notion of Helen navigating the journey alone puzzled him.

"Do you ever wonder why those idiots back there kept their distance from that spot?" the old man questioned, pointing behind him. "The mall was swarming with the undead, that's why they hesitated to make a move."

Helen furrowed her brow, glancing skeptically at the old man. "I don't get what you're saying; there were no zombies when I was there."

Ignoring the confusion, she shifted her attention to Daniel, who just wrapped up taking the drugs. "Daniel, let me see your legs," she demanded, her curiosity evident.

As the old man ambled toward Helen, his face revealed a mix of astonishment and bewilderment. "Hold on, lady, I ain't done talking to you yet," he insisted, trying to catch her attention amidst the unfolding situation.

As the old man steadily approached Helen and Daniel, Helen swiftly seized the assault rifle resting beside Daniel. With determination etched on her face, she aimed the weapon at the approaching figure. "Step back. Don't think you're in charge just because I'm a woman," she asserted, her expression unwavering. "I appreciate the rescue, but you're not our leader here," Helen shouted, her words cutting through the tension.

The old man paused in his advance, meeting Helen's stern gaze with a blank expression, the air thick with uncertainty.

Daniel winced as he struggled to stand on his aching legs, his plea breaking through, "Helen, ease up. He won't harm us."

Witnessing Daniel rise with evident pain etched across his face, Helen hurried toward him, concern painting her features. "Daniel, your legs!"

Interrupting her, Daniel reassured, "It's alright, not broken. Those painkillers you gave me a minute ago are doing their thing."

Helen, still anxious, insisted, "Let me check. It might be broken."

Even in distress, Daniel replied, "Even if it were, nothing we can do." His face mirrored sadness and worry.