Chapter 12: Second Wave

The morning after the attack, the apartment looked like a battlefield. Broken glass, spilled water, and bloodstains marked the floors and walls. No one spoke much. The group worked in silence, cleaning and reinforcing everything they could.

Aiden stood at the doorway with his arms crossed, watching everyone move. His eyes were sharp, and his body was tense. He didn't trust that it was over. One group of scavengers could mean more. People talk. Desperate people listen.

Jake came out of the kitchen, carrying a broom. "We're holding together okay," he said. "But the kids are scared. Even Tim is shaking."

Aiden nodded. "Fear means they're aware. That's better than being careless. But we can't stay here forever."

Jake paused. "You thinking of moving?"

"I'm thinking of options," Aiden replied. "We can't let them find us again. We either vanish, or we show them this building isn't worth the trouble."

The rest of the day was spent making plans. Aiden had everyone pack light go-bags in case of evacuation. One bag each with food, water, tools, and a weapon. He had them rehearse exit routes and regroup points.

Emily suggested the old subway tunnel under Main Street. It hadn't been used in years.

"Might be a good escape route," she said. "But it's dark and probably crawling with things."

"Then we'll clear it," Aiden said. "Tomorrow, we scout it."

That night, Aiden sat near the window again, sword in hand. He couldn't relax. Every creak made his grip tighten.

Around midnight, Jake took over watch duty. Aiden gave him a nod and stepped into the hallway. He walked toward the roof for some fresh air.

The city looked lifeless under the moonlight. But Aiden knew better. Danger didn't always make noise. Sometimes it waited.

As he turned to head back down, he heard something. A scraping sound—metal on brick. He froze.

Then, a figure pulled itself up over the ledge.

Aiden moved fast. He slammed the figure against the wall and raised his blade.

"Wait!" the voice croaked. "I'm not one of them!"

Aiden paused. The man was skinny, covered in dirt and blood, but alive. Not infected.

"Who are you?" Aiden asked sharply.

"Name's Leo. I saw the lights in your building. I needed help. Please. I haven't eaten in days."

Aiden didn't lower the blade. "You alone?"

"Yes. Swear it. I came from the west side. My group... they didn't make it. I just want to survive."

Aiden stared into his eyes, looking for any sign of a lie. Leo looked scared but sincere.

He lowered the sword slightly. "Come inside. But try anything, and you won't leave alive."

Leo nodded quickly.

Inside, the group was already awake. Jake met them at the stairs.

"Who's this?"

"Name's Leo," Aiden said. "He claimed that he's alone and starving."

Emily handed Leo a water bottle. He drank it in seconds.

"Why are you here?" Jake asked.

"I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just saw the light. Figured maybe it was safe. You're the first people I've seen in days."

Aiden pulled Jake aside.

"Keep your eye on him. He might be telling the truth. But we can't take risks."

Jake nodded. "I'll stay close."

The rest of the night passed slowly. Leo slept on the floor near the door. Aiden stayed near him.

By morning, the group gathered in the living room.

"We're scouting the subway today," Aiden said. "Leo, you stay here. Jake and I will go with Emily and Tim."

Leo didn't argue. He looked grateful just to be inside.

The subway entrance was behind a collapsed grocery store. The stairs were cracked, and the air smelled of mold and metal. Aiden went first, flashlight in one hand, machete in the other.

They moved carefully, the only sound being their footsteps and dripping water. Graffiti covered the walls. Broken benches and trash were scattered everywhere.

"Looks empty," Emily whispered.

"Too quiet," Aiden replied.

As they turned the corner, they saw two zombies near the old ticket booth. One was dragging its leg. The other had no jaw.

Aiden signaled. Tim stepped forward and swung his bat. One zombie fell. Aiden finished the other.

"You're getting better," he told Tim. "Keep your stance tighter next time."

They moved deeper into the tunnel and found a small maintenance room. It had a few old tools, some bottled water, and space for maybe five people.

"Could work as a backup shelter," Jake said.

Aiden nodded. "We'll clear out the rest later. For now, let's head back."

Back at the apartment, Leo was still there. He had cleaned up a little and even helped Sarah fix the barricade.

Jake leaned close to Aiden. "He might be alright."

"Maybe," Aiden said. "But we stay ready just in case."

The group was changing. It's getting stronger, smarter, and more connected.

But so was the world outside.

And Aiden knew the second wave hadn't hit them yet.

It was coming.

And they had to be ready.