For Your Undead Eyes Only — Part 1
Author’s note: This is a continuation of The Unsent Letter Parts 1,2 & 3 which can be found by clicking below or on PS. I Love You:
The Unsent Letter — Part 1: https://psiloveyou.xyz/the-unsent-letter-part-one-d6b8cda19ce
The Unsent Letter — Part 2: https://psiloveyou.xyz/the-unsent-letter-part-two-c15f42b7f07
The Unsent Letter — Part 3: https://psiloveyou.xyz/the-unsent-letter-part-3-final-d5671476e3fb
Delilah shifted her body over the empty side of her bed that was now cold; like it had never been occupied at all. She laid her head on the pillow and stared out into the darkness, her eyes unable to focus on anything so her mind wandered to the night before; her body entwined with his, his mouth found hers whilst confusion swirled in her head.
She could hear him outside now, tinkering with the ute engine, getting it ready for the run. Dawn started to creep in through the windows, the old ripped sheet that hung across the frame was no match for the strengthening sun. The low light bathed Delilah’s face and her body automatically started to wake up and prepare for the day ahead. Murmurings from the others could be heard in the hallway, negotiations of who would cook breakfast, of who would pack for the run. She tied her hair up, her long ponytail sweeping down her back and sat on the edge of the bed and her shoulders sank with an audible sigh. She took a moment to muster the courage to lead the others, a position she was finding more and more tiring as the days went on, now that her Rob was gone. The thought bought on a flashback from the previous night, the memory seared on her brain and she grimaced as though the pain was real. She felt like she had betrayed him; she wasn’t ready for this.
Delilah greeted the others in the kitchen while their murmurings had turned into a chorus of voices which made the modest house buzz. The group in the kitchen had made a production line for breakfast; they had perfected the art of making meals for large groups, even though their group had been shrinking lately. There was more activity in the living room where she found George and Lydia packing backpacks for the run. Bottles of water and parts of a first aid kit where strewn across the floor and the weapons were in the corner. George saw Delilah come in and she noticed him quickly placing a tea towel over the hand gun, so it was out of sight. The gesture was thoughtful, but it frustrated her all the same, she could handle seeing it; she just couldn’t use it just yet. It was too soon.
“We’re off at midday Del. You coming, or staying here?” George enquired, not looking up from his task.
“I’m coming. So, you think that daylight will be safer?” Delilah asked.
“It’s worth a try. They’re just as active at night. Plus, we can see better in the day. We just have to be more strategic with travel.” George said matter-of-factly. He pushed a blonde dread behind his ear with a tanned hand, a few beaded bracelets of beautiful colours shifted down to his wrist. Delilah was reminded of his past life, one where she did not know him, but she could tell he lived the life of a wandering hippie or a travelling surfie perhaps, when he spoke of where he had lived and the things he had seen. But this was before everything changed. Now everyone’s futures were the same.
“Yes, I agree, it’s worth a try. Let’s take it slow and be careful.” She walked from the room and back to the kitchen where breakfast was ready. Supplies had been dwindling but Tai had done all he could, porridge with sultanas and tea with powdered milk. George and Lydia followed her in and Derik had come in from the garage, his hands marked with grease. He stood observing everyone sitting down for the meal and wiped his hands whilst trying to steal a glance with Delilah. She could feel his gaze burning into her from across the room. She eventually met his eyes and a shy smirk started to play on his lips. She shocked herself by blushing and hoped no-one saw but they all seemed too focused on the food. She placed a hand on her chest and could feel the chain against her sternum. The chain that held Rob’s ring, and now hers too. She felt another pang of shame as she wrestled with the guilt and tried to remind herself that he would want her to be happy.
The meal was noisy and full of chatter and Delilah was relieved, she wasn’t up for much talking these days. She mostly talked with Derik but that had now gone an unfamiliar place, one where she was having trouble navigating. She wondered if she had experienced too much pain and could never heal, if she was becoming one of the undead herself, only starting with her broken heart instead of a bite.
Before long they had packed the ute with water, first aid supplies, bags and weapons. They had a few guns with ammo, but mostly they were stocked with spears, ice-picks (Lydia had been an amazing climber previously), knives and a lasso that James had made for Delilah, saying he saw her as Wonder Woman and handed it to her with a wink. She remembered that day vividly as Rob had been with her and he laughed heartily, and she pushed him playfully. She placed her hand on the lasso gently, savouring the feeling of being with him, but she was jerked out of her reverie by Tai touching her on the shoulder.
“Sorry Del, didn’t mean to scare you. Look, I’m not going today. Maisy is sick again and I really need to stay with her. Is that OK?”
“Yes, of course Tai. Any medical supplies I should be focusing on while we’re there?” Delilah asked him, busying her hands with unnecessary shifting of bags.
“Yeah, we’re getting low on anti-biotics, bandages and pain killers. But anything you can get is useful. Stay safe out there yeah?” He touched her shoulder again, more firmly this time and searched her eyes.
“Yeah of course, we’ll be careful. Hope Maisy feels better.” Delilah used the last statement as a way to dismiss him and climbed into the tray of the ute. He saluted her mockingly and walked off, leaving her with a wide grin.
As he left, George and Linda strode out and took their places on the front seats in the cabin and Derik climbed in the back with Delilah. The atmosphere felt charged and awkward at the same time and Delilah was grateful that Derik kept a safe distance from her, whilst thinking at the same time how well he must know her and what she needs.
They took off and they both grabbed the edge of the tray to keep steady. They heard James slam shut the gate of the high fence behind them with a loud clang. It was a beautiful day and the sun was blazing down on them, their skin warming after a difficult winter. Derik took his time before he spoke to her, “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, quite well. You were up early?” She responded.
“Yeah, I wanted to work on the ute, make sure it was in tip-top shape for today.” His voice was rough, his sleep deprivation was obvious, and Delilah wondered if he had been up long before dawn. She nodded back to him in agreement.
He waited a while before speaking again, “Del…I just want you to know…that…well, you…oh Jesus…” He shook his head in frustration. “What I mean is, last night was amazing but I get it if you’re not ready, if you need more time. I really care about you, so I’ll wait.”
Delilah was taken aback by his words, after all, he was a man that didn’t talk a lot about his feelings, so this direct statement shocked her. But she also found it comforting.
“Thanks Derik. Its not you, its just the situation. So yes, some time would help me a lot.” She took a deep breath and smiled at him, wanting to reassure him. They suddenly came to a stop and George and Lydia jumped out to grab the bags. Delilah took her knife and placed it into a hole in her belt that she made specially. The four started to approach the door of the abandoned hospital, moving in groups of two. After no sounds could be heard from inside, the group forced the door open and entered with careful strides up the corridor to a reception area.
“Some supply rooms will be close by, keep a look out.” Lydia instructed the group, moving steadily forward, her rifle at the ready.
A crash could be heard in the first supply room, so Delilah moved towards it gingerly, her knife already drawn. Just one stab to the head and it could be sorted she was sure. She felt Derik behind her and knowing his spear was going to back her up gave her more confidence. She kicked in the door with one swift movement, her boot leaving a mark on the greying paint. Nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. Her mouth hung open and she froze, every hair on her stood on end. She moved her head to the side to see Derik doing the same, his skin paling.
“But Del, you…you…he can’t be…” He breathed, his words lost with his shock.
“I know.” Delilah replied, her voice catching. The object of their shock seemed to have his shirt caught on something in the supply room, so he was momentarily fixed to his spot whilst his feet kept trying to shuffle forwards. His undead eyes staring straight ahead, seeing the pair but not really seeing them, not in the way he could in his former life.
Delilah’s hand tightened on the grip of her knife until her knuckles went white. She managed to speak again, this time her voice slightly clearer, “I already shot him.”
To be continued…
