Reunion

We parted ways, and I headed to my advising appointment, without event. When I was there, I learned all about what classes I should take next, when to register, and who to direct my Computer Science questions towards. I learned nothing about how to survive a university outbreak.

I started back to Walter, thinking the quiet atmosphere would make me forget about the horrors awaiting outside. The sun beat down like any other warm autumn day. A few brown, curled leaves fell from the trees as a zephyr passed through. Paradisaical. Following a falling leaf, I caught sight of another orange cloth. I tensed, then realized it was about the man's arm. I hailed him, and he echoed in kind. "Seen any today?" I asked eagerly. "I've already fought off one," he said, "be careful!" I wished him likewise, and cautiously traveled to the library doors. A girl walked down the ramp as I walked up, and I caught the tangerine on her brow. I tensed, raised my blaster... but it was just a hairband. I exhaled. The paranoia was draining. I ascended to the door, and turned, opening it behind me. Grinner was walking by right in front of me. He looked over. My blood froze, and I ducked inside.

I stood there, inside the glass doors, as Grinner continued down the walk. The echoes in my head began. A thousand movies flashed by as if the projector had but a frame of each. A brief message was illuminated: "Rule #17: Don't be a hero." I repeated it to myself. "Don't, don't..."

My leg was kicking open the door before I even knew what was happening. The survivor from before heard the commotion, and he turned around at the ready. He saw Grinner stalking him, and bolted. Grinner didn't even try, knowing that the lead was too much. He instead focused on me, his glassy grin evilly illuminating his features. I stared back, as stonefaced as I could muster.

I backed into the building.