Notes

Alex turned, squinted against the growing darkness and ran towards the house that would surely be his only escape from the zombies that were lurching across the beach towards him. As he got nearer the house the ground became increasingly hazardous. In the darkness, the holes that had been so much fun to dig earlier in the day had turned the way home into a virtual maze. Running now would surely be more deadly than the pursing zombies. He cursed himself, if only he had made a torch when the sun had provided not only light and welcome warmth, but also a protective shield against the foul creatures that pursued him now. Slowing to a walk, he picked his way carefully through the near invisible pits. The moans in the darkness were getting nearer with every passing second. He was close. He could now see the sand and dirt made house clearly silhouetted against the lake. A vivid memory of happy days in the sun, throwing sticks into the cool, blue water, flashed into his head. He shook himself, there was no time for that, he had to focus. If he couldn't get to that house he would surely never see another sunrise again. Closer. He could now just about make out the marks on the door where arrows loosed by a skelton the previous night had just missed his head and embedded themselves deep into the oak. Where was Ellie? He was expecting to see her on the battlements. She had headed back to the house earlier in the day to build weapons. She should be there. Where was she? Worrying about his sister had caused a lapse in concentration, he stumbled. Barely noticing the pain in his ankle, he scrambled to his feet again. Every muscle in his legs ached, but he pushed on. He was close now. He was just about to grab the door handle when ...