03

Depending on them?

I was a zombie.

I could go anywhere I wanted. Every dark alley, ruined building, and corpse-filled street belonged to things like me. Humans were the ones hiding behind locked doors.

I didn't need him.

The thought clicked into place, and I bared my teeth at both of them.

“Hrrk. Hrrrk!”

I wasn't only growling at her, idiot. You could get lost too.

Avery clung to Ethan's arm. She leaned into him, fragile and pretty, while Logan watched her with open concern.

“Ethan, Nora's already dead,” Logan said. “Put her out of her misery. Look how scared Avery is.”

Ethan looked at me and raised the handgun.

“You're really trying to get yourself killed.”

I stared at the dark muzzle.

Something hurt inside my chest.

Ridiculous. Zombies didn't have beating hearts. What exactly was hurting?

Still, I stopped fighting.

Ethan lowered the weapon and led Avery to the far side of the station. She waited until he sat, then carefully curled against him.

His brow furrowed, but he didn't push her away.

I lowered my eyes.

One by one, the humans fell asleep.

I remained tied to the post, unable to break free and unable to sleep.

If I could've spoken, I would've asked Ethan one question.

Did you forget how badly I wanted to live?