Escape Plan

Five days had passed since the outbreak of the Zombie Apocalypse. In our desperate bid for survival, we had taken refuge within the confines of the college laboratory, situated on the deserted second floor. My companion in this harrowing ordeal was a strikingly beautiful senior and a fellow researcher from our college.

Beyond the laboratory's gate lay a grim sight - the corridor teemed with a multitude of zombified students, their vacant eyes devoid of purpose as they roamed aimlessly. It was a haunting testament to the catastrophe that had befallen us.

Through some effort, we had managed to capture one of these undead creatures. For the past few days, we had subjected it to a series of experiments, yielding revelations that defied all known laws of science. These zombies were undergoing a transformation like nothing ever witnessed before.

They were gradually morphing into beings with characteristics reminiscent of trees. Limbs severed from the captive zombie, such as fingers, displayed slow but remarkable regeneration, resulting in a skin that resembled the bark of a tree, with woody textures and eerie human-like features underneath. It was as if these zombies were evolving into something entirely new, something increasingly resilient to harm.

The implications were dire; if this transformation continued unchecked, the roaming zombies outside would eventually become formidable tree-like entities, even more challenging to eliminate. There seemed to be only one part of their anatomy impervious to this transformation - their heads, or more specifically, their brains.

We were certain that this phenomenon was the result of a zombie virus, symbiotic organism, or some other insidious parasite. If we could unravel the mysteries behind this transformation, it might hold the key to combating this global catastrophe. We were sure that rescue teams would eventually arrive, as we couldn't be the only survivors left in this unfolding nightmare.

Yet, before pinning our hopes on rescue, we needed to ensure our immediate survival. The world's population was undoubtedly dwindling, as we had already witnessed over a hundred individuals succumb to zombification. We made futile attempts to reach out to our families through the rented mobile belonging to the captured zombie, but it appeared that the mobile networks had ceased to function. And to compound our isolation, the electricity had also been cut off, plunging us into darkness every night, with only the moonlight to guide our actions.

Aware of the harsh reality, we decided to brave the perilous journey downstairs, venturing into the first floor in search of any other survivors. We understood that the five days of wearing the same clothing, including our undergarments, had taken a toll on our hygiene and morale. The only garments at our disposal were lab coats, hardly suitable for the dire circumstances in which we found ourselves.

With no external communication and the relentless danger that lurked beyond the laboratory doors, our only recourse was to employ our intellect and devise a makeshift plan to navigate past the hordes of zombies that obstructed the stairwells at both ends of the corridor.

The time had come to muster our courage and embark on this treacherous journey through the unknown, knowing that it was our best chance at finding other survivors and unlocking the secrets of this inexplicable transformation that had befallen humanity. We steeled ourselves for the trials that awaited us in the world outside, hoping against hope that we could make a difference in this new and horrifying reality.

---

Jazmen and I found ourselves holed up in the dimly lit second-floor laboratory, anxiously contemplating our next move. The hallway outside was filled with the guttural growls and shuffling footsteps of the undead, creating a chilling symphony of danger.

I turned to Jazmen, the senior, the seasoned researcher and now my close ally, my voice indecisive, "Jazmen, we can't stay here forever. We need to make it to the first floor; there might be more survivors there. We're running low on supplies."

Jazmen, the picture of composure and wisdom, nodded in agreement. "You're right. But we can't rush into this blindly. We need a plan."

My eyes darted toward the corner of the room where we had tied up the captured zombie. It was unsettling, to say the least. "What do we do about that one? It won't be happy when we leave.", I said with a giggle.

Jazmen smiled and took a moment to consider our options. "We can't take it with us; it's too dangerous. We'll make sure the door is locked securely before we go."

I nodded in agreement, and we turned our attention to the small stash of stolen food we had: some fruits and bread with butter. It wasn't much, but it was all we had. Jazmen divided the remaining food into two portions. "We'll take this with us, but we must be careful not to attract attention with the smell."

As we discussed our plan, the incessant moans and the scraping of decayed limbs outside the lab were a constant reminder of the imminent danger. The corridor had become a nightmarish gauntlet, swarming with relentless zombies.

My anxiety got the best of me, and I voiced my concern, "How are we going to get past them, Jazmen? The corridor is crawling with those things."

Jazmen's mind raced as she considered our options. "We need a distraction, something loud enough to draw them away from our path. Once we have an opening, we make a run for it."

My eyes scanned the lab for anything that could help us. "What about the fire alarm? It's right by the lab door. We can set it off as we leave."

Jazmen nodded in agreement. "That could work, but timing is crucial. We can't alert the zombies too early, or they'll be waiting for us at the staircase."

We continued to fine-tune our escape plan, every detail meticulously crafted in hushed tones. I was impressed by Jazmen's calm and collected demeanor despite our dire circumstances.

Jazmen turned to me, her face calm and reassuring. "We've got this, Apex. Remember, it's not always about being the strongest; it's about being the smartest. We'll outwit these creatures and make it to safety."

With our plan in place, we stood by the lab door, ready to face the unknown. I looked at Jazmen and said, "Alright, Jazmen. Let's set off the fire alarm as our distraction, leave the zombie tied up here, and make our way to the staircase. Once we're on the first floor, we'll try to find other survivors."

With our plan in place, we steeled ourselves for what lay ahead. We unlocked the door and stepped out into the dark and perilous corridor. The moment of truth had arrived, and we were determined to face it head-on, relying on our wits and resourcefulness to survive in a world overrun by the undead.