Knocks On The Door

The blood was fresh.

Li Ran stared at it for a while before she could make out what was written. It was hard because the blood kept dripping and it looked terrifying.

[ If you need help, please contact XXXXXX. Don't be afraid, you can trust me. I won't hurt you. ]

Just below that window, there was also another family who used this method to communicate.

Unfortunately, Li Ran could not see who was in the house.

She retracted her gaze. Li Ran did not plan to interact with others because she wanted to avoid any potential conflicts.

She was a pregnant woman.

It was impossible for her to move as easily as a normal person, so she had a strong sense of self-protection.

The sky was completely dark.

Li Ran laid in the darkness for a while, then she moved the curtains again. It was also pitch-black outside.

Although there was electricity, everyone seemed to come to a mutual understanding to not turn on the lights at night.

Li Ran was no exception.

She dared not show herself during the day. Only at night did she quietly go to the balcony with a quilt. She would spread it on the ground and either sit or lay on it. She had never stood up because she did not want to be seen.

What if those mutated people had excellent vision? What would she do if they saw her?

There was no choice.

If Li Ran was discovered, she would immediately become a target.

She had to be extremely careful and that was what she had been doing so far.

However, for the sake of her child, Li Ran felt that it was necessary to breathe some fresh air.

After some time, Li Ran half-squatted and got up. She picked up the quilt and went directly back into her house.

She tried to be as careful as possible and closed the balcony door, not making a single sound.

Li Ran heaved a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Li Ran's eyes instantly widened and her body began to tremble. She leaned against the wall and kept silent.

She was afraid that the person outside would discover her.

The knocking on the door continued without any signs of stopping. 

After a while, Li Ran was sure that it was a human being outside, not a zombie.

The knocking on the door was rhythmic. At first, it was slow, then it picked up speed.

Li Ran mustered up all her courage and slowly walked towards the door. 

She looked through the peephole while holding her breath.

Afraid that something scary would appear and make her scream, she covered her mouth.

Li Ran saw a woman.

"Li Ran, Miss Li, you are at home, right? Can you open the door? We can help each other!" said the woman.

However, there was more than one person outside.

It was the woman's significant other. Li Ran remembered them as they lived just downstairs.

They were active resident group members. But ever since the apocalypse, the group had gone from being happy and lively to cold and bleak. It was not unexpected.

"Miss Li, I heard a noise coming from your balcony and even saw your shadow. You must be at home. Why would you not open the door? Please, Miss Li, I'm begging you. It's too scary outside. Can I hide with you? We still have some food left."

The woman sounded very pitiful. She continued knocking on the door.

Her face's expression became more and more anxious. She kept looking around.

She was afraid that she might draw the zombie's attention.

Li Ran remained silent.

She was exactly familiar with her. There were many other neighbors who were closer to the couple, but Li Ran was definitely not one of them.

She often chatted with the neighbors but with her, they only occasionally nodded and smiled.

They barely had any contact.

Li Ran still clearly remembered an incident that had happened.

She was heading to the parking lot when she happened to see the couple getting out of their car.

The woman saw Li Ran and immediately came up to her. She pretended to be familiar with her and asked, "Hello, your name is Li Ran, right?"

"Hello, yes."

"Hey, I remember that you're married. Why do I never see your husband?" 

The woman asked curiously.

Li Ran did not think much of it and replied with a smile, "My husband is busy. He's rarely at home."

"Oh my, life is tough. If you ever need help, just let me know. Don't be shy, alright?"

Li Ran smiled politely and nodded. "Thank you."

...

Li Ran continued to stare at the door. She dared not open it or even respond.

Why was she looking for her?