33. Changing direction

''Yes?'' His voice resounded through the quiet room and he suddenly heard someone yelling and cursing at him.

''You idiot, moron, brainless fool, turn the car around and go to the nearest bridge and pass it as soon as possible. Zombie tide is coming your way damn it!!!'' He could always recognize that voice so he chuckled but then got serious.

''Hold tight, uncle has to tun around. My wife is furious as I got myself in trouble.'' His eyes were serious but lips contained a slight smile.

The child calmly looked at him after hearing all those curses and just crossed his arms. ''Yep, just like my mother and father before they died. they would always argue like this but they actually were strong together. She just yells at you as she probably is scared. What did you do? By the way, what is zombie tide?'' They just crossed the bridge and started moving upwards and suddenly he saw something really strange form another side. ''Is there a landslide?''

Like a big tsunami, the zombies rolled down towards the humans that were still running around. Luckily for Mario, that bridge is one of those that could be risen up. So the zombie tide couldn't reach him, yet. He stepped on the gas in fear. After they finish those humans, they will definitely be after them... He needs to find a way to get away from them.

A now calm voice could be heard from the radio. ''Idiot. We found the hospital not far away. On the roof, there is a helicopter. Try to get there as soon as possible. One of my people will lead your way. I will talk to you when you are safe in the helicopter on your way here.''

She could hear him chuckling and so she started mumbling all kinds of curses. ''Stupid moron, just hurry. It's not anymore only your life in danger, that child needs your help as well, so step on. It's not like the police will hunt you for speeding!''

In her eyes, she felt like he just strolled while looking at speed of the tide. Millions of humans turned into zombies and in the tide, there was no start or end. It was quite a scary sight.

He didn't answer as one of the coworkers started talking to him and leading his way. She could see how he speed up and had some dangerous maneuvers around corners making her again go crazy. ''Is he trying to get himself killed ee before entering the hospital. Damn... hospital. Are there a lot of zombies?''

Suddenly a picture with a hospital could be seen and empty yard and hallways. When he approached a few zombies appeared out their doors but were to slow as she chooses to automatically look at all the doors. He held the child on his back and rushed up as fast he could.

As soon he sat down he got connected to Emma. ''Are you there?''

''I am about to curse again. Could you please hurry up and start the helicopter. The tide has almost reached those people. When it turns back around I have no idea how fast they will reach you.''

She could hear the clicking and he sighed. ''This thing is not filled completely. How far can helicopters come?''

''Only until the border. Can you get there until then?'' somehow his sigh didn't sound good and she was right.

''Impossible. There is not enough gasoline. I can fly just for a while. I think maybe halfway up there.''

She paced for second as she heard helicopter starting and seeing him flying off. then she looked at the other screen the long line of cars and smiled brightly.

''There is a line of cars driving towards us. If you can catch up with them then you might have a chance.'' She looked ta the people counting and they nodded, it is indeed possible.

''Good, please lead the way.'' His voice seemed calm as he drove the helicopter.

One of the men smiled at her. ''Mam, there was something down in another city. It was music fair and the stage was set up. Should we lead zombie tide there and give the people more time to run. Then they could get one more stop at least to get food.''

Emma was excited. ''If that works their lives could be saved.''

She watched with dread at the tide reaching humans and just being overrun by it. Suddenly tide again changed the direction, this time towards that city. The distraction worked well as it seems. They would have more time to run away.

Her heart was beating the hard whole time. So stressful. Why? She just wanted to hide like a mouse and just live to survive. How did it turn this way? It was not her intention to become a savior or anything similar. That damn Mario...

She looked at the screen with a long line of cars and sighed. Never mind. She had enough space for everyone. Why not adding more people.

''Did anyone give notice to the cities that the tied is about to turn around?'' She didn't hate anyone. Thir survival means later even her survival. You never know from what side you will need help.

''Yes, mam. They went out to kill s many zombies as they could and to harvest as much food as they can.'' One of the men showed on his screen where a group of people rushed through streets and killed any zombie they could and then went into small and big stores bringing in all they could to the trucks.

She held her head. ''One stupid from that side, many stupid ones on this side. Connect to them and tell them to go straight to the storage. They can then get food in large amounts. It's a waste of time to scavenge small amounts.''

''Yes, mam.'' He started talking to people in cars and suddenly everyone started turning their cars where he led them.

Back where storage area was were even a bunch of trucks filled with all kinds of products and they just checked and jumped to drive off with those straight to their place while others rushed in and started bringing large amounts of things and filling their trucks as well. Groups of people would kill from time to time the zombies that started coming attracted by the sound.

She just pated the man's shoulder and raized her thumbs up gaining his smile.

Her seat was there so she just sat down as her legs started shaking a little. One of the female soldiers that were actually that day watching over her daughter saw her pale complexion and rushed to give her some water.

''Mam. If you faint that won't do any good. Please eat something. You are standing there already for hours. You need to eat right now.'' She was really worried.

Emma rubbed her dry eyes and nodded. ''I know. Go bring me something I can eat but nothing heavy. And more water, I feel parched.'' She coughed lightly and then smiled at the female soldier.

The female soldier rushed out to get food while Emma looked in silence at the multiple screens.

The zombie tide seems to be quite fast. How is this even possible. What is giving it so much power?

She sat down and just shook her head. No time to think about it now, she needs to concentrate on the current situation. She watched as the zombie tide almost swallowed the town streets and even crushed some of the buildings that coudlnt support themself well. The music festival stage was actually on a small island in mid of the lake so the tide literally entered the water. Millions of people entering the small lake, soon the lake was filled enough that the tide reached the other side over their bodies.

Soon they stopped and started just going in a circle like a strange phenomenon and the turned around. It seems they still didn't give up on the line of cars that drove as fast as they could to the state borders.

Mario's helicopter was fast as well. He was already halfway towards the cars when something unexpected happened. Few cars started leaving the road and going to the city. She knew some people would get the idea to go to the nearest shelter and not go to her so she just watched coldly and without interest half of the line going the other way.

At the end, it is their choice. No need to care about them then. ''Connect to the bus and hose at the same time.''

Two voices could be heard at the same time. ''Yes?''

''Like you can see some of those people left for the nearest sanctuary. But unfortunately for them, I think they won't be able to enter. That shelter is so overfilled that some people went to look for private shelters alone. Don't worry about them, just continue your way. Soon one more person will join you with a helicopter, but he won't have enough gasoline to drive all the way. I plan to let him and the child join in the buss so you two can change the seats. Hose how are you holding?''

''I am fine. Before I drove trucks and would be awake for days. I am fine with driving even if its 24 hrs without stop.'' His voice seemed debit raspy but she could hear him suddenly gulping water. It seems his wife gave him something to drink.

''How are children in the car and how are those on the bus?''

Hose answered first. ''My oldest is awake the little ones are all sleeping.''

The bus driver as well gave a report. ''Some children are awake and some asleep now as they had something to drink and eat.''

''When you see helicopter passes you that means you will have another shortstop. In about one hour he should be able to catch up on you. I will bring him to the nearest gas station to wait for you and just be ready for foraging again. You did a great job before.''

She could hear a laugh from the bus driver. ''These children are survivors themselves. I work in an orphanage and all children are taught to survive in the outside world. When zombie apocalypse started we were actually visiting some world war shelters and just then it happened. So we looked inside and tried to survive as long we could. But it is not a permanent answer. Too many people were inside and I could feel the pressure on the children. So as soon as Hose contacted us, we choose to rush out and follow him. Most of the people stayed there.''

''I am glad you choose to go out. We have enough space for everyone. That is the reason we contacted as many survivors as we could. I will let you talk to the officers as long check the date. Will hear you in a bit.'' She saw a female officer coming in with a plate filled with food and a big bottle of water. Seriously, who can eat that much food?

''Some of the food is for you and some for Aisa. mam.'' the woman saw her confused expression and had the urge to explain.

Emma sighed in relief. Good that she thought about Aisa as well. She ate a bit and then pushed the food away as she stood up drunk some water and started pacing again nervously.

The zombie tide just passed the river and started rolling towards the people. Helicopter almost reached them and they were only halfway there.

''Connect me to Commander.'' She waited for a few moments and then scrunched her eyebrows. ''Where is Commander?''

''Commander is at utility 2.'' Computer answered.

''What the hell is he doing there? Send soldiers there. Quickly.'' Bad premonition started coming from deep inside her... She hates this feeling.