Outbreak

‘
Help! Please help me!
'

At first I thought I was dreaming because the voice seemed to come from far away.

I opened my eyes. I could just make out my bedroom in the half-light; only a few rays of sunlight crept in around the curtains. Everything seemed just the same as it had been the night before — my school bag was where I'd dumped it, my clothes from yesterday still lay in a pile on the floor.

‘
Somebody! Please help!
'

It definitely wasn't a dream. I rolled onto my side and climbed quietly out of bed, shivering as goose bumps leapt up over my arms. I crept to my door and peered out into the hall. It was deserted.

I didn't recognise the voice. But why would a stranger be inside our house? It was barely morning. Not even the birds were chirping yet. Unless . . . unless it was a trap. Maybe somebody knew who I really was. Or
what
I really was.

I hesitated. Anybody who knew my secret would stay away, wouldn't they? I mean, you'd have to be crazy to break into a zombie's house. Even if they were only a twelve-year-old half zombie like me.

‘
Anybody! Help!
'

A shiver ran down my spine. They sounded terrified — and I was starting to feel the same way! I tried to breathe slowly.

Luckily, this is how I really look

I edged out of my bedroom. Across the hall was Michael's room. I checked inside as I crept past. The bed covers were draped over the lumpy shape of my big brother.

He was out for the count. Good! He needed all the beauty sleep he could get, although I doubted it would improve him much!

I closed my eyes and activated my infrared vision. It felt like a tiny pair of window wipers sliding across my eyeballs. When I opened my eyes again, everything had turned grey.

After I was infected, I'd discovered that being a zombie wasn't all bad. I mean, I'm not gonna lie, 'cause it isn't all great either, but there are some things about it that are kinda cool. Infrared vision is one of them, although it took me ages to figure out how to control my ability to see in the dark. Plus I'm much faster and stronger than I used to be.

I slipped past Mum and Dad's room. With my infrared vision activated, I could see their bodies glowing bright orange beneath the blankets. They were both safe in bed.

‘
Help! Help me!
'

The sound was coming from the study at the end of the hall. The door was ajar a tiny crack but not wide enough for me to see inside. I pushed it open, quickly switching my infrared vision off. I didn't
want to give away my secret by letting someone see my glowing zombie eyes.

The room seemed empty. The sofa sat in its usual position against the wall. Beside it was a small table that held a lamp and a few magazines. Against another wall stood the desk, and on top of it, the computer. I pushed the door further open.

‘
Help! Help!
'

My heart pounded. The voice was so close now. It had come from the only spot in the room that I
couldn't
see: under the desk.

The hairs on the back of my neck stood straight up. I crept forward and stopped just beside the desk. Then I leant down and looked under it.

‘What the . . . ?!'