Chapter 9: UnDead Girl by Stephen Simpson
Finn dismissed Genesis. “Training will begin at eight every morning and end at three in the afternoon,” she explained. “Today, you will go through a battery of tests, and they will put you on the programme to regulate your hunger.” Finn glanced at Genesis and her small smile warmed. “It seems like a lot to take in all at once, but you’ll catch on quickly. After a day or two, the strict routine will become overbearingly normal.”
Finn remained silent for a few steps, and Genesis took the
opportunity to ask, “What kind of training will we be doing?”
“Mostly
physical training, how to use different kinds of weapons, and how best to kill
zombies who have been affected by a contagion.”
“That
sounds interesting,” was all Genesis could think of saying.
“Come
on. Let’s get you dressed. I’m sure everyone is waiting for you already.”
They entered the bathroom together, and Genesis asked, “Will
the others be there too?”
“Obviously.
You will all be poked and prodded with about a million needles.”
Genesis walked into a cubicle and pushed the door shut
before she quickly slipped out of the hospital gown and pulled on a comfortable
pair of jeans, a red and navy striped T-shirt and a pair of trainers. She
raised her voice to ask, “Will you be training with us?”
Finn replied, “I have been poked and prodded with needles
since the moment I opened my eyes to this world, so I won’t be joining you
today, but I will be training with you from tomorrow.”
“Have
you had training before?”
“I
have. Since I was able to balance on my own two legs, by myself.”
Fully dressed, Genesis walked out of the cubicle and stopped
at the basin where she quickly brushed her teeth and washed her face.
She glanced at Finn. “If we are alike, why do I look like
death, while you look so… Alive.”
Finn smiled. “There is nothing a good concealer and a box of
hair dye cannot fix.”
Genesis looked back at the mirror for a quick glance. She
did not want to look at her own reflection for too long. She did not want to
see her deathly pale complexion with hair to match.
“Genesis.”
She looked away from the mirror to find Finn studying her
with a concerned expression and realized Finn had probably been trying to get
her attention while she had been focussed on the girl looking back at her from
the mirror. Even though she did not want to see her, she could not help
looking. “Sorry,” she mumbled.
Finn placed her hands on Genesis’ shoulders and turned her
to face her. “Genesis, remember, this is new for all of you. Everyone here
knows what it feels like, the fear of whether you will survive the change, the
shock of your life being turned upside down.”
“Survive the change?” Genesis asked. “What change?”
“I’ve said too much,” Finn said as she started to walk toward the door. “We best be on our way. Everyone is waiting for you.”
