Stuck in the Elevator Again | ONC 2022

Loop 4.5

Last edited: 25/4/2022
[Roselyn]

I have to admit. The bangs and groans and moans are getting boring.

I mean, I'm experiencing this whole routine for the fourth time in a row already. What do you expect? Another round of screams?

Well, yeah, that's true. I'm on the verge of another panic attack again and am about to scratch my throat out. You know, just the usual.

Anyway, back to the present. Jaxtyn Uburg and I are gripping our weapons and creeping towards the corners of the elevator.

I have no idea why I'm tiptoeing. The zombies are going to barge in anyway. It doesn't matter whether I create noise or not.

But I guess fear gets a better hold of me.

Stifling my breath, I stare with wide and alert eyes as the elevator door vents in at the bottom bit by bit.

After a good old nap, I finally have the strength to revise my previous actions and realize that I haven't improved my self-centered attitude at all. I just snapped at him for something so minor. For an incident that is not worth arguing.

Guilt has been eating me up ever since I awakened, but seeing how the elevator door hollows in and breathing in the primal fear for the zombies, I truly recognize how much I have hurt and used Jaxtyn Uburg. Imagine dealing with zombies, a seeming forever time loop, and a never-going-to-disappear spoiled brat at the same time! Great, right?

However, the present situation is not allowing me to overthink much. I quickly swear to myself that I will quit my selfishness as soon as possible, and make a mental note to sincerely apologize to him and make up for my mistakes the best I can. Then, I tighten my grasp on my scissor and aim the sharp tips toward the door. My sweaty hands that are holding my purse and my scissors along with the uncomfortable nudge of the utility knife in my back pocket are distracting me, but I manage to shut my complaining thoughts away.

"Ok. So, here's the final plan. The zombie's going to break... from the look, two-thirds of the elevator door. As soon as there is a wide enough hole, we will slam our feet onto the zombie's face and jump out of the elevator. Then, try to find an empty room or something. Just find somewhere to hide. I want to go first. Is that ok?" I ramble.

"Yes," Jaxtyn Uburg accedes.

I hum in appreciation and continue training my eyes onto the continuously sinking metal. As stained fingers, then hands, appear on the metal doors, I trudge towards them with cautious steps. I stifle my breath unconsciously as my heart hammers anxiously against my ribs. The pumping of blood in my ear is so loud, that I am sure the zombie must have heard it and is now licking its lips fervently.

However, the stiff tread of the zombie fades from my hearing. I quickly seize the opportunity to crouch low to peer through the gap it created.

Noticing that within two meters of vision, nothing is seen, I hurriedly put my legs into the gap and let my body slide down with my front against the elevator body. The sudden fall causes my reflex to kick in, my arms hold on to the edge of the elevator as a buffer.

Landing on the floor with a sharp pain shooting up my ankle, I veer around as my wide eyes search the surroundings for the zombies.

It is a typical workplace; around twenty cubicles crowded up in the middle of the space, large panels of windows taking up the whole left side, tables with different kinds of snacks and drinks on the right wall, and three doors at the far end.

However, the interior designs are not what catches my attention. I fix my eye on the few zombies that are present.

One on the far left is bumping into a cubicle's wall and sticking its head into it, gluttonous eyes focused on the little drop of blood on the computer screen. The huge, bloody opening on its nose squeezes out a few drops of blood every few seconds, resulting in its tongue darting out now and then to lick the black blood that lands on its cracked lips.