Photo © 2007 Rachel Cobcroft CC 2.0 BY NC SA
“We’re both dead,” he says, “long dead. But that doesn’t mean we can’t grow alive again!”
She can hardly believe what she’s hearing, of course. A fellow zombie, wanting to be human? Aspiring to be like them? If she didn’t know any better, she would think he was still one of them. But his pallor, his fetor, his unkempt appearance, his bulging eyes, his expressionless countenance, even the moan in his voice, all point to the sophistication that characterize their kind.
How? she wonders, Again human? One cannot undo death, cannot un-lose one’s innocence.
“No,” she says. “They want. We good.”
He shakes his head at her. “You have it all wrong. They don’t strive to be like us, and we don’t fulfill their wishes. They just want to be accepted, to be included.”
“We give them!” she shoots back.
“We give them neither acceptance nor inclusion. Don’t you see? We are the ones who have lost our souls.”
He presses on, and she hears his voice quickening, and wonders how he can talk so fast. “We tell ourselves that we’re better than them, but we only believe it because we hear it all the time. We don’t hold their answers; they hold ours.”
She stares at him a moment, processing his words, almost too much for her. He’s wrong. He’s sacrificing everything she’s worked for, everything she is. She considers destroying him, like the humans sometimes do. Has a zombie ever destroyed one of his own kind?
“You used to be human,” he says. “Have you forgotten already? Don’t you remember what it was like to think, to feel, what it was like to live? What it was like to love?”
She wonders: is that why he’s doing this, betraying their kind, out of some misguided love? Indeed, love was a powerful emotion.
He reaches his hand out and caresses her face. “I remember how you used to be filled with life, how you used to smile at me. How long has it been since we smiled?” And the corner of his lip inches up, stiffly, just a little.
Clearly he is not a full zombie. He is still somehow part human. “You, human,” she says, and she moves to grab him, to attack him as she would a human.
But he does not try to escape. Instead he says, “You can no longer hurt me, my sweet. You can no longer destroy me. I have journeyed to death, and I am on my way back. I’ve met those who have returned to life, and they’ve shown me the way. It all starts up here,”—he points at his head—”in the mind, and here,”—he puts his hand to his chest—”in the heart. None of us has really lost the ability to live; we’ve just forgotten how. All you need to do is to accept it.”
He gazes longingly into her eyes, a stare she just barely remembers. She used to be human, an existence she shed a lifetime ago, an existence that embarrasses her, that she wishes she could forget. His gaze bores into her long-forgotten soul, and she wants to lash out at him, to destroy him. But she also longs for it, for his affection.
She takes his hand in hers and brings it to her lips. She has forgotten how to kiss, but the feeling of his skin against hers reminds of all she has forgotten. She looks to him for a reaction.
“It’s okay,” he says. “You’re allowed to feel. You’re allowed to live. Don’t ever let them tell you otherwise, never again. Join us, and I’ll show you how.”
clicktrendhub – ClickTrendHub features high-quality items in a smooth interface that felt very refined.
refinedbuyhub – RefinedBuyHub showcases standout products with a polished feel that made browsing enjoyable.
clickstylecentral – ClickStyleCentral features stylish, refined items that instantly caught my attention.
creativeexplorehub – CreativeExploreHub presents standout items in a clean, refined interface that felt premium.
новые бездепозитные бонусы в казино 2026
бездепозитные бонусы за регистрацию в казино с выводом
согласование перепланировок согласование перепланировок .
игра в казино где бонус падают шарики
бездепозитные бонусы казахстан за регистрацию в казино
Visit Wildwood – Browsing feels effortless, with well-curated artisan items that stand out.
Wildwood finds store – The artisan items are distinctive, with a user-friendly layout for seamless browsing.
Artisan craft finds – Browsing is effortless, and the items feel unique and carefully displayed.
Michael D personal portal – Visitors can enjoy browsing content thanks to an intuitive design and layout.
Fountain personal site – Content is appealing and browsing is straightforward for any user.
Personal content hub – Users can easily explore materials in a welcoming and accessible format.
Organic Style Marketplace – Organic styling choices matched with a layout that feels easygoing.
Everyday Artisan Market – Everyday artisan appeal presented in a clean and approachable way.
Minimal Artisan Finds – Minimal touches enhance the artisan feel without slowing the experience.
Hi it’s me, I am also visiting this web site daily, this site is genuinely fastidious and the visitors are genuinely sharing pleasant thoughts.
напечатать наклейки http://pechatnakleekmsk.ru .
электрокарнизы электрокарнизы .
Wonderful web site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to several friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you to your effort!
перепланировка услуги pereplanirovka-kvartir1.ru .
новые бездепозитные бонусы в казино 2020 вк quot
We stumbled over here by a different page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so i am just following you. Look forward to checking out your web page repeatedly.
Restful milestones hub – Stories and achievements are shared in a clear, organized manner for easy reading.
Urban finds store – The platform feels fresh, with trendy products that are simple to explore.
Story and milestone hub – Content is organized to highlight achievements and narratives effectively.
Milestone hub – Users can view milestones and stories presented in a structured, readable format.
Urban chic hub – Smooth navigation and stylish selections make the site easy to use.
Urban lifestyle hub – The site feels current and appealing, with a smooth browsing experience.
печать наклеек и стикеров http://www.pechatnakleekmsk.ru .
карнизы для штор купить в москве карнизы для штор купить в москве .
Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is fundamental and everything. But just imagine if you added some great pictures or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this site could undeniably be one of the most beneficial in its field. Fantastic blog!
В клинике применяются современные медицинские технологии, которые обеспечивают стойкий результат. Используемые методики соответствуют международным стандартам и регулярно обновляются.
Подробнее тут – http://narcologicheskaya-klinika-omsk0.ru/chastnaya-narkologicheskaya-klinika-omsk/
ideaexplorer.click – Platform helping users generate inventive ideas and evaluate novel opportunities.
creativeinsights.click – Resource supporting exploration of original concepts and new ways of thinking.
innovativepaths.click – Hub guiding individuals to consider new possibilities and develop original solutions.
worldgoodscentral – WorldGoodsCentral features a colorful selection of items inspired by cultures worldwide.
internationalbuyzone – InternationalBuyZone delivers a colorful mix of products inspired by cultures worldwide with effortless browsing.
worldmarketzone – WorldMarketZone delivers a colorful assortment of products with international influence.
globalstylehub – GlobalStyleHub offers culturally inspired items that are simple and enjoyable to explore.
Creative content hub – The site offers engaging visuals and innovative ideas that capture attention.
Creative hub – Projects and concepts are highlighted with captivating design elements.
Relaxed style hub – The aesthetic is warm and welcoming, with items arranged for effortless browsing.
Thanks for every other informative site. The place else may I get that type of information written in such a perfect way? I have a venture that I am simply now working on, and I’ve been on the glance out for such info.
Pleasant decor hub – The warm tones create a relaxing experience, with products that feel carefully chosen.
Explore Sunset Pine – The store gives off a soothing atmosphere, with items that are easy to explore.
карниз для штор электрический карниз для штор электрический .
invest in Russia https://financialit.net/modules/articles/?how_to_invest_in_russia_and_start_a_business_a_guide_for_us_citizens.html/ .