fourteenThe three of us jumped back in surprise as the man tumbled to the floor. Tori was too stunned to even aim her gun at him, and that was a good thing. He wasn’t a threat. The guy was skeletal, with bony legs showing beneath his hospital gown. “It’s a zombie!” Jon cried. “No, it’s a patient,” I shot back. “Turn on the lantern.” I knelt down next to him and killed my headlamp while Tori fired up the camp lantern. The guy was ancient looking, though I couldn’t tell whether that was because he was so old or just really sick. He was nearly bald but had thick, gray beard stubble that looked as though he hadn’t shaved in weeks. “Is he dead?” Jon asked. I put my hand to his mouth and felt a faint breath. “No. Help me get him onto a bed.” I grabbed under his arms while Jon took his feet. Lifting him was easy.
