Plagued Read Online Free

out. I can’t remember
a lot of stuff, actually.”

“I'm sure he's fine, dear, don't worry about that now,” Albert smiled as
reassuringly as he could. “Are you ready for your first breakfast in months? We
have cereal — it's a little stale, I won’t lie. The milk is powdered but it's
all we have. Unfortunately, there are no cows running around the streets,” he chuckled.
     
    “There’s also some packet noodles, they’re not
take-away quality but it’s food,” he added.

In the shock, Sarah had forgotten about food but the mention of it sent her
stomach rumbling. An image of a greasy double-cheeseburger flashed in her mind,
causing her mouth to water.

“That would be lovely, thank you. I forgot how hungry I am,” she said politely.

“I'm not surprised. You were on a drip for months before you came round enough
for us to start feeding you. Thank goodness the hospital isn't far away or I
don't know how we would have kept you alive! Come this way,” Albert said,
stretching his hand towards the door.

There were three small rooms in Albert's basement; the one she had been
sleeping in was the largest. Sarah followed Albert out of the room and into a
very small hallway. The floor was concrete and the walls were in the same
condition as the one she slept in — cracked and very damp. Her boots crumpled
over small stones and rubble as she walked.

She stopped to look at a set of stairs ascending to the right, which Sarah
assumed led up into the main house. The doors were blocked with wood and a
small but heavy-looking cabinet leaned against it. Looks like they don’t go
out much.  

Albert, with his uncanny mind-reading abilities, said, “We try not to leave
here often, only to get food. Finding you was the last time we went out
searching for survivors, that was back when there were more of us. It seemed
foolish to do it again after that.”

Another door was open to the left — a dark, dusty room with two small beds
inside. They walked past it and Albert opened the last door at the end of the
hall. A warm, flickering light flowed from the gap under it. They have
electricity?
    Albert opened the door, causing light to flood the dimly lit hallway. Sarah
winced, this room was much brighter than the one she had been in.

“Our guest is awake!” the old man proclaimed cheerfully.

A man sat at a table in the middle of the room, watching them. One of his tanned
arms rested next to a glass of water on the table-top. His  hair, long and
straight enough to skim his shoulders, was the most unusual colour Sarah had
ever seen — a rich copper that looked more red than ginger. Sarah admired its
beauty as he flicked his head to remove it from his eyes.

Seeing his guest, the man pushed the chair he sat on backwards and stood up,
offering her his hand.

“Ah! It’s nice to see you up and around! I really didn't think you would be up
to it today but I’m glad that you are— do you remember me?” Mark asked
cheerfully.

Sarah offered her hand in return, noticing how small hers was in comparison to
his. He was well built —his arms and shoulders so muscular that they clung to
his shirt as he moved.
     
    “Yes, I remember you. You saved my life. Twice ,
I’m told.” Sarah said, glancing at Albert with a smile.

Mark shook her hand gently and motioned towards a chair for her to sit down. They
sat down together.  

“That’s okay. I was in the area anyway,” he laughed. “How are you feeling? Or
is that a stupid question?”

Sarah laughed in spite of the pain it caused in her chest. “I'm...okay. Felt
better but I'll live.”

Mark eyed her curiously and Sarah blushed under his gaze, her cheeks felt hot
and she fidgeted with her hands under the table. His eyes were the lightest blue
she had ever seen, almost grey in colour.

Becoming very aware of her own body, she noticed how the clothes that had once
fit perfectly, now hung loose. I must have been really ill . Shyness came
over her under his scrutiny and she