Day 191

The Freeze has spread.

We focus today on a small estate near a city, somewhere.
As you walk down the street towards there you notice the
signs of this strange occurrence.

Thing just seemed slower the closer you got to the centre.
It seemed empty til you got to the courtyard.
That's when you saw them, or what was left of them.

The nearest to you had been drinking when the Freeze set in.
The mug was probably fused to their face by now and the
liquid inside had become a thick mould that was gradually
covering their entire face.
Eventually it would cover their body whole, but thanks to the
Freeze they would remain alive.

Nobody's sure if the Frozen remain conscious.

As you walked towards the stairs you saw a young child seemingly
asleep.
They would look almost peaceful were it not for the sapling sprouting
through their torso, the trunk stained crimson.
Even from your distance you could see them breathing, the sapling's
leaves moving in the gradual breeze.

You weren't here for them.
You were there for one person.
Your younger sister.

Her flat was only one flight up and you still had the keys but worry
made you slow and dread made you sweat.
It clung to you like a second skin, you were barely aware of it, more
focused on finding her, hopefully alive and well.

The stairs were difficult to navigate as two women were Frozen mid
conversation, their mouths dried and tongues shrivelled to tiny worms.
Their breath rattled, you could almost make out their faint words.

Squeezing past them you made it to your destination.
Her door was open, have other people been here?
Surely the news reports would have frightened them off.

Her flat smelt like plants.
She was always fond of them and in the Freeze they had nearly turned
her small abode into a flat out jungle.

You found her sitting in the kitchen.
What was left of her at least.
A plate of watercress salad was in front of her, fork halfway to her mouth
and, to your despair, watercress practically pouring out of her open
mouth, eyes and ears.

It almost looked like the small leaves were tears.
You supposed they could be.

Maybe you should rest a while, you've had such a day.
Surely five minutes won't hurt?
You can pay your respects to her and then leave.

Dimly you noticed the sweat on your skin hadn't moved.
The nearby plants seemed to be crawling towards you.

Ah well, if you can't save them - join them.