Like fuel on a fire Casey's smell ignites my hunger causing me to flail against my restraints. Her terrified whimper seeps into my dwindling conscious and calms my compulsion just enough to allow a glance upward. She is naked and cowering in a tightly bound fetal position in the corner of the feeding pen. We are two animals: hunter and prey –trapped in a glass arena for the entertainment of an evil audience.

I peer through the glass and note numerous eyes focused intently on me – willing me to eat. Their wish will be granted: soon.

Time is not on my side; the compulsion to consume is spreading through my empty carcass like a virulent cancer.

I drop my head and fight the powerful pangs that are pushing me toward Casey. My diminishing rationale is still enough to allow me understand the profound cruelty of this situation.

"He's certainly resisting." These words from a male observer momentarily distract me from the compulsion. When I feel a pang about to punch I listen intently for more distracting words.

"He won't last long, that girls big, young and fresh, he'll pounce and pulverize soon."

"Well done for organizing this Dale, you did a great job."

"I second that, Dale's such a valuable member of D:Association: young, handsome and popular, we're real confident he can convert more young people over to our side. I have a huge appreciation for Dale."

"I'm teaching him the Art of Reanimation, he's a natural – he reanimated those boars."

"Who reanimated the Doc at Arlington?"

"Dr Shaheed did."

"Hey, look, this reanimate's getting close, he's showing signs of end stage super strength – grab the popcorn and sit back folks."

"We have popcorn?"

"I'm joking."

"Whoah, Dr Shaheed, are you sure this feeding pen is safe? This reanimate's ready to pop – I don't want to be desert."

"Absolutely sure. Now keep quiet people and watch as the reanimate continues to resist. This is incredible, we could have the power to reanimate and have some control over our dead, it's a mind blowing concept."

......

My carcass is stretching against my restraints, lacerating the leathery skin around my ankles.

The fearful sounds that come from Casey are mixed with her delicious smell, reminding me – that I'm a desperate and dangerous monster.

Her voice, soft and soothing, takes the edge off a powerful pang, "Do it Kirk, give them what they want. I need this over quickly," she pleads.

"No. Not yet," I say. A small amount of hope still sits with me.

"Please – I'm suffering real bad Kirk. This is torture – death will be a release – please do it!" I know she is resigned to her end.

Casey's words and smell are a potent mix. I am losing control. Her temptation is too strong.

One super strong jolt and my restraint snaps and slaps the glass with a force that proves the solid, constraining strength of this feeding pen – there is no way out.

I glance at my audience and note their intense eyes and salivating smiles.

Finally – the last vestige of human rational and discipline is sucked from me – my ravenous carcass crashes on its cowering prey.

......

"This is amazing – he's actually enjoying that feed. I've never seen a reanimate relish their food so much – it's like he's chowing down on a mega burger, taking his time, enjoying every morsel."

"Dr Shaheed, have you ever observed a reanimate deriving pleasure from food like this?"

"No. We're witnessing a first here. If a reanimate can experience food as a culinary delight rather than a compulsive force, it further suggests we can have greater control over our living dead. What we are witnessing here is truly momentous!"

"Hey Dale, are you OK? You've gone real pale. Turn away if this scene is disturbing you?"

"No, I'm OK. I just feel suddenly queasy, like I've been winded. I guess I'm not used to seeing a girl get eaten alive."

"Then get used to it, there's no place for squeamish types in the D:Association. We need clear, clever heads and strong stomachs on our side."

"Dale, you're lucky that this reanimate has good table manners, he's shielding us from all the gore. Brace yourself for when he's done and we see what's left of her, it won't be a pretty sight!"

......

I use my body to shield Casey from their view.

Folks – I'm Kirk and I'm alive!

With impeccable timing – someone's triple discovered me.

As I embrace Casey and nuzzle my head in hers, I'm aware the observers think I'm eating her. This deception gives me time for goodbye.

Casey whispers, "Kirk, you're warm – I can feel your heart – beating."

My voice is soft with sadness, "Yes. And soon you'll feel it breaking. Casey, I have to leave you now. But wherever I go, to whatever world awaits me, I'll always love you.

Casey's tears mingle with mine as she says; "You'll go to heaven with your heart intact, yours is too big to break. You'll never leave me, Kirk, I won't let you go, you'll live forever in here," she says, gently guiding my hand toward her breast and her warmly beating heart.

I pull her closer into me, "Listen – Jess, Toby and you have the strength to beat them. You have to remain tight, loyal and trusting of each other, don't let them break you up. And use the officer, tell him everything, he's a good guy, your biggest ally."

A bright beam warms my face – it is the light that people, near death, often speak of. It's soothing and peacefully pulling me gently towards its warm, welcoming universe.

Casey's lips, softly envelop mine, ensuring my last moments on earth are savored with the sweet taste of her love and affection.

There's something I must do before I go, I drag the shirt off of my back and drape it around Casey, protecting her modesty. Our eyes lock and I smile at the girl with whom I'm experiencing the joy of an unconditional love in my final seconds of life.

We don't have to worry about last words – all I want to hear is the gentle rhythm of her heart serenading me into my afterlife.

I rest my head on her breast and close my eyes...

......

CNN News

We are now returning to the Wild Boar attacks at Arlington.

Oregon State Police are looking for the person or persons who have leaked the identity of the heroic student who saved the life of his friends from the wild boar attacks. Our reporter Jonathon Swain is at the address. What can you tell us about this fast developing incident, Jonathon?

"Well, as you can see, there is a significant amount of media attention focused on this property behind me. What we know is that the heroic teenager was identified as Freshman Kirk Russel. His image and address were posted and quickly shared across social media channels this morning. It has also transpired that it is this boy's parent's who were sadly killed by the wild animals, which is really tragic for a kid who saved the life of his friends from the same fate as his parents."

Who is taking care of the boy at what must be a very traumatic time for him?

"Currently, he us under the professional care of a doctor, who we are told is a family friend. There is another strand to this story that is just emerging – one of the girls who Kirk saved from the attack has gone missing from the hospital where she was being treated. Police are investigating whether the girl discharged herself or whether there is any potential foul play involved.

Do we know if the kid intends to speak with the media?

Well, we do know that currently there is a bidding war amongst news and network channels to be the first to get an interview with Kirk. I've been made aware that an officer from the Oregon State Police Department, who has befriended the kid, is due at the property soon and I hope to be the first to interview him when he arrives."

Many thanks Jonathon. We will keep you updated on this story as it develops.