I tried to scream. But nothing came out of my mouth.

I took a step forward and lost my balance as my feet tangled up with Joe's body lying on the ground. I went flying.
The man who had bitten Cherry turned his attention to me. He snarled and began advancing on me.

I sat up and tried to pick my bow off the ground but it seemed to be stuck in Joe's skull. I was terrified and helpless. The man towered above me. My heart was beating so hard I thought I might faint from fear.

There was a thump and the man fell down. Axel was behind him. He had bashed a golf club on the top of the man's head.

I collapsed on the floor. My entire body was shaking. The whole ordeal had been too much for me.

"Shh now."said Axel. "Its alright. "
He came over and wrapped his arms around me, trying to comfort me. He smelled like candy for some reason. It felt comforting. Despite everything, I still felt butterflies in my stomach.

I suddenly remembered Cherry. I broke out of Axel's hug and raced over to her.

She was lying motionless on floor. On her throat were bite marks out of which blood flowed freely. She looked pale and pallid.

"Oh no!"I said feeling horrified. "Cherry! Oh my God. Cherry!" I shook her. She did not move.

I was panicking now.

Axel came up and checked her pulse. "Her pulse seems normal."he said. "But we have to take her to the hospital. She is losing a lot of blood."

"What have I done ?" I wailed. "Its all my fault. I wanted to stay here tonight and the mottled men followed me and I-I..."

I was mumbling now, trying to hold back tears.

"Its fine. You know its not your fault. Stop blaming yourself! Now come on and help me lift her up."

"Shouldn't we just call the ambulance instead? I don't want to move her."

"My phone's dead. Power's out. Now come on!" He said impatiently, looking really worried about Cherry.

We lifted her and took her out. We laid her on the garden bench while Axel went to get his car.

We both were quiet during the ride to the hospital. Axel drove as fast as he could. When we reached, the doctors wanted to take her to the ER as soon as possible.
Axel filled the form while I held Cherry's hand. I was trying to stop myself from giving in to the urge to cry.

Suddenly, I felt the skin of her hand shift. I removed my hand from hers and looked closely.

The skin of her was slowly becoming mottled , resembling the skin of the men who had attacked us earlier.