Pre-game

I've been practicing "my" new sword. It's kind of cramped in my room but I suppose that's a good thing. There's no guarantee I'll always be fighting zombies in the most ideal of conditions. When I realized this, I actually went into my shower and tried to figure out how I would fight a zombie in quarters that small. I quickly realized how screwed I'd be. There's no way I could get a clean swipe at their head then. I'd have to use the sword to keep them out of biting range, then slowly move until I had enough swinging room. Of course, that's Plan B. Plan A is to never to get into that situation.

I've also been working out, jogging in place, doing push-ups, sit-ups, curls. I'm not fat at all, I actually go to the weight room every so often, but I'm definitely not athletic and if this turns into some kind of zombie apocalypse, being in good shape will be a major asset. Besides, it gives me something to do. It's like I'm in jail but with brain-sucking zombies for guards. But I think tomorrow, I'm going to break out.

I made a scavenging trip last night to other rooms on my floor for some food. I did find some people in their rooms - but none alive. There were two separate rooms that I walked past where I could hear low moaning and some shuffling coming from inside. Definitely creepy. I left those alone. My new lock picking skill was useful and I found several rooms that had food items. Nothing major from just one, but altogether, a nice windfall for a hungry college student. I ended up with a bag of regular potato chips, two half-full Doritos bags, some beef jerky, granola bars, cereal, mac and cheese, 2 minute noodles, and thankfully, several apples. I didn't realize how much I'd missed fresh, non-processed food. I also found a shocking amount of alcohol. I left the beer (too much to carry) but took some of the harder stuff, including some vodka. But not for me to drink. The last thing I want is to start drinking heavily, wallowing in self-pity, as I convince myself the world is ending and there's no hope left. No, I figure the alcohol could be a very useful trade item or, worst case scenario, be used for a Molotov cocktail. The one thing I didn't find were Bugles. I have perhaps two servings last. Things are getting dire.

Early tomorrow morning, I'm going to set out. I have a route laid out on where to search for Hailey, all of the most likely spots I can think of for where she might be. I hope to get back by 2 pm or so but in case I get trapped somewhere, I'm taking my backpack with food, water, and a blanket. I don't like it, but I think I better avoid the police patrols I've seen from my window. They'd either end up sending me back to my dorm, arresting me, or shooting me in case I was infected. Whichever one happened, the result would be the same - no one would be left to search for Hailey until this is all over. If it ever is.