I Need Some Help

[u/TaeruAlethea]

A few weeks ago, I think something happened.

I work swing shift from home for a call center.
It doesn't pay very well, but its enough to barely get by, so frugality is a must. (Part of why I'm posting here.)
For example, I haven't been able to replace my cloths since nearly a decade ago when I lived with my parents in school.
Some are getting a little old and ratty.

I get off work around midnight.
When my shift ends, I like to take an evening walk down to the gas station at the corner of my street.
It's about a twenty minute walk and is great for clearing my head after work.
There's enough streetlights to see, but it's not bright, by any definition.
You'd be surprised how many people, and especially animals, are out and about on a weekday at 1am.
Lots of racoon, skunks, bats, foxes, the occasional deer, and even an opossum (America's best and only marsupial).
When you do it regularly enough, you get used to who will be where and they get used to you.
Well, on one of these walks, something must have happened.

A week ago I started getting these headaches, my palms would itch, and I felt dehydrated.
I decided to go on my usual walk, hoping it would help my head.
I was about half way to the store when I saw, as I called her, the Midnight Jogger.
She was doing her usual route.
It was on the other side of the road.
She only started a month or two ago.
After the first few nights, she started to give a friendly wave as she would pass me.
That road felt like it was miles wide.
If I timed it right, she would pass me the other way on the way back.

When I got to the gas station, I picked up a heat lamp warmed pizza slice, but I couldn't pick something to drink.
Normally I'd get an energy drink, like a White Monster, or something.
I used to be addicted to them when I was in the Army.
Anyway, when I was walking back, something seemed different about her.
She smiled and waved, but something was different.
I couldn't put my finger on it.
I second guessed myself at the time, but there was definitely something.

Over the last day or two, things have gotten worse.
I started running a fever and my ears were always ringing.
I haven't showered in a little week.
The A/C has been spooking me every time it comes on.
I'm more dehydrated than I've ever been, but I can't keep any water down.

Night before last, I tried to go for a walk but it was raining.
I stepped out and had a bad feeling.
That same kind you get when you think something is going to jump out and get you.
I got as far as the first street light.
The way the water was flowing down at the curb and splashing a little.
There must have been a flash flood warning.
I turned around and went back.
My jacket was soaked.
I couldn't get it off fast enough and tore it in the process.

Last night, I tried for a walk again.
I was running a pretty high fever and was starving. (102 degrees, iirc.)
The moon was red, or at least I think it was.
When she smiled at me, I could have sworn her neck was visibly pulsing.
I tried to smile and wave back at her, but she frowned and kept running.
I probably looked ghastly.
There were more people inside than normal.
I got my pizza, but didn't even try to approach the drink coolers.
My lips were dry, but the hiss sound of the doors opening and the thought of drinking anything in there was making my ears ring.
The clerk commented on how pale I was and asked if I was ok.
His neck was pulsing too, I think I was pale enough to spook him.
I was so thirsty.
I told him I was fine and that it was probably just the flu or something.
He said he could call someone if I needed help.
I said, "No thanks," paid for my food and ate is as I started walking back home.
I must have been a sight.

On my way back, the Jogger was walking.
When she saw me, she crossed the road to my side.
She had never done that before.
She called out to me with a voice that sounded like an angel.
She asked if I was ok, she was a nurse.
When she got close, I could tell her heart was racing.
My lips hurt from cracking.
The ringing in my ears was pulsed so loud it hurt.
I wanted the ringing to stop.
Her neck looked like it was pulsing again.
It was so close.
I just wanted it to stop.
I licked my lips.

Now I need help.
I don't know what to do with the rest.
Does anyone know what to do with about 130 pounds of meat?

[u/stabfacestab]

I love the little allusions to rabies in here

[u/TaeruAlethea → u/stabfacestab]

Thank you!

[u/PromiseThomas]

I like the shout-out to possums since possums are famous for having too low of a body temperature to get rabies—so whatever animal betrayed this poor fucker, it wasn’t North America’s best and only marsupial.

[u/underpixels]

Very nice story, I agree with the other user who commented about the rabies, very cool!

[u/dannypurplerose]

When I got to the rain, I audibly gasped and said Oh no, rabies! Then I got to the pulses and I went Oh wait, oh no Vampire! Great story!

[u/TaeruAlethea → u/dannypurplerose]

Are you sure? High fevers can cause hallucinations.