Chapter 20

I'm fidgeting, tapping my feet with my hands clasped in front of me as I wait. The booming footsteps coming down the hall confirm that he heard me. I hold my breath as the door is unblocked and when it opens, I am once again thrown off because it looks like my dad. My dad before the apocalypse; my dad that used to buy me ice cream just to make me smile, taught me how to ride a bike when I was so terrified that I couldn't do it. My heart aches for that dad. It doesn't last long before the icy demeanor is back.

"Have you thought about what you've done?" He asks me in a low tone.

I nod silently. Looking down at my hands so he can't see the emotions in my eyes.

"Then it's time for dinner. I would like you to apologize to your mother."

With that, he turns and heads to the kitchen and I follow somberly. When we reach the kitchen, I see my Mom, a dishtowel slung over her shoulder as she rinses some strawberries in the sink. She is humming happily, and it would be a normal scene if it weren't for my now feral sister tied to the chair at the table. I sigh and take the seat beside Elizabeth. I am scared but that doesn't deter me from the matter at hand. The sadness overcomes the fear at the thought of what I am planning to do.

"Mom? I'm sorry for upsetting you. I am just overwhelmed by the fact that I was able to find you guys again."

I fill my voice with sincerity and wait silently for a reply. Trying not to cringe when my sister lunges only to be caught by the rope binding her. I don't see it holding out much longer because of how worn down her flesh is.

"It's okay honey. I just didn't understand why you would want to split up our family now that we have been reunited once again."

I don't reply. I see that they didn't take anything I pointed out into consideration. I sit quietly as they set the table. My mother arranging the food and my father setting the dishes out before getting a thawed lump of raw meat from the fridge for Elizabeth. It's origin I am unsure of but considering they can't just go to the grocery store and buy animal meat and what I saw when I first arrived, looking at it makes me queasy.

I force myself to eat. Reminding myself that this is likely the last meal I will share with my family or eat at all depending on how my plan goes. My palms are clammy just at the thought. My parents are making small talk, not bothering to ask me anything. I would feel worse and the decision would be harder if they were acting like they gave a damn about me. Normally, I would be asked how I got here, if I was okay, how grateful they are to have me back. I'm pulled from my thoughts as I see my mom start to clear the table.

"Are you finished, dear?"

I nod and push my half-eaten plate of food away from me. The wheels in my head are churning full force. I need to finish this as quickly as possible to meet back up with Jackson and Mikayla. I can't stay here much longer; it's killing me to watch this ridiculous act.

My father stands, kissing my mom lightly on the cheek he informs us that he is going to retire to the living room for a little while after he helps Elizabeth back to her room. I wait until they are both gone and turn to my mom. She seems more invested in this act than my father, so she likely won't see my true intentions.

"Hey mom, I have a question... I know that I have been a little rough on Elizabeth since I returned, and I want to make it up to her. Would it be okay if I took a little time to reconnect with her as sisters?"

I hold my breath, waiting anxiously for her answer.

"I think that would be great dear. I was hoping that you would come around. Your sister needs us now more than ever, I am so happy that you've managed to see that now." She looks at me elated, falling for the farce easily.

"Thanks, Mom, I love you so much." I walk over to her and hug her tightly, breathing in her scent, my eyes tearing up as I cling to her. This may be the last hug I ever get from my mom.

She looks at me surprised for a moment before her face turns to the warm, caring one that I remember from before. She hugs me back and I let the tears run freely down my cheeks as the pain in my chest grows.

"I love you more, sweet pea." She says quietly as she strokes my hair.

I wish we could stay like this forever, but I know what I have to do. I pull away and walk from the room. I see my dad in the living room, reading a book by the window and I choose not to disturb him. He would be the one most likely to see what I am doing. I slip quietly down the hallway and it isn't long before I hear Elizabeth behind one of the bedroom doors. I open the door as quietly as I can and slip in quickly shutting it behind me.

My sister is tied down on the bed, only it doesn't look like my sister anymore in the state she is in. Half of her skull is visible, most of her hair fell out. The flesh around her mouth has already peeled away from her vigorous eating habits and so the bones just clack when she moves her jaw. It's a terrifying sight. It's hard enough seeing strangers this way but when it's someone you love, it's almost unbearable.

I walk to the window beside the bed briskly as Elizabeth shakes to get to me, the bed creaking from her violent fit. I have to hurry because they will hear her. I'm so scared that my hands are shaking as I unlock the window and push it open. This room is on the first floor so I can easily get out but I will be defenseless with no supplies. I don't have another choice.

Walking over to the bed, I allow myself to feel the sorrow as I tell my sister goodbye. Getting the glass shard out I slam it into her forehead, her body going still as she finally gets some peace from this nightmare.

I slip out the window and take off running as fast as I can. I make it to the neighboring house before I hear the piercing scream of my mother discovering Elizabeth and shortly after I hear my father roar in anger. I cringe, wondering just how far they will go to find and punish me. I continue running until I am a few houses away. Now I just must find Jackson and Mikayla before my parents find me.