Chapter 3 (Romans 13:9)
Chapter 3: Romans 13:9
Aiden Palton
May 22nd, 2022
3 days after outbreak
Minnesota, Armstrong High School
Season 1
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We stayed in the cafeteria for a few days, we had no need to rush. We built a fire with the stuff we could find lying around. Connor told the stupidest jokes, but it was a nice change of pace. We had been thinking about the worst possibilities that we didn't think of good. We were still alive, that had to count for something.
As we sat around the fire, the warmth and comfort of the cafeteria provided a sense of solace amidst the chaos outside. The simple act of still being alive reminded us of the little things we often overlooked in our daily lives. It was a humbling experience that taught us to appreciate the small pleasures that we had once taken for granted.
I hated the way I looked at Rudolph and I hated the way Edin looked at me. I felt guilty for something I didn't even do. I had been on and off with Edin for three years, but I loved Edin, or at least I thought I did. But now, as I stared into Rudolph's eyes, I couldn't help but question my own feelings. The guilt weighed heavily on me, as if I had betrayed Edin in some way. It was a confusing and tumultuous time, leaving me torn between two conflicting emotions. As I grappled with my internal turmoil, the gravity of the situation began to sink in. The impending apocalypse demanded my attention and forced me to prioritize survival over matters of the heart. In this chaotic and uncertain world, I had to find a way to set aside my personal struggles and focus on what truly mattered: staying alive.
Rudolph cared for Aaron; maybe it was more than friendship. I know that's how it was for Aaron, but I was unsure of how Rudi felt. But at least it was something. I felt no connection to Rudolph, and I still don't. I barely know who he is, and with everything that's happening I don't think I'll ever get to know who he truly is.
We were going to leave soon. In two days, Ethan and Khai would pack all the food, hand the knives out, and we'd be on our way. The anticipation was almost too much for me. I couldn't bear the thought of staying in this place any longer. The desire to escape was consuming me. Every passing minute felt like an eternity.
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Ethan Warren
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I was still awake, we all slept by the fire. The early summer air was comforting but too cold at night. I pretended to be asleep because I saw that Aiden was still awake. I knew he knew I wasn't sleeping, but we both wanted to just avoid a long, drawn out conversation. I knew he wanted to leave, but I really didn't. The thought of leaving our familiar surroundings and venturing into the unknown filled me with complete fear. We had built a sense of security in this place, but deep down, I knew that staying here indefinitely was not an option. I knew if we stayed, eventually we'd just run out of food or we'd kill each other, an option I didn't really want to consider, but if we left, how do we know the same thing isn't waiting for us out there? If it is, it's probably much worse. I don't think we're as strong as we think we are to face the dead. I don't think I'm ready to die.
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May 24th, 2022
5 days after outbreak
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Khai and I packed up the food from the kitchen before the others woke up. Today was the day. No one would admit it, but we were nervous as hell. My hands shook with every canned good I stuffed into my pockets. I had hardly any control over my breathing.
I couldn't stand being in the same room as Calvin. He was never really mean to me anymore; Rudi, on the other hand, was the new target of Calvin's relentless teasing and taunting. It was as if Calvin couldn't resist the opportunity to belittle Rudi at every chance he got. The tension between them had reached its breaking point, and I knew today would be the day when everything would finally have to come to an end. Everything he said made me want him dead, and I know it was wrong. But that's what I did. I had the knife; I don't think I really knew what I was doing. He was in the kitchen office with me, searching for anything we could use. I didn't say anything; I put the blade into his back, and his blood spewed onto the floor. He turned around, the knife still in his back, as he looked to me with terror. I didn't care; I just watched. I should have felt guilt. Something, anything, but I didn't. I just watched. That was the first man I ever killed, and I think about him every day. The memory of that moment haunts me, replaying in my mind like a never-ending nightmare. Remembering the sound of his lifeless body hitting the floor serves as a constant reminder of the irreversible act I committed.
I didn't know what to do with the body, and I didn't know what I was going to say to everyone. I hadn't thought that far.
There was blood on my hands and everywhere in front of me. It disturbed me. It had only now hit me what I had done. I had murdered a man in cold blood. As panic consumed me, I frantically searched for a way to cover up my heinous crime. The weight of guilt and fear pressed upon me as I realized the consequences that awaited me if the truth were to be revealed.