Zore330

I remember it like it was yesterday. The heart-wrenching screams, cries for help, and blood so much blood. 

The day was August 10, 2026, I had just gotten my lunch from the cafeteria when I  noticed something peculiar. Various parts of the city were creating smoke as if fires had been lit, how I wish I didn't ignore them, how I wish I could have taken action that moment but I couldn't, and that's why I lost you. 

It only took a moment and everyone was in panic, right before my eyes was a scene I'd only ever seen in movies. They limped toward us and tore us to pieces, I didn't want to believe it. I couldn't believe it but it was true. 

I watched as one took a bite from you and watched as you turned to one of them. I still can't believe my hands were the ones that took you out. And I still can't believe you're gone.

The walking plague

"So, Evangeline," Liana addressed, drawing my attention to her.

"Okay, Eva. How do you know how to jumpstart a car?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah, are you some kind of criminal or something?" Oliver said, casting a suspicious glance in my direction.

"What the hell, I'm not a criminal," I replied, glaring at Oliver. "It's one of the things my dad taught me. I can pick locks, jump-start cars, and fire a gun. Basic survival skills," I explained.

"That's crazy, shooting a gun," Oliver exclaimed. "That's more than basic survival."

"Well, for your average person, maybe. Let's not forget I'm a genius," I added with a hint of arrogance, puffing out my chest. Oliver responded with a wrinkled nose.

I parked in the driveway and instructed everyone to get out of the car and follow me. We entered using the back door, and the house was empty. I hoped Alex was okay.

"You live alone?" Liana asked, and I just shook my head.

"My big brother's at work, I hope," I said, walking into the living room. "We should probably change into something more comfortable," I suggested.

"Agreed," Oliver said, looking down at his school pants.

"Okay, boys, you can use Alex's room and clothes, upstairs, second door on the left. Girls, you can use my room; it's opposite Alex's room. I'll get us something to eat in the meantime," I said, walking to the kitchen.

My thoughts raced as I reached the landline phone. I dialed a number, anticipation growing with each ring.

A soft, relieved sigh greeted me. "Eva, is that you?" a smooth masculine voice asked.

"Alex, you're safe," I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Where are you? Are you coming home?" Desperation laced my voice, and it seemed like today's events had finally caught up to me.

"No, I'm not coming home. We barricaded ourselves in the police station and will be leaving in five days," he explained. "Eva, I need you to do something for me."

"Meet me at the city's exit in five days. Head down to the basement and raid all of Dad's lockers; you'll find explosives, ammunition, and firearms. Take it all and load it into the Humvee along with some of our clothes, blankets, and canned food. Take as many things as you can. And keep yourself safe until we find each other. Okay?" he said in a firm voice.

"Okay, be safe, Alex," I replied, and finally hung up.

Be safe