The world had changed overnight, plunging humanity into chaos without warning. The apocalypse had arrived with breathtaking suddenness, transforming life into a living hell. Human trafficking, robbery, and a blatant disregard for humanity had become the norm.
Elise was one of the unfortunate souls relegated to the bottom rungs of this dystopian society. Her life had been a never-ending struggle, compounded by the betrayal of those she trusted most. Her friends and lover, Zane and Alexa, had callously sacrificed her to save their own skins, leaving her to face a horrific fate.
Elise's memories of that fateful day were etched in her mind like a gruesome scar. She recalled being pushed into a sea of ravenous zombies, feeling her body being torn apart limb by limb. As her life slipped away, she watched in horror as her own body was mutilated beyond recognition.
But fate, it seemed, had other plans for Elise. As she teetered on the brink of death, time appeared to warp and rewind, much like a movie being rewound to its starting point. The sudden silence was broken by the sound of a movie playing in the background.
Groggily, Elise opened her eyes to find herself in a familiar setting. "Madison, can you turn down the movie?" she shouted, her voice laced with confusion.
As she sat up, Elise's mind reeled with questions. "Wait, wasn't I... wasn't I pushed into that wave of zombies by Zane and Alexa? How am I alive?" The memories of her brutal demise came flooding back, leaving Elise stunned and bewildered.
"I'm back! I'm back!" Elise shouted, her voice echoing through the room.
Madison rushed to her side, concern etched on her face. "Have you gone mad, Elise?" she asked, trying to calm her down.
"Mom, Dad, I think Elise has gone crazy!" Madison exclaimed, turning to Elise's parents, who were approaching the room. "She's been shouting 'I'm back' since she woke up!"
Derick, Elise's father, knocked gently on the door. "Elise, sweetie, are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
It took some time for Elise to calm down, her chest heaving with each ragged breath. "Dad, I'm okay... I'll talk to you guys in a minute," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
As she climbed down from the bed, Elise's eyes locked onto her parents, a mix of confusion and fear reflected in her gaze. What was happening to her? Why was she back? And what did it all mean?