Survival Mode

Chapter Thirty

It now has been two weeks since Kwazii left us. Nothing has been happening since. Tominnow is still missing. Tunip gave us all the information he remembered. Apparently Carter Mason is her father. I sort of figured already... She looks like him. And he does refer to himself as some magnificent scientist so when Tominnow announced that's how her father thought of himself it was a dead give away.

I worry for Shellington. I noticed he has been keeping his distance from every one. Ever since he heard Tominnow sing that song... He has been in isolation... I would discuss this matter with him but - I find it extremely difficult to speak to him. Especially after our kiss two weeks ago... Since then actually, I haven't really spoken to him. I haven't really spoken to any one. I think Kwazii becoming a zombie changed us all.

Kate has been an absolute wreck since her brother's transformation to a zombie. Peso tries to comfort her. He encourages her to move forward even though he knows she will never be the same Kate Young she was before. She has lost every one. Tweak has been acting rather odd too. She hides herself away from every one nowadays. But when we do see her - she has her arms wrapped around her stomach and she hangs her head. Is she insecure or something? I'm not sure.

I know I have not really been the same either. Normally I take command, I am firm - but lately I realized I have been considerate. I have been kinder to the other refugees than usual. Even my father has become less bothersome... Nothing makes sense any more. There is no one left except for my group. And those remaining in my group, will evidently and unfortunately never be the same. NO ONE. ~ Dashi Smith

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No birds sang in the morning any more. There were no more gentle breezes entering the mansion from open windows. The mornings were now dull and lifeless. The only remaining life in Burkland was Dashi and her group - Doctor Wilson, Peso, Shellington, Tweak, Tunip, Kate, Heather and Malcolm. Only nine survivors. The zombies had overpowered most all people.

There would have been ten survivors... if Kwazii had not been bitten by a zombie two weeks earlier. Tominnow, the one who had summoned the zombies, was no where to be found. But every one knew she was still out there. She and her evil father - Carter Mason. By now it was evident he had been the one to begin the zombie apocalypse. But why? The question remained unanswered but the group was determined to find the answer. They were also determined to find a way to get their Kwazii and fellow Burkland residence back. No matter how long it took.

Tweak Harrell entered the kitchen slowly. Her arms were folded over her stomach and her head was lowered. She passed several of her friends but no one said a word to her. In fact, no one even conversed with any one. It was dead silent. Kate Young - Kwazii's twin sister - followed Tweak into the kitchen. And for the first time in forever, she spoke, "I know you and and my brother were secretly together before he became a zombie."

"Not now, Kate," Tweak responded to her with a sigh.

Kate shook her head. "But I know you were. I only want you to confirm it..."

Tweak lowered her head and tears collected in her eyes. "Yes, Kwazii and I decided to be together that one night he was bitten. Are you happy now, Kate?"

"Thank you. I apologize for that. I just - wanted to know..." Kate replied, lowering her own head. After several moments, she lifted her head and noticed Tweak was crying. Kate put a hand on her shoulder and held back tears of her own. "What's wrong? I'm sorry if I upset you. I was just wondering -"

"I'm pregnant."

"Wha - what?" Kate's eyes widened but her lips formed into a forced smile. "You - you are? Tweak, that is wonderful news! When did this happen? And why do you seem - disappointed? You told me you have always wanted another child since that day you lost your son."