ZME1

It was the night before the adults' hospital discharge. The vaccination takes action in 48 hours, and anyone who receives it must stay in the hospital for 48 hours in case of adverse effects. My parents were troubled by the fact that no payment was necessary. The vaccine was provided free of charge. It was announced a week ago that only adults are obliged to receive it. It is not available to those under the age of 18. I'm sure many more people would prefer to be trapped in their homes for the rest of their lives than to take the vaccine. If this vaccine proves to be effective, it may persuade my parents to rethink their opinions.

2 days ago, my parents visited our private island, where my entire family lived. They wanted to know if they were safe and how things were progressing in their environment. They indicated moving to a secure location, implying the island. It's in the middle of the ocean, which makes it difficult to find. No one is allowed in or out unless they utilize a helicopter or a boat, and they must have authorization. We have a gate that is encircled by wires and might electrocute you if you touch it. It is possible to turn it off, but only when absolutely essential. Since they left town, my parents haven't contacted me. What happened? I'm not sure.

I took a seat in the room's far corner, isolating myself from the rest of my friends. I cast a glimpse over at Ben as he proceeded towards his DJ set, wearing his beats around his neck. "Let's get this party started!" Ben said into the microphone,' he said.

Ben began to play the group's favorite song, along with his own little technique of adding different types of beats and melodies, as they echoed in my head over and over. People danced to the music as he gradually increased the volume. Everyone was ecstatically cheering at this point. All of the sounds, when combined, gave me an adrenaline boost, as did all of the others.

The night carried on until 3 a.m. when we realized we were out of food.

We dispatched three of our friends to the grocery to get snacks and food while the rest of us cleaned up, changed into our pajamas, and prepared the movie for all of us to watch later.

"Yo, imma bring my skateboard." Mike

"Aight," Nash replied

"No," Kevin paused, "I'm driving," showing off his new car keys.

"You're not even allowed to drive." Mike stated, "you're underage."

"So? I don't care. I'm a bad boy."

"Tskk bakla," I chuckled as I rolled my eyes.

As usual, I got a flying kiss from him that brought everyone to start laughing. Kevin, on the other hand, loved the attention. He probably does, of course. He started singing, which sounded more like screeching to me.

"Alright enough," Elle strictly exclaimed, raising one of her eyebrows and crossing her arms.

Two words from Ella got all 3 of them running to the car in no time.

"Don't be so serious with everyone," Ben replied

"Me? Seriously? Pffft." Ella responded

"Yea." He paused as he looked into Ella's eyes. "You."

Ella attempted to ignore him, but she couldn't help but stare into his eyes.

I was so taken aback by their playful chemistry that I almost spilled my cup of red punch drink. I decided to leave them both alone and prepare myself. 

As soon as I walked into the bedroom, I sensed a distinct difference from everyone else. The television was turned on, and I could see everyone's scared expressions. Everyone appears ready to begin watching the film, and all that remains is for the three guys to return and make themselves ready. However, they all seemed to be distracted by what was on television. I moved in closer to see what everyone was so afraid of. It was the news they were watching.

"I repeat. The situation in large cities has grown unmanageable due to the quick spread of the infection in highly populated areas. Infected people are known to have aggressive inclinations, and scream episodes are one indication of the virus. There have been reports of cannibalistic behavior among the infected."

My heart dropped. I couldn't believe what I heard. Another virus? Cannibalism? What, some kind of zombie? Before I could even catch my breath, everyone started panicking and questioning everything that's been happening.

"I thought we had a vaccine already," Bayron said

"This one is a different virus," Anne quietly whispered in the air

"It can't be." Seth moving his head sideways as he stared at the floor.

We all silently panicked when we heard heavy footsteps in the corridor. Luckily it was just Ben's and Elle's. It was reassuring to learn that it was only the two of them. When they walked in, they both smiled, giving me the impression that they have no idea what's going on outside.

"Sh*t" Zahra widened her eyes with her left hand covering her mouth.

"What?" Elle asked

"Kevin, Nash, and Mike are outside"

"Yea and?"

I could tell that both of them were confused, but I knew that she felt that something was up. They slowly approached Anne, sitting down on the carpet, crying.

An hour or so had passed, and they hadn't returned. In the room, I see Ben trying to comfort Elle in his arms. Anne sitting down, talking with Zahra quietly with their heads down. Valerie and Seth try to call their parents, Bayron reading the "Earth skills" book he got from class and Jonas staring into the empty white wall.

When the sky was beginning to lighten, I peered out the window curtains. I squinted against the brightness, as I felt my heart drop inside me. There was blood all over the place, and a swarm of people panicked as the "Zombies," chased them. The world was in shambles. We believed that the ZME1 virus was the start of humanity's extinction. We were mistaken. This is just the beginning.