Forgetting the Apocalypse

8. Riva's Journey

Riva's pov*

'flashback to six months ago

"What do you mean your flights been cancelled? Why? There's no weather reports in that area." I didn't mean to sound like some whiny child who didn't get to sit on Santa's lap at the mall, but this is one of those few times a year where I can see my brother.

We live in different states and with our jobs and/or school work, it's hard to get time off that we can both share. So, whenever we get the chance, we jump at the opportunity like a shark smelling blood. This time, it was his turn to fly over.

"I don't know man. I was already at the airport when I got the news. Had to ask someone for the full info. Apparently, there's some unknown virus that's spreading. So as of now, all planes are grounded until further notice." his voice comes from over the phone.

I know it's not his fault or doing but I can't help but groan. "This sucks. My next vacation isn't for another month or so. If the flights haven't resumed by then, then I'm definitely driving over there."

"You sure man?" he asks.

I scoff at his question. "Like I'd pass up on a road trip. And I'd like to see my big brother too I guess." Even though it's just a regular phone call and not FaceTime, I can see his smile.

"Dick."

"Asshole."

The road trip I planned on taking wasn't the one that took place. By the time the second month came, not only did flights not resume but they shut down all borders. It wasn't long until the news finally showed us what was really going on. I was sitting in my living room when I saw the news reporter get attacked somewhere in the downtown area. And holy crap!!

The camera man dropped the camera and for those three seconds that followed before they cut the feed, we all saw the same horror. Whoever it was that attacked the reporter was eating him as well.

Fuck me, it's a freaking zombie!

Jesus, my brother and I watched movies or played video games about them. I mean one of the best graphics on personal opinion had to be call of duty more than resident evil. But this wasn't entertainment or fun. This was real, this was really happening!

The following days they said that the situation was being handled and that the CDC was going to be going door to door to make sure people weren't sick.

As they reach my neighborhood, a few things were going through my head. I've always been a thinker, not like an over thinker, but my mind always has questions. Even if I can't answer one. Then I'll ask another or rephrase it to get every perspective I can. For that, teachers always either loved me or hated me. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how all this happened.

There's gotta be a starting point somewhere. Not like I'm going to cure it or save the world or anything like that. I just need to focus on something to keep me from freaking out more than I already am.

The first thing that came to mind was an old news report that came out a couple of years ago. Didn't it have something to do with a rash or so. I ran to my room and went to my closet for the box that had my notebooks.

I've always had this thing where if something really, I mean really catches my attention, even if I can't ever forget it completely, I need to write it down. Almost like an impulse. My brother would laugh at me but I know he would also take me seriously.

Ah, here it is.

"2018 global rash. Everyone from different races, countries, economical background etc. is developing rashes throughout their body. Not contagious but no link to any of the patients. And no other symptoms other than the rash. No pain, coughing, sneezing, lesions etc. Nothing although severe enough due to the spread of the entire body and every surface. Four months later all rashes seemed to have disappeared. Situation only appeared on the news twice. Apparently, no health officials were contacted. Not even the CDC. Anomaly in its own."