THE LAST OF US: THE EVIL WITHIN

CHAPTER 02

CHAPTER 02: HE WHO EXCELS.

Lilith's POV.

trigger warning: suicide

...

"Do you ever wish for a fresh start?" my 8-year-old self asked me. We were standing in the middle of a chaotic highway, rain pouring down, surrounded by abandoned cars and no other people in sight.

"What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled. My younger self stood before me, hands behind her back, a smile fading from her face. While I was drenched in rain, she remained dry.

"Do you blame yourself?" she asked, her smile slowly disappearing.

"Blame myself for what?" I inquired.

"Don't you feel guilty? About... that incident," she replied, and I looked down to see my hands covered in blood, holding a knife. Shocked, I glanced back at my younger self, who chuckled.

"Don't tell me you've already forgotten?"

I woke up slowly, realizing it was just another haunting dream.

Sitting on the floor, I zoned out, reliving the final moments with my family before their deaths...

Their loss had left an indelible mark on me, and I couldn't escape the haunting memories. But it wasn't my fault they died.

Their departure had plunged me into a life of mental and physical abuse, and I even contemplated suicide on a daily basis...

Shaking my head, I tried to regain my composure and decided to take a bath.

After getting dressed, I lay down on the floor, staring at the ceiling. Last night's events lingered in my mind, leaving me traumatized. That homeless old man—what had gotten into him? I wondered where he was now. Maybe he was just crazy or drunk, but something about him seemed off. Besides, he was badly injured...

I pushed the thoughts aside, wanting to distract myself from the memory. Checking the cupboards, I realized I was running out of food and money. Frustrated, I clicked my tongue. Why did I even bother? What was the point of struggling to survive?

Instead, I decided to head to the beach and spend my day there. I put on a white printed tank top, a white cardigan jacket, a black floral skirt, white frill socks, and black loafers. To conceal my face, I wore a mask and shades.

Leaving the apartment building, I noticed a large crowd gathered nearby. Curiosity compelled me to approach and see what was happening. My eyes widened as I saw the old man from last night lying in a pool of blood, lifeless.

My heart raced. What had happened to him? Was it my fault that he... died?

I examined his body and noticed his head had been crushed. A blood-stained fire extinguisher lay nearby, likely the weapon used to kill him. I hadn't done anything, so there was no reason for me to feel guilty...

The blaring sirens of police cars and ambulances only heightened my anxiety, so I quickly left the scene and headed towards the subway station.

...

another person's perspective

...

"Let us pray," my father said. "Heavenly Father, we thank you for this meal that you have provided for us through your grace and the hard work of your children."

My name is Kiel Cadmus Dela Cruz, a senior high student.

"Please bless our family and this meal..."