Broken LadyBug ~ A walking dead story

Chapter 1

      Today would go down in history some people would say, but me I would say today was the day the world fell apart. I awoke in a cold sweat, my body trembling as I glanced at the clock—6:30 in the morning. Casting my gaze towards the window, I saw the sunrise unfolding before me. Without hesitation, I rose from my bed and crossed to the window, where the sun's radiant beams illuminated the awakening world.

But something was different today, something felt unsettlingly off. As I cautiously scanned the deserted street, a lone figure emerged, limping slowly with an eerie purpose. A dog's frantic barking pierced the silence, drawing the man's attention. His pallid complexion and blood-soaked attire hinted at a harrowing ordeal—whether his own blood or another's, it was impossible to discern in this forsaken landscape. The air hung heavy with uncertainty, a grim reminder that even amidst the silence, danger lurked at every turn.

I quickly drew back my curtains before I could see anymore of him and decided to get ready for school. I walked outside my room and on my way to the kitchen, passing the cluttered halls my head flooded with thoughts of the man, what could have happened to make him look like that. Once in the kitchen i started on a pot of coffee as quietly as possible. Suddenly, a loud bang echoed from my father's room, jolting me with apprehension. Knowing his morning temper all too well, I retreated swiftly to the safety of my bedroom, avoiding any confrontation that might follow his emergence.

I quickly dressed for the day, opting for a pair of jeans and a white tee with a blue collar, topped off by my favorite red sweatshirt. Tying my blonde curls into a ponytail, I readied my backpack and waited for the telltale sign of my father's departure. Moments later, the door slammed shut, signaling his exit. I ventured out of my room and down the hall to my brother AJ's room, where I knocked gently.

"Hey AJ, Dad's gone. It's time to get—" I started, but AJ swung the door open, already dressed and prepared.

"I'm not a baby, Lottie. You don't have to wake me," he quipped, flashing a mischievous grin.

AJ, at 18, was the eldest among us and often shouldered the responsibility of looking after our family, especially since our mother's passing.

Together, AJ and I made our way to the kitchen, falling into our familiar morning routine: he would start on breakfast while I prepared lunches. It was our time together, a small oasis in the chaos of our lives.

"Already made me some coffee, you treat me too well, Miss Bug," AJ remarked with a smile as he poured himself a cup, a nickname that stemmed from my childhood fascination with ladybugs. My full nickname was Lottie Bug because it sounded so close to "ladybug." When I was younger, AJ, Mom, and I would often take walks through the park, and without fail, a ladybug would find its way to me by the end of our outings.

Not too long after AJ started breakfast Charlie and Mikey stumbled out of their rooms and into the kitchen. Hopping onto the first barstool Charlie gave me a smile, "Morning Lottie bug what's for lunch today" he asked happily. Charlie has always been the sunshine boy of our household, never without a smile. "Peanut Butter and jelly with and orange from Taylor at the farmers market." I said closing the paper bag I was working on. "Ouuu, Taylor," Charlie and Mikey chimed in a sing-song voice. AJ had always had a soft spot for Taylor—they grew up together and were inseparable. She had been exceptionally kind to me and my brothers, and I had grown fond of her over the years.

"Okay guys enough come eat your breakfast before the bus and Ms. Reed gets here." AJ said as we all gathered around the small kitchen table, AJ turned on some music before we started eating, we just spent the morning together.

After breakfast, we swiftly cleaned up, our synchronized efforts leaving the kitchen spotless. A honk from outside signaled our cue. My brothers glanced at me expectantly, and I smiled reassuringly as I grabbed my bag. We exchanged hugs at the door, a customary gesture of affection and solidarity.