THE ONES WHO LIVED

The bunker

Kai and Haley volunteered to go on a supply run for the Northbounders. They needed to find some more food, water, and medicine for the group. They also wanted to scout the area and look for any signs of danger or opportunity.

They took the motorcycle and rode for a few hours, following the road that led to the north. They saw nothing but ruins and rubble, the remnants of the civilization that had collapsed under the spores. They avoided the spore zones, the areas where the air was thick with deadly particles that could kill them in minutes. They also avoided the bandits, the groups of raiders who preyed on the weak and the helpless.

They came across a small town that looked relatively intact. They decided to check it out, hoping to find some useful items. They parked the motorcycle behind a building and entered the town on foot. They carried their backpacks and their weapons, ready for anything.

They searched the houses and the shops, finding some canned food, bottled water, and bandages. They also found some clothes, books, and toys, which they thought they could give to the other kids in the group. They were happy with their loot, but they wanted to explore more.

They saw a sign that pointed to a bunker. They followed it, curious about what they might find. They reached a metal door that was partially hidden by some bushes. They pushed it open and entered the bunker.

They expected to find a shelter, a place where people had tried to survive the apocalypse. They hoped to find some more supplies, maybe some weapons or tools. They did not expect to find a horror show.

The bunker was dark and damp, with a foul smell that made them gag. They turned on their flashlights and saw blood. Blood everywhere. Blood on the walls, blood on the floor, blood on the ceiling. Blood splattered, blood smeared, blood dripped. Blood that was fresh and blood that was old.

They also saw bodies. Bodies everywhere. Bodies of men, women, and children. Bodies that were mutilated, dismembered, and decapitated. Bodies that were burned, stabbed, and shot. Bodies that were piled up, hung up, and strung up. Bodies that were dead and bodies that were dying.

They heard a scream. A scream of pain and terror. A scream that came from a nearby room. They ran towards it, hoping to find someone alive. Someone they could help. Someone they could save.

They opened the door and saw a man. A man with blood all over his body. A man who was holding a knife and a gun. A man who was standing over a woman and a child. A woman and a child who were bleeding and begging for mercy.

The man looked at them and smiled. A smile that was twisted and insane. A smile that chilled them to the bone.

"Hello," he said. "Don't mind the blood. That's just my wife and children."

He laughed. A laugh that was cruel and maniacal. A laugh that echoed in the bunker.

He raised his knife and his gun. He aimed at them. He was about to kill them.

They had no time to react. They had no time to run. They had no time to scream.

They only had time to die.