Undead Defenders

Chapter: 3 It Begins

Military outpost, soldiers standing by at a stationed survey area. Zairo hid in the nearby bushes. The sun is still bright, he knows that they will detain him for carrying arms. He remembers his mentor telling him how he had been held captive for long hours before the outbreak. He was only released after the military got overrun by survivors fleeing the infected undead. Everyone on the run suffered from the harsh cold environment during the night and the heat from the sun. Before that time comes, Zairo needs to get as many people as he can before things take a turn. Spotting a rail he climbed through, then jumped over the gated fence. "Hey! You! Identify yourself!" Looking back Zairo thought he had been caught, but it was a couple of immigrants trying to cross the border. "Stop, stop! I have paper! I have paper!" Raising his hands in the air. One of the soldiers goes to inspect the man's identity paper. Reporting back to the other soldier, the immigrant man is allowed to pass through with his family. "Mr. Rivera..." he glared at the man. "Yes..." afraid he dodged the man's gaze. Bringing his hands to his hat he salutes the man. "Welcome to America." Frantically replying, "Thank you thank you thank you." As he pats the soldier's coat in relief. Zairo just left after realizing he needed to continue his task. He's got a long way to go before he can make his rest stop. 

Catherine listens to the television for any news about the situation. "In alarming news, researchers have not been able to confirm or deny the possible current outbreak. Researchers have stated that they don't know the cause of the source. So far nobody has been sighted with any known symptoms that the disease can cause. Without further evidence, there's no other way to explain what this virus is. If anyone can explain any symptoms visible physical symptoms we would appreciate your cooperation-" she switches it off after finally being full of the nonsense of the televised media. Ron comes in with a notepad, "Alright I set up a steady fund. I think the both of us are going to be alright, once our food and water runs out." 

"How much...?" Catherine Asks Ron. "Uh...pfft, give or take with what we bought maybe two weeks maybe three weeks max. "Unamused Catherine started to frantic, "Oh my gosh...there's no way...tell me you are joking. "Ron with a nonchalant look, "I mean we can probably extend it if...ya know..." "I what?" Catherine replied. "If you didn't eat all those snacks we bought on the first day." She felt embarrassed. "Oh shut up..." Ron chuckled Ron, "I'm joking I'm joking, let's go for another food run." "Yeah, let's go." She agreed With many people off the streets, there weren't too many crowding the market. Dealing with Covid everyone currently understands to stay indoors to prevent the disease from spreading if any. Of course, the homeless are the exceptions. As soon as Ron and Catherine got to the store they were being pestered by the needy. "Please miss? Could I get some water for my family? Maybe a bite or two? Ever since lockdown, I haven't been able to earn money to pay for food. Spent it all on bills before lockdown." Both could see that the man was ragged, but his children wore nicer clothes. The father could be seen embarrassed to ask for help. Catherine was hesitant, "Sure thing, why don't you and your kids come with us." Ron had exclaimed. The man rose, "Oh thank you thank you, krgh.." The man begins coughing. "Apologies my throat is a little dry." Catherine looks a little horrified as she turns to Ron. "Why?" Giving a response "In case we are ever in need. Besides it's only a couple bucks to spare." Catherine didn't mind Ron's gesture. Since her department of graphics design can still transfer her a direct deposit she did not mind it. "Hey, I'm going to be on a call, ok? I need to check with Mom and Dad." Ron went to shop with the family. "Thank you again. I'm sorry I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Marcus, the tall one is Hector 15 years, the middle one is Rose 12 years, and the little one is Tenya 7 years." Pinching the nose of his youngest daughter she giggles, "Stop Daddy that tickles." Ron stares and just chuckles, "Yeah it's no problem. Times like these we all need to help each other." The men nod in agreement. "Hello Mister, can I get this?" Tenya holds out a bag of chips and a soda. "Sure, get as many as you like," Tenya screams in excitement. "Thank you, mister!" Rose and Hector grabbed some as well when Ron looked at them. After grabbing their shopping needs they all go their separate ways. Ron had made sure to record Marcus number onto his contacts. Ron sees Catherine stressed sitting in the passenger seat of the car. Getting in he asks, "Hey, you ok honey?" Catherine a little dazed and panicking, "No I'm not ok. I tried calling Mom I tried calling Dad. They haven't picked up..." Ron could not understand her and was puzzled, "W-woah woah calm down, take a deep breath, and explain it again from the beginning." Taking a deep breath she calmly explains the situation to Ron. "When I tried calling their numbers, nobody picked up...after a couple tries they hadn't picked up." "Maybe they are asleep, they will be alright." Ron tries to reassure her. "This hasn't happened before, they would have picked up eventually." Catherine exhaled. "We'll just have to wait and find out." "That's not all, I tried calling our friends. But they were still able to pick up..." Catherine retorted to Ron. They drive off in silence. Bringing groceries back to their complex Ron remembered that he invited Marcus and his kids. "Hey Kathy, I forgot to mention that we're going to have guests." "Who?" She prepares to make dinner. "It's Marcus and his kids. They said their stove wasn't working right. And their mom isn't home to cook for them." "I don't mind but when are they coming?" "Right about..."The doorbell was rung, "now..."Ron looked at the door hole, "Hello mister?" Opening the door, they all yelled "Surprise!" "Thanks for having us over Ron." Marcus could be seen to dress a little better. "It's no problem. Make yourselves at home. We could use some company. "As all of them got in the house Ron closed the door. "Hello, who are you three!" Catherine playfully screamed. "Hi um, I'm Hector." He shies away from Catherine. "My name is Rose..." She didn't want to say much. "I'm Tenya, and I'm...this old" bringing out her finger. "Haha, is that right!" "Ron why don't you put on some video games for your guests." Catherine nudges Ron "Uh hm sure..." Ron brings out his Nintendo Switch and puts on Smash Brothers for the kids. Leaving Catherine in the kitchen Ron and Marcus chatted for a bit. "It's tiring looking after your kids these past few days right?" Ron asked Marcus. "Yes, with Sharron my wife visiting her hometown. I wasn't able to feed my kids properly for the past seven days." The kids can be heard in the background screaming at each other. "Well, look on the bright side. We get company, and you can get to rest for a few days." Handing Marcus a can of beer, they both pop open and take a sip. "Besides my wife is driving me nuts, talking every day to the same person can be boring." Both men laugh, understanding the life of a married man. "I heard that!" She gives a sly smile, semi-agreeing with Ron's statement. 

The sun was setting down. Zairo could only reach his apartment at the last minute. After getting into the shower he boiled some instant cup ramen. Eating whatever food about to expire he had in the apartment. After resting for the night he would have to leave the keys to the apartment room. He recalled how it was proper etiquette in the new world, to always leave a key stay locked into the door handle. It was how he and many others survived when they needed to hide and bunker down for a while. Since he would be leaving he left some notes behind to those who stumble into his apartment." To those who stumble into this apartment complex room. Take whatever you need. I have left some supplies for you and others. Before leaving I ask that you spread the message to others to always leave the key to a door handle of a room after locking it. You never know when it can save a life or two." - Survivor Z. 

Zairo wanted to remain anonymous. He only put in his initials for his safety and to prevent others from suspecting that he knew what was happening. Although he would have no control over what supply will be left for each time it's occupied. It is wishful thinking to help those in need even when you are long dead. However, he does know that the locked key door method will be more common as the months go by. Nobody knows who first thought of the idea, but it has helped him and others on so many occasions. Hence a small thought can make a huge impact. The only downside to it is if the key is missing or broken. We can only hope, that selfishness doesn't get the better of someone. After packing some clothes and preparing one of the safe spots Zairo drifts asleep on the couch. It wouldn't do him good if he didn't get a good night's rest. While it isn't chaotic, sleep should be prioritized. Because there won't be an opportunity after tomorrow.

End