Solare Flare

Chapter 4

I had to face the zombie; it was my only option if I wanted to survive. However, the run and stress generated by my expedition had drained my energy, and I needed to regain strength. So, I placed my bag and my large water bottle on the ground and took out a can of stew.

Having nothing to open my can, I started searching in the caretaker's room. The room was not very big. There was a cleaning cart with the necessary supplies to clean the store. On his small desk, there was a box, a few tools including a hammer and a nail that could help me open my can.

Before that, I looked at what was inside the box. It contained only a pack of cigarettes and something rectangular wrapped in aluminum foil. That something was a mini portable radio, and it seemed to be in good condition. I decided to test it; maybe it had survived. By a miracle I could explain, the radio worked. I then started searching for an open frequency that was broadcasting information about the situation. It wasn't too difficult because all radio channels were transmitting the same message:

Emergency message from the French Armed Forces

"Dear compatriots,

In these critical moments, the French Armed Forces address you in the face of the double threat of a devastating solar electromagnetic catastrophe and a zombie invasion. The power grid that illuminated our cities has been silenced by the sun, plunging our nation into darkness.

Solar particles have saturated the atmosphere, transforming the outside world into a toxic place, impregnated with lethal radiation.

We urge you to remain calm, stay indoors as much as possible. Every exit represents an unnecessary risk. Seek refuge underground if possible, a shelter that will protect you from radiation and wandering creatures.

Rationing your supplies is imperative. Resources are now precious commodities. We are tirelessly working to find long-term solutions, but in the meantime, your survival depends on the clever management of your water, food, and medicine reserves.

Stay tuned to official communication channels. Vital updates will be broadcast to guide you through these challenging times. The French Armed Forces are mobilizing all their resources to restore order and security in this troubled era.

In the darkness, find your inner strength. Together, as a nation, we will overcome these trials. The French Armed Forces remain with you, ready to protect and guide. May determination and solidarity light our way through these dark times.

This is a message from the French Armed Forces. End of transmission."

At that moment, I understood my mistake and why I had developed the same ailment as Lena. I had gone outside, and the radiation had affected me. And I had been outside for much too long. Even if I managed to get out of here, death awaited me anyway. A strong feeling of helplessness rose within me. So, I took the hammer and nail, opened the stew can, and quickly devoured it. I felt the rage of powerlessness within me; I couldn't die without seeing Lena one last time.

Once that was done, I grabbed the hammer and prepared to kill the zombie. I took the handle, turned it, pushed the door, but it remained stuck. I tried pushing again, still nothing. Something was blocking the door. The zombie that had chased me was behind the door, preventing me from opening it. With the slightest movement of the handle, the zombie pushed with all its might against the door. No matter how hard I pushed, it pushed back. I was starting to feel dizzy from the effort. I took a break, but the dizziness didn't seem to want to go away. Quickly, a terrible fever took hold of me. I felt my strength diminishing rapidly, but I still got up, determined to reach Lena.

I turned the handle and charged at the door with all my strength. However, this only stunned me, and I collapsed to the floor. My heart surged, and I vomited again, but this time it was blood, a lot of blood. I felt my head waver, my vision darken, and then everything was over.