The Night Has Opened My Eyes | The Walking Dead

1

Amalia stared off looking outside the window. She watched as they drove past houses, buildings, and trees; all becoming a blur. The voices in the car became background noise as the ringing sound in her ears got louder. Amalia felt movement, causing her to finally blink and look down. She gently touched her little sister's head, softly combing her fingers through her hair. She let out a shaken breath, her vision got blurry due to her eyes watering. The teen hadn't spoken in a while, constantly thinking of what happened.

[A few weeks ago]

"There have been multiple incidents of distressed people biting and eating others all around the country. Officials advise citizens to stay inside their homes until further notice. Later tonight the President—"

Amalia tore her eyes away from the TV, her attention now focused on her ringing phone. She grabbed the remote and lowered the volume of the TV. She picked up her phone on the second ring, "Hello?"

"Helllooo~!" Amalia softly smiled once she heard her best friend's voice. "What cha' up to? You busy this weekend?"

"Not really. Our plans to go to the lake were canceled 'cause my mom's worried. I think I'll just go grocery shopping with her," Amalia answered, glancing at the TV. She felt anxious watching the news play footage of people running away from those... freaks who ate people. "I can't believe we have a two-week break from school."

On Wednesday all the teachers told the students they were off for two weeks from school. They said it was due to the sickness– the disease going around. Everyone was cheering and happy since they didn't have to go to school, but their joy was killed once teachers announced they'd assign homework for the next two weeks. Textbooks and all. Amalia hated the walk back home. She was hunched over due to all the books in her bookbag; looking like Igor from Frankenstein.

"I, for one, am grateful for this lovely break. I had a math exam coming up that I didn't study for," Julia said, exaggerating her voice to express her joy. "But I hope this whole thing gets resolved soon." The girl's tone then got more serious. "The news is kinda freaking me out."

"Mhm," Amalia hummed in agreement. "My parents have been getting worried. They haven't been able to contact my grandparents in Mexico. Isabella says they might be busy is all."

Both girls were quiet, an unsettling feeling washes over them.

"Isabella's right. I'm sure they're fine, 'Mia. They're probably just busy," Julia finally said. "Hey, we're gonna have a cookout this weekend. We're gonna celebrate my birthday. I didn't want anything because of what was going on right now, but my parents said it could help uplift the mood. Your whole family is invited, of course."

The Anderson and Lopez families have been neighbors for years. The children from both families grew up together. They viewed each other as family. Amalia was quiet for a moment before smiling. "Yeah. Yeah, okay. I'll let my parents know."

Amalia felt like the days were passing excruciatingly slow. There have been more reports of people eating others. The hospitals were packed and busy with multiple people with high fevers and then moments later attacking staff. The death rate has been rising and the CDC still hasn't come up with a vaccine. Every channel you switch to is talking about those freaks, adults debating whether they were a threat or not despite the increase in cases. As each day passes, Amalia sees more of her neighbors leaving the neighborhood. It was very... nerve-wracking to say the least.

Both families knew the situation was getting worse. The news started broadcasting areas people could go to for safety, such as refugee centers. They stated there was military protection, food, and shelter. They would take in any and everyone who came. It would be safest there.