Success of the Broken Banner

Chapter 1: Hasty Decisions

The world ended on a Tuesday. There were no trumpets or angels, no final goodbyes or last minute pleas for mercy. It was a quiet and unassuming apocalypse. One moment, life went on as it always had, and the next everything was gone. The sky was a sickly shade of gray, the air thick with the stench of decay. The cities were ruins, the countryside a wasteland. And yet, there were still things that moved in the shadows, things that whispered in the darkness. They were the remnants of a world that had died, twisted and corrupted by the end of days.

I stood there, watching the world burn. My family was gone, my friends were gone, and I was alone. I had no idea what really caused the end of the world, no idea how long I had been asleep. All I knew was that I was alive, and that I had to keep moving. The streets were empty, the buildings abandoned. I walked for hours, days, weeks, never stopping, never resting. All the while I could feel their eyes on me, could hear their whispers in the wind. They were waiting for me, waiting to claim me as their own. But I wouldn't let them. I would survive, no matter what it took.

My story started on a Monday, the day before my world fell apart around me.

"911," The text lit up like a beacon on the screen of my phone as I walked home from work, the street lights starting to shine on the dim streets of Boulder, Colorado. "Get home ASAP"

I ran as fast as I could, my heart pounding in my chest. Frankie was my best friend, and I knew that if she was texting me about an emergency, it had to be serious. I dodged through the crowded streets, my mind racing with fear and worry. What could have happened to her? Was she hurt? Was she in danger? Every second felt like an eternity, every step taking me closer to whatever was waiting for me. When I finally reached my apartment, my hands fumbled with the lock, shaking with fear of what awaits on the other side.

Frankie was sitting on the couch, her eyes glued to the television that made our living room glow in the darkness. Her dainty hand covered her mouth, almost in shock. Frankie was in such a trance that she did not hear me walk through the front door.

"I'm home," I announced as I stepped into the living room, cautiously approaching Frankie as not to startle her. "What's wrong? I got your 911 text."

"Look." Frankie muttered as she pointed to the television with the remote still in her hand "It's happening."

I sat beside her on the sofa, my attention on what she had on. It was the news channel, running a story about an explosion in a research lab.

This is your news report on the explosion that took place in a research lab in Reno, Nevada. The explosion occurred in the early hours of the morning, and the surrounding cities have been exposed to toxic fumes. As a result, many individuals have fallen ill with a variety of symptoms, including fever, chills, bloodshot eyes, paranoia, aggression, and in some cases, cannibalism. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation, and authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid contact with anyone who may be exhibiting symptoms. Emergency services are on high alert, and hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of patients. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, and officials are warning that it may be some time before the situation is brought under control. We will continue to bring you updates as more information becomes available.

"This was your emergency text? Frankie, this is happening over a thousand miles away from us. This is not an emergency." I scoffed as I stood up from the sofa and walked into the connected kitchen, grabbing a bottle of wine from the fridge and two glasses.

"I know, but listen Amelia. I've been keeping up with this story all day. This started in Reno, but it's spreading." Frankie exclaimed, getting up from her seat. She stepped over to the hall closet in a hurry and opened the door, grabbing a large backpack. "It's heading our way and we have to get out of here."