What We Lost

the outside

It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust. I stand on my porch, looking out. Things were truly abandoned. I breathe in the fresh air for the first time in a while- that was at least one thing to be happy about. The world was still spinning.

People's belongings were scattered across lawns, it must have been from the evacuation. As I cautiously left the safety of my property, I draw my gun out of my belt. It was all surreal to me. So quiet, as if no one was ever here in the first place. I push down the feeling of fear that was building in my stomach and continued down the street. Lucas once told me- when you're scared, pretend to be someone else. Channel their energy. I take a deep breath and think of how fearless Lucas always was. And I channel his energy.

I walked for a few minutes, anticipating attack after rounding each corner. Yet to my surprise I hadn't seen any of the dead yet. Maybe they only come out during the day if they have to. The first place I could think of to go to was the corner store. It wasn't far from here, and if I was lucky there might still be some supplies there. My mouth waters as I think of the food that could be waiting for me.

I was now entering what used to be the busy part of the city. Yet it was empty. I avoid the cars lined up on the streets where anything could be hiding, my hand sweating as I kept a firm grasp on my pistol. The corner store comes into view across the street, and I smile with satisfaction.

Just then, a figure emerges from one of the alleyways. I stop in my tracks as the figure turns, revealing its grotesque face. Ribs could be seen beneath their shirt, which was ripped up and dirtied by blood. It grunted and snarled, baring its teeth. I freeze at first. I wasn't as prepared as I thought. I scramble to shift a round into my gun. I aim at its head, but with my luck the bullet hits its neck. It groans momentarily before stalking towards me quicker. I whimper, my shaking hands reloading the gun and re-aiming. Finally, I manage to shoot it in the head. It screeches, falling to the ground and bleeding out. A scream threatens to escape my throat and I run past, into the corner store. All windows were intact so nothing should have gotten in. I step in with caution anyways, tears forming in my eyes as I try to push past and forget what id just done. By the grace of god the shelves weren't completely empty. I pull all of the food left that I could reach into my bag as fast as possible before leaving.

I ran as fast as I could home. As I made my way block by block I let my tears fall freely down my cheeks. I couldn't do this. I couldn't. I ran harder for what felt like forever until I reached my house, nearly tripping over my porch stairs. I stumble inside, shutting the door behind me and locking it. I flip down the deadbolt as well before I slid down the door onto the floor in exhaustion.