Lost in the Multiverse - Short Story Collection

4. The last days

Genre: zombie apocalypse, horror

I plopped down on the worn couch cushions, exhaling a contented sigh as I kicked off my pesky shoes. The stress of the work week is finally starting to melt away as I reach for the chilled glass of champagne on the coffee table. Bubbles tickle my nose as I take a sip, enjoying the fresh taste.

It's finally Friday and the prospect of a relaxing weekend stretches out before me like a warm hug. No early meetings, no deadlines to meet, just two glorious days to relax and recharge. I settle deeper into the plush upholstery, letting my eyelids slide shut as the soft light of the TV flickers in the background.

Suddenly, the muffled sound of gunfire disturbs the peaceful atmosphere. I snap my eyes open and frown in confusion. What the hell...?

Curiosity takes over and I rise from the couch, swaying slightly on unsteady legs. Two glasses of champagne clearly left their mark. I made my way to the window, trying not to bump into anything or attract attention.

When I pull back the curtain, a sliver of moonlight illuminates the chaotic scene outside. Ambulances rush past, lights flashing, sirens blaring as they rush to respond to the disturbance. I frowned in confusion. Shots are fired, ambulances are called... and yet I see nothing unusual from my vantage point. The gunfire seems distant, muffled by the night air.

"Strange," I muttered under my breath, shaking my head. "Must be some kind of robbery gone wrong".

Shrugging, I let the curtain fall back into place, the disturbing images outside fading from view again. A yawn escapes my lips as fatigue begins to creep in, the effects of the wine and the late hour clouding my mind. I turn away from the window, heading back to the cozy sanctuary of my living room.

" It's time to go to bed," I decide, already feeling sleep tugging at my eyelids.

I set the empty champagne glass aside, the crystal clinking softly on the tabletop. With a satisfied smile, I begin to undress, taking off my clothes piece by piece until you are left in only your underwear.

When I get into bed, the events of the evening seem to fade into the background, giving way to the cozy warmth of the blanket and the quiet noise of the city outside the window.

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A sudden flash of red and blue light cutting through my bedroom window jolts me awake, casting an eerie glow on my face. I groan in protest, rubbing my eyes as if trying to clear away the disturbing vision. Three o'clock in the morning? Who in their right mind would cause such a commotion at this ungodly hour?

"Seriously?" I grumble, throwing off the blanket and crawling to the window. I pull back the curtain, peering into the dark street below. The chaos only intensified, with panicked screams and rapid gunfire piercing the night air.

"What the hell is going on there?" I loudly demand, unknown to the eye, disappointment and anxiety twist my insides.

Desperate for answers, I stumble over to the TV, flipping through channels until I land on the local news channel. An anxious reporter stands amid the chaos, her voice shaking as she addresses the camera.

"Stay at home, do not try to leave your homes! she begs, gesticulating wildly towards the surrounding buildings. "There are reports of widespread looting and arson throughout the city. We urge everyone to stay safe until authorities restore order".

As she speaks, a loud crash is heard somewhere nearby, followed by the terrified screams of someone - or several - in trouble. My heart is pounding in my chest.

" Oh God..." I whispered, retreating from the screen in horror.

The frantic knocking on my door sends adrenaline pumping through my veins. Before I even realize what's happening, the screams get louder - it's Jackson! My heart jumps into my throat as I run up to the entrance, barely noticing that I'm only wearing underwear.