Age of the Dead

River Mount Haven

We drive for about three hours following the map. Brandon switched out with Luke's dad in the driver's seat. Sammy is asleep on Luke's lap although it is only two P.M. according to the clock in the car. It has been snowing for about 30 minutes and a layer of white is now laying across the ground. We passed a detour sign a little while back. Must have something to do with the camp- My thoughts are interrupted by a clanking sound then the car slows to a stop.

"Ah crap." Luke's dad says. Julie's van pulls up next to us. It takes me by surprise but then I remember there won't be many cars on the road.

"We're outta gas." Luke's dad says. He lets out a breath. The passenger seat window rolls down, but we are all out of the suburban by now. Julie stands outside of the van.

"What happened?" She asks.

"We ran out of gas." I say.

"Were really close to being out. We would only be able to get a few more minutes up the road." Julie says. Brandon walks up.

"How much longer until we make it to camp?" I ask him.

"I'm not sure maybe 45 minutes on foot." He says. The snow is sitting in his shiny black hair.

"I think we are going to have to walk." Mason's mom cuts in and says. We are all standing outside the cars with our bags. I take a moment to assess the problem. Then I say,

"Where to?" Brandon starts walking and we all follow.

~ ~ ~

My fingers are frozen. The tips of my ears feel like they are about to fall off. Luke is holding Sammy so close to him. I am glad I grabbed my sweatshirt when I could. There is about 4 Inches of snow on the ground when I see it. A sign that says

"WELCOME to River Mount Haven!

We have been awaiting you arrival! Come in and enjoy food, water, electricity and best of all other survivors!" As I read I stop in my tracks. My heart is beating.

"Is that-" Luke asks but he stops himself. I am nodding.

I run toward the large brick building without a warning. I hear Sammy yell as he runs with us. As I make it up to the door it opens. A man, around 30 opens the door he is smiling slightly. How? all he see's is a bunch of kids covered in dirt and blood. I can't smile back, so I just stare.

"Welcome," he says "Come in" he steps out of the doorway letting us in. "I am Dakota. I am the security guard for River Mount Haven." I am practically pushed inside. I forgot how many other people are in our group. I stand staring at him, because I don't know what to say.

"I will need to assign you your rooms. May I have your names?" We say our names as he writes it on a paper. "Do any of you want to room with someone?" I look at Julie.

"Yes, Julie and Stephanie." I say

"And Jake, Brandon and Lea." Jake says from behind me.

"Jasmine, Alex and Mason" Mason's mom says, I never knew her name was Jasmine until now.

"And I am guessing you three want to room together?" Dakota asks Luke and his family. Luke's dad nods.

"Okay well let's go." Dakota turns and leads us down a maze of hallways pointing out the cafeteria, Science labs, showers/bathrooms, laundry room and the Gym area. "Your rooms will be just along the east wing of the building." Every couple feet I see a map on the wall of the building. As we walk he shows each of us to our room. Finally Dakota shows Julie and I to our room.

"Here is where you ladies will be staying. Just press this button if you need anything at all." He points to a red button on the wall next to the door. "Dinner is at 6pm, Breakfast is at 8am and lunch at 11:45am. We have an alarm already set that will wake you up at 7 every morning. Except for Sundays. Breakfast will be at 10 and it will wake you up at 8-" He tells us the rest of the rules, including when to shower and for how long and that violence will not be accepted.  I am too exhausted to listen to the rest of the rules and Dakota seems to understand and he finishes up. "Well I hope to see you tonight at dinner." He smiles and shuts the door as he walks away.

"We made it." Julie says she is smiling. She seems happy about it but to me it just doesn't feel right.

"Yeah." I say and I smile back "We made it."  

(A/N: don't forget to comment and vote☺️)