Blackout • NH

Chapter 16

Day 60, Monday, July 9th: 11:47pm

We finally made it to Utah with no issue. I'm still question why we haven't stumbled across anyone lately.

That is very odd.

I'm genuinely concerned. I have a gut feeling that something isn't right. Yes the power is out and people are killing each other but it seems like people are scared of being out in the open.

We've been out in the open and we are all fine.

We finally came across more foliage. A forest was starting and this was good news.

"Hey guys, there should be a mile long railroad bridge up here along the river basin. We can cross that!" Liam said.

"Do you think there's a place for us to camp out on the other side? I'm tired." Ellen exclaims.

"There should be a train station or small electrical building there. All railroads have them." Liam said.

We continue walking until we get to the bridge. Liam was right, it was a long bridge. He didn't mention that this bridge was a half mile high or that it wasn't in the best shape.

We all stop in front of it and examine it. Some of the railroad ties are broken or worn down, the metal supports were all rusty and the red paint was chipping off of it. Part of a train engine was hanging off of it. The last 3 cars still attached to the tracks.

"Liam, are you sure this is safe?" I ask, unsure of this path.

"It should be. If it's still holding up that train then it should be pretty sturdy." He said. Staring at it.

"Okay guys, it's dark out so make sure you stay close." Liam said.

"Well will go one by one just to be safe. Let's keep at least 20 feet between each person. I'll go first." He explained. He grabbed his rifle from his back pack and held it. We all stare at it.

"Just in case." He said.

Liam starts to cross first. Then Ellen. Followed by Niall and then me. Elliot trailing behind all of us. We kept our flashlights off because we were in the open and someone lurking could be watching us. We use the moonlight to help us see.

We all get about halfway on the bridge. When a gunshot sounds from the distance. We all stop.

We all run up to the carts that were still on the rails. And hid next to them. I look from around the edge and see a group of lights. About 6 or 7.

"Everyone stay the fuck down and keep quiet." Elliot hisses.

"Who's out there!" A voice yells.

"Come out or I will not hesitate to put a bullet through your head" He shouts.

I bravely stand up and walk out from behind the train car.

"Don't shoot! We are just passing through!" I shout back.

"We're exactly are you headed?" He says as he gets closer. Gun still pointed at me. He looks about 26 years old. His skin color was slightly tanned and he had a defined jawline, he looked Native American.

"East." I say, not wanting to give the man too much information.

"What's your name?" He says.

"Jodie."

"Ben."

Niall, Liam and Ellen come out from behind the cars carefully. Ben stands his ground.

"Don't worry, they're with me. Is is Niall, Liam, and Ellen." I say. Wait where's Elliot?

"There's another member of our group named Elliot. But he's not by the train cars. Where did he go?" Liam questions.

"Probably checking out the inside of them for food or supplies." Ellen says.

Ben looks between us and begins to speak.

"You know, I have a group that stays 2 miles from here. You don't seem like the other groups that pass by everyday. You're the first not to threaten me." He smiles.

"We have plenty of food, and we could use a little help." He continues.

"That sounds like a nice offer but we need to make the choice as a group. Just give us like 5 minutes." I say with a smile.

"The guy seems genuine." I say.

"I don't know, what if this is some sort of trap?" Ellen asked concerned.

"I don't know, the guy looks more harmless than a fly." Liam says.

"I mean, he offered shelter and food for the night. Most people wouldn't do that." Niall stated.

"I guess you're right." Liam said.

"Wait, where did Elliot go? He was with you guys behind the train cars." I question.

Niall and Liam look. None of the train cars are opened and there's huge padlocks on the doors.

"He was just here." Niall said, his eyes widening.

We look down both ends of the bridge and on the land on both sides. Clear.

"Maybe he went to go pee?" Ellen said, confused herself.

"Maybe. Well have we decided if we should go with Ben?" I say.

"Yeah, I'm tired and I'm starving." Niall said.

"Same here bud." Liam replied.

I turn to Ben.

"We will come with you, as long as we don't have to give you our weapons. We also don't mind helping you and your group out." I say.

"No problem, it would be dumb to tell you to get rid of them. It's dangerous out here this time of night. I'm surprised you guys haven't been torn to pieces by the Glaze yet." He chuckled.

"Glaze? What's that?" I asked.

"You mean you guys haven't heard?" Ben asked shocked and worried.

"What are you talking about?" Liam comes in?

"What's happening now in the United States isn't just a power outage." Ben said.

"We know that already bro." Liam said.

"The Glaze is..." Ben began but looked up and opened his mouth wide. Fear covered his eyes.

"We have to go. Now!" He whispered regaining his momentum quickly.

"What is it!" I whispered back.

"Nobody move. Slowly look behind you on the land." Ben said, his voice a bit shaky.

We all look, slowly turning our heads. I look to the land from where we just came from. I gasp and my heart rate increases due to the fear that has taken over my body. Niall, Liam and Ellen stare, fear in their eyes as well.

"Run! Follow me. Now!" Elliot said a bit louder.

We begin running across the old bridge. It creaking slightly as the weight of all of our bodies on one spot puts pressure on the supports. We almost get to the other side when I hear a scream.

"Jodie!" Ellen screams. She fell through part of the bridge that gave away. She was holding onto one of the support rails.

I run back to her. To help her.

"No!" Ben yells. He grabs me.

"You can't go back! We don't have time for this!" He yells.

"That's my fucking sister." I tear out of his grasp and run to Ellen, grabbing her arms and begin pulling her up.

Niall and Liam run to my side to help. I then hear something, voices.

"Down the drain. Into the darkness."

"Down the drain. Into the darkness." They say. They repeat it over and over.

We finally get Ellen out safely and begin running again. I look back and I feel all of my blood drain at what I saw. I cannot believe what I am looking at.