The Basement

A Barstow Halloween

I heard it long before I saw it. The ball of fire that soared overhead and flew past me. I flinched and ducked instinctively. It left a smoky trail behind which was followed by a loud crash as it found its final resting place -  Barstow Cemetery.

I remember thinking it was an awesome way to start Halloween. 

My older sister Lanny began to run ahead eager to be the first one to see what it was.

Lanny stood in front of the burning hole in the ground. Right hand shading her eyes, left hand on her hip she leaned forward trying to see through the smoke. "It must be a meteor!" I heard her say.

A  big crowd soon gathered around.

We walked back to our pick-up after Mom texted Lanny, worried it was getting dark. Lanny's 19 but Mom always treated her like she was 12. Which was actually MY age.

A woman yelled in surprise from somewhere behind. Turning  around we saw people moving away in all directions. A bright glow was emanating from the  meteor.  Cracks in the ground became more prominent as the glow begins to show through. Out of  the ground I saw the rotting limbs of dead people begin clawing up out from their graves!

One person screamed and mass panic soon followed. All around us people began shoving to escape the nightmare unfolding before us.

I stood in shock unable to move. Lanny grabbed my shoulder and yelled "MARTY! GET IN THE TRUCK!"

Jolted by her voice I jumped into the passenger side but glancing in the mirror I could see one of the creatures still half buried in the ground grab Lanny's bare ankle. It's other hand gripping her skirt trying to pull her down.

I saw the keys were in the ignition. Hearing Lanny yell I reacted by turning on the engine and shifting into gear.  I heard the sick crunch of tires crushing the zombie's head and Lanny was injured but set free. Driving away I recorded everything on my phone and forwarded it to Dad.

We sped through the fog hoping to warn our parents. Opening the door they helped Lanny as she  limped in worn out, bloody.

That was 4 weeks ago. Our food is long gone and Mom repeatedly says" Lanny's  sick and needs food." She wasn't concerned that I'm starving also.

"Where's Dad?" I ask since I haven't seen him for days, "Did he go outside where the zombies are?"

"He's downstairs feeding Lanny. She just needs food, water." she mumbles. She stares blankly. I think Mom needs her meds.

I grab our last water bottle and start down the stairs. I suddenly feel a push from behind and fall down hard. Looking up I can see Mom locking the door closed!

I hear steps coming towards me in the dark.

"Dad? Is that you?"

I see it's Lanny coming holding Dads hand. She's hungry alright.....

She's done with Dads hand.

She's a zombie.