The Rise of the Walking Dead

Prologue

'Several months ago, scientists discovered and improved a unique remedy that is rumoured to increase our lives, and reanimate the dead.

After experimenting on a recently deceased man, they succeeded. The man was brought back to life miraculously, and is now in perfect health.

This seems unusual to me, Chris. What do you think about this new improvement to extend our human lives?'

'Well Tania, all I have to say is: we should trust these scientists, because they are very clearly professionals at what they do. There has been nothing wrong about this new development after four months, and I'm sure we are all very certain that there never will be. Back to you-...'

This virus development has been on every news channel for three months now. The reporters have been updating on the issue every single day.

They think something bad will come from this, but why would they worry? For starters, it was built in space for 'safety reasons', they should have all kinds of backups in case something bad goes wrong.

What chances would there be that one of their escaped viruses would be able to come millions of kilometres down to Earth?

"Seriously, there's just the same stuff on the news as there always is. They need to find something new." I say, as my mum walks in from the kitchen and sits with me on the couch.

"I'm sure they're just worried about any complications, that's all sweetie. I've definitely got my own doubts about all this", Mum says, as she takes a sip of her freshly brewed coffee.

"Oh and I got the school newsletter in the email today. They said all students have to stay at home this week." My mum came out of the kitchen and sat next to me on the couch.

Yes! A week off school!

"Speaking of that, there's been an unusual bug spreading around the staff at work. People are worried that it may spread further."

She stopped and stared at the TV then continued. "That's probably the reason why they aren't letting you go to school next week."

The subject on the news suddenly changes: Unknown Disease Spreading.

'Patients and staff at the local hospital, have reported an unknown bug spreading from the staff, to the patients. They have claimed that this bug is deadly, and may cause harm to all that catch it. Because of this, schools around the area have been canceled for the safety of students, and everyone is advised to stay inside at all times.'

Suddenly, I hear a blood-piercing scream from outside.

I jump in fright, as someone starts banging on our door screaming to let them in.

I get up and make my way to the front door.

I open the door ajar locking the chain, so that I can see who this person is.

It's a woman, and behind her I can see many figures walking blindly across the streets. None of then look like they are human...

All of them look ragged, like they have just woken up. Then I realise, these things have red, fresh blood on their clothes and hands.

All of them are coming straight for her.

I look over at my mum who has stood up and turned to face me. She looks so frightened.

I start to get freaked out, and I say in a rush, "There's a lady outside mum. She needs help. I saw outside that people are sick out there. I think the virus has come to our neighbourhood!"

She says urgently "Samantha, calm down hun. The lady cannot be helped. We can't risk catching that virus. Look, calm down. I need you to lock all the doors and all the windows."

"But, mum! The-" I beg, but get cut of at the start of my sentence, as she walks over to me.

She leans over, and places her hands on my shoulders. "You must stay inside at all times Samantha. Please. Trust me, ok?"

I sigh, and nod. I make my way to the kitchen.

As I walk there, something bangs on the window next to me. I jump in fright, and shriek as I make eye contact with a creature that looked like a man, but had a deformed, dirty face, and blood dripping down from his mouth.

I panic, and start over-ventilating, taking quick steps back away from the window. I feel a hand push me back by the shoulder, and I quickly turn around.

My mum stands there. I say, "M-mum, the-"

"It's worse than I thought," Mum said, with a terrified look on her face.
"Barricade the windows if you can. We must be completely barricaded in. This virus seems dangerous."

I reply, "I- I'll try to mum." Then I continue to make my way over.

The best stuff we've got that could keep this... thing out, is some thick material my mum used to use for her old hobby of sewing.

I reach into the kitchen cupboard, and get the thick material. I take some over to the window and start to nail the corners in.

I don't fully understand how this virus damages us, but it seems like we need to keep it out for good.

•

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•

While I finish up barricading my fifth window, I can hear my mother doing the finishing touches up in our attic.

I wipe the sweat off my forehead and make my way to bed.

It's been a confusing, tiring and long day. I'll try to get some answers tomorrow.

I walk into my room, close the door, and go into bed, not bothering to change as my body is being quickly overtaken by sleep.