Out Numbered

Prologue

[OUT NUMBERED]
                  [PROLOGUE // POST CARDS]

My postcard hometown, it was picturesque. It was the sort of place that you'd hear about in the hidden gems segment of a travel show. It was a small town of around 5,000 people give or take, depending if you counted those who lived in the surrounding communities. It was the perfect distance from the city, not too far away that you'd need to plane to reach it but far enough that none of the busy commotion reached us.

Our town was perfect for retirement or starting a family. It had friendly neighbourhoods where children road their bicycles all day long and elderly neighbours would wave at you while tending to their gardens. There were green parks with manicured lawns, where families would walk their pure bred dogs and single mothers would do yoga classes.

Our towns pride and joy was its lively farmers' market. It in particular got featured on some day time television show, that saw after airing brought tourism from across the country. It always had endless fresh produce. There'd be florist stalls, homemade jewellery, baked goods and preservatives. My favourite would have been the honey nut corn flake treats. There'd be buskers, street performers and always the town choir. It was a place where people of all ages and ethnicities would come together and congregate. Even though the main street was always bursting with life the rest were never congested with traffic. It was so peaceful and welcoming.

Now, it's exactly the same as any other town or city despite geographical location and demographics. Wasted, hollow, and overrun by the dead. It was just how I imagined the dystopian novels that I read in high school would look. Except all the old churches with beautiful architecture made of stone and stained glass windows were there instead of billowing grey skyscrapers. But now those exact same windows are shattered and boarded up and the walls are sprayed with words of blasphemy.

It was only the beginning of summer when my little town became like everywhere else. I remember tucking my winter coats back to the back of my closet and trying to resurrect my swimsuit for the fourth year coming. It was an old navy blue one piece with a racer back that I had bought while still in high school, it certainly wasn't a fashion statement.

The first signs something was wrong started with hearing about the increase of riots and acts of terrorism in the major cities. They made popular discussions at the dinner table which would always turn into a political war.

The next step were news articles talking about a rise in tension between countries and their government officials. Everyone laughed this off and joked how doomsday prepper's dreams were going to come true. 

Videos on social media started emerging of police brutality alongside at what appeared to be mentally ill homeless people shouting religious propaganda that humanity needs to repent for its sins. Societies vilest bigots started to rise their ugly heads and racist hate crimes were the next to fill our feeds.

At this point panic started to creep into your nuclear family homes, including mine. There was uncertainty and anxiety keeping parents awake at night. People weren't concerned with walking their dogs at the park, children were sent home early instead of playing in the street, the farmers market seemed smaller and quieter and the families who would only go to church on holidays, started going on Sunday's.

Then there were reports broadcasted that there had been an attack of bioterrorism but the government had it under control. Not before long Immigration was cut off and new military outposts were being set up across the map. This started a frenzy despite being told to keep calm and carry on. I watched suburban family cars with everything but the kitchen sink strapped to the roof flee our small town in hopes of sanctuary.

Power outages became common occurrences with no explanations from power companies, stock markets fell and shortages of food and other resources started. Due to public safety curfews were put in place and it was suggested that people were to prepare supplies just in case something were to happen, but not to worry as everything was under control.

Then like an avalanche it all came crashing down and the truth started pouring out. The Pope resigned, The President's presence in the public eye disappeared, while other governing officials told us to stay indoors and that help was on its way. All the while cities were collapsing beneath societies feet. Before we knew it the streets were painted red as the dead ones took over.

Now the breeze in the morning is brisk and the leaves on trees are changing from green to gold. There's no more government, no more military, no more anything. There is nothing left of humanity.