Diary of the Apocalypse {ON HOLD}

Lana Gilbert

This was written on a few pieces of paper that were taped to the wall inside a warehouse. There were seven moving trucks inside, as well as some empty shelves.

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We're going to leave the city in the morning to find someplace to hole up besides this warehouse. Marco, our leader, says we're going to some big manor houses to the south that are surrounded by acres of open land. We'd be able to see the zombies coming from far away.

Stupid zombies. Everything that's happened has been crazy, hasn't it? I hate that all of those movies, books, and TV shows were right. I used to think that zombie apocalypse stuff was so cliché. Back before this all happened, I wouldn't even let my friends talk to me about zombie stuff they were watching or reading. I just thought it was so stupid. Now I kinda wish I would have paid a little more attention.

Anyway, random non-dead person, I'm supposed to be writing a note to leave behind in case somebody who's still human happens to stumble across this place and needs somewhere to go that isn't zombie-infested. I highly doubt anybody will ever walk through this building again, so I think this note is really pointless. But just in case I'm wrong...

You are not alone, at least at the time that I am writing this. Right now, there are twelve of us. Seven men and five women. If you are reading this, it means that we have already left.

This is a GREAT place to be holed up in if you have supplies. However, we can't venture very far outside to replenish our supplies because there are so many freaking zombies out there. So we are gathering up what little we have left and are getting the heck out of here.

We will be going south on Highway 8. We'll put orange spray-paint around the sign for the exit that we take and we'll try to leave similar markers along the path after that so you can find us. Look especially for arrows on fences, signs, cars, and walls. We'll make sure all of the markers are clear and noticeable.

Now, as you can see, there are eight big moving trucks in here. The three with the big orange circles on the hoods are fully fueled, so MAKE SURE YOU TAKE ONE OF THEM WHEN YOU LEAVE. Otherwise, you will be screwed, because the other five are totally empty.

Also (and I'm sure you know this by now), the zombies are more active during the day. Probably because it's easier to see. So leave at night, and whatever you do, DO NOT BRING ANY ZOMBIES WITH YOU. Or people who are infected but haven't turned yet. We will shoot them on sight if you bring them onto our property. You know they're going to turn anyways, so get it over with and shoot them IN THE HEAD or decapitate them. Those are the only ways to kill them. Also, don't get their blood on your skin. You can get infected just by coming in contact with their blood. It doesn't happen every time, but it does happen.

So, yeah, I guess that's about it. Don't bring zombies with you, and follow the markers.

Oh, wait, to get to Highway 8, turn right onto Mason Street. Follow Mason all the way out of town, and you'll find the on-ramp for the highway.

Be safe. Don't take stupid risks. And I hope to see you soon, whoever you are.

Lana Gilbert

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I followed the markers described in the note, but the house I ended up at was empty. The front door hung wide open, and human skeletons littered the yard and the floors inside.