The Warrior Within

The Beginning of the End

The apocalypse happened. And here I am in my next door neighbour's car stuck on a highway trying to get into Atlanta with them. The fucked up thing is that we have been neighbours for my whole life and we have never spoken to each other. And they still offered to give me a ride. And I gratefully accepted there kind offer. It was that, or get eaten by these...cannibals...too be honest I don't know what they are. I don't think anyone does. And I've been face to face with one, having to stab it in its face. I paid no attention to the news the past week, but when I think back I do remember them mention a virus of some sort that made people sick and insane. Something like that I guess...I didn't really listen in.

Everything seems to feel darker now that these monsters are walking around eating people. I would always look up at the night sky and count the stars, but as I am sitting by the cool window I cannot bring myself to look up into the darkness as I fear it will somehow give me nightmares. Two children are sitting in the back of the car with me, both boys by the names of Alex and Tom. The driver is their father Daniel and in the passenger seat sits his wife Alice.

I haven't really spoken to any of them, and I have acknowledged the fact that not speaking to them is probably classified as being rude, but I feel like if I talk it will come out as one noise, unable to form words. Therefore I continue to listen to my music and rest my head on the cool window. We are not moving and we haven't moved for quite a while now. Maybe I should speak now? I take my head of the window, my forehead feels wet, and I then proceed to open my mouth to speak, but Daniel talks before I get the chance.

"I think it's time we get out the car. Lots of people are out of their cars and I think we should talk to them."

I gulp. Socialising is my weakest spot. Daniel and Alice are already out of the car and helping Alex and Tom get out of their seats. I take off my headphones and let them hang around my neck. I open the door and hop out of the car. Alex and Tom are lucky they have their parents. Mine went on holiday to Spain without me. But I was happy that I would get the solitude. I can take care of myself, I'm seventeen.

Before I slam the door shut, I take out my large rucksack full of food, water and other supplies. I go round to the boot of the car to see that the four of them are gathered around talking. Here's my chance to finally speak to them. "Thank you so much for letting me come with you." I tell them.

"Not a problem, sweetie. You can still tag along with us. We don't mind." Alice tells me. I nod in appreciation.

"I don't want to be a burden. I think I should go along on my own."

"Charlotte, I don't think that's a good idea with these..." Alice trails off; she clearly doesn't know what to call these things. "Monsters...roaming around. You should stick with us."

I hesitate, not knowing what to do. Go alone, and probably die. Go in a group, and probably die.

I smile, "Thank you."

The family smile back at me. I look down at the boys. Everyone in the family have ginger hair, except for Alice, who has dirty blonde hair. Alex and Tom are eight and ten and they both look exactly the same. I take off my black hoodie and tie it around my waist.

"Well," Daniel claps his hands together. "Who's hungry?"

~

Daniel and Alice are too kind to be human. Why haven't I had conversations with them before? They offer me to stay with them, give me food. I don't understand their kindness.

Tom and Alex are talking to two children; a girl and boy who I heard introduce themselves as Carl and Sophia. I am off in the distance watching Tom and Alex having a joyful conversation. Daniel and Alice are talking to two people called Shane and Lori. I presume that Sophia and Carl are their children.