The Light At The End Of The World

Parker Johnston and Kimberly Jones

"Hello there, you can call me Mr. Johnston I run this place. For us it is a sanctuary safe from the horrors of the outside world. You should think of it as a way station kind of a home between homes. Who are you people?"

"I'm June, and this is Jasper and Grace. I was hoping you'll help us get to Atlanta I've been trying to get there for a long time?"

"I can get you people to a home of sorts, sadly there's not much left of that city. But we do have a place for you a refuge away from the undead. How does that sound?"

"Why do you help strangers, in a world like this?"

"Because as you know, people are a valuable resource in making this world work. So let's just say that the world where you came from is a shity place and we're all just hanging on by a thread. The fact that you can survive out there gives you the best chance of humanity's continued survival. Unfortunately it also makes you a target there's no doubt by now you've noticed with all the other raiders out there. Beyond this gate lies the beginning of your new lives. First things first let's do something about that smell. Follow me." He beckoned us towards the open gate.

"I'll need you to leave your weapons at the gate before I let you in."

"No way." Jasper protested.

"Look it's just a precaution, we have no idea who you people are." Johnston explained.

I turned to Jasper who was still outside the walls and gave him a glare that I hoped he could decipher I kept the colt python hidden under my shirt. He looked at me and rolled his eyes, and dropped his weapons.

"Thank you I hope you understand."

"We do." I said.

"Welcome to the Capitol. We have hot running water for people to use once a week. The water sometimes goes cold so shower fast so the person behind you doesn't have to wash themselves in the cold. Once you've all had a nice hot shower meet me and my assistant Kimber at the capitol building. I'll have Jack here lead you to the showers." He gestured to a man in his late twenties who was tending to a garden.

"Except for you June I need you to come with me, please." Johnston said to me directing me towards the large stone building.

"Um.. Okay.." I said swallowing my fear. I looked at Jasper and Grace at they were standing there looking at me before Mr. Johnston called me up the steps.

He walked me up the stone steps and into the building, the building looked larger on the inside than it had on the outside, with lights hanging from the ceiling. I was completely silent as he lead me into a room which I assumed was an office at some point. He walked behind the desk and sat down, I stayed standing in the doorway.

"June, thank you for seeing me. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. I was just hoping we might get a moment to chat in private, away from the others."

"Well..."

"I won't take up too much of your time. I really only have one question. Where did you come from, why are you here?" Johnston said. "Look, you're not in trouble. We're just having a conversation. I'm just trying to understand-"

"Understand what?"

"Who are you?"

"I'm just a scavenger, a survivor like everyone else."

"Interesting.. You say you're just a scavenger, but you seem to be clean. How would a scavenger do something like that?"

"I don't know. Just curious I guess."

"I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Enjoy the rest of your stay."

"That's it?"

"Yeah, you've told me everything I need to know. You and your friends have all been cleared you'll all be on your way soon."