Lifeless

Chapter 1

I sat down on the stool beside Mum, watching as she knitted a scarf for me. In my Community, things could be a little hectic, with all that frequent festive celebrations. Of course, I didn't mind - in fact, I loved them -, but sometimes I'd prefer a peaceful environment to myself. I sighed in content as I watched the needles weave in and out and make the soft clicking noise that I found soothing and calming.

Since it was becoming a little stuffy in the house, I got up and opened the windows, enjoying the cool breeze that was blowing in my direction. Windy days were my absolute favourite. The wind would never fail to make the air cooler, and personally, I never really liked the heat.

I had lived in this Community all my life. This Community was full of fun-loving people, and all my life I had been living in happiness in this community. Laughter could be heard everywhere. Looking out of the window, I could see children chasing each other, having the time of their lives. Other children were flying their kites, which were carried by the wind. I smiled.

The moment my life changed was when I heard a scream.

A scream of pain. Followed by screams of terror.

I stood, shell-shocked, as I saw a lady, who was standing moments ago, suddenly collapse onto the ground, writhing in pain. Minutes later, she lay still.

Dead.

Then, more people started falling to the ground, facing the same fate as that woman. The people were falling like dominos, starting from that lady, who was the furthest from us and the first to die, to those people nearer to us.

"Quick, shut the windows!" Mum ordered, fear in her voice. I complied.

"It will only be moments later when I will die, too, just like them," Mum told me, gesturing to the people outside of the house.

I buried my face into Mum's cotton shirt, breathing in the scent of lavender as I did so. "Mum, I don't want you to go!" I cried, my tears making a part of her shirt slightly damp.

"Hush, don't cry. You are a strong young woman, Hayley. You will survive this." she whispered. I nodded, fighting back the tears that threatened to flow down my cheeks. I am strong. I will be strong.

"Hayley, there's something I need to tell you."

"What?"

"You're a Special, Hayley."

"I'm a what?"

"There's no time for me to explain. In that third drawer, there's something that will explain everything," she told me, gesturing to the drawer with a flick of her head. There was panic in her voice, as if she was trying to tell me everything as quickly as she could. With that, she collapsed to the ground, moaning in pain.

"MUM!" I screamed, dropping to my knees by Mum's side. "Mum! Please don't go! Please! I can't live without you..." There was desperation in my voice. 

"Hayley, be strong," Mum's voice was raspy and weak, contrary to her soothing voice just seconds ago. "Just remember that I... I love you..."

With that, her hand slumped to one side. Mum did not move, not even a single inch.

Dead.

"I love you too, Mum," I whispered. I flung my arms around Mum's unmoving body, knowing that I would never get to hear her voice again, nor would she be able to hug me again, and nor would I have a family.

This time, I let the floodgates open.

Hi! I am republishing this chapter. I found this idea in a document only recently, so I thought I might continue writing this. Btw Chapter 1 and 2 are written in 2018, and the rest will be written in 2019 (lol the time gap heh). Hope you enjoy!

Hazel