zombie apocalypse | the fallen (book One) [REWRITING]

chapter 14

It has been two weeks since Kryssie died. You haven't said a word since the incident. Preston always has to be with you now. Ever since losing your mother it's been... difficult. Isabella seems to be doing alright but you can still see the remaining pain that may never go away.

You just stay inside all day. The only time you go outside is to sit in a tree you carved kryssies name into for hours and hours. Preston's trying so hard to make you happy and to eat and talk. But at the same time he's giving you time to recover. You feel like you never will.

"ZOE!" Preston is yelling for you. You just keep reading your book and ignore him. You wanted to stay in your own world longer. Nothing inside the book could hurt. Nothing had to be real.

Preston kept calling and you finally tried to yell back, but nothing came out. All it would've been was broken, the way your heart still was. He finally spots you and runs over to the tree. "Zoe can you please atleast try to eat something? Even just a crumb?"

Preston climbs up the tree and sits infront of you. "Please?" you keep reading. Preston takes the book from your hands. You fight him to get it back and he accidentally drops it. You want to scream because your mom gave you that book, but you can't make even a small sound.

Instead you push Preston out of the way and jump down from the tree. You pick up the book and run back to the house. Tears threaten to spill over. you lock your door and slide down against it, as the memory of the bullet flying right through Kryssies skull replays in your mind.

"Zoe?" Isabella knocks on the door. " hey what happened?" you press the book into your chest until you cant breathe. You open it back up and look at the picture taped inside. It was you when you were little, and your mom riding a carousel. You carefully take it out, and flip it over to read the back.

" Zoe, no matter what happens to me or you, we will never be apart. You never have to feel alone, because no matter what i will always love you and be with you in your heart, mind, and the locket i gave you. Don't ever lose it Zoe. Promise me you wont. I love you. Never forget that.- mom" "i promise mom. I love you too." you think inside your head and hold the locket in your hand.

"Zoe open the door." it's Preston. You sit there for a moment before deciding to stand up and open it. You just want to be left alone. You give him your same tired, dead look. He could hear the 'what the fuck do you want' without you even having to say it.

" Zoe i don't know why that book is so important to you. I don't know why you are so mad at me just for wanting to help you. but whatever i did I'm sorry. I love you and i want to keep you safe, but i need you to help me too."

you just stare at him. You just want to scream that your dead mother gave it to you, and you're completely fucking  broken over her. That you just want to give up and be alone, but you can't find the voice to say anything.

"did you say book?" Isabella comes back inside. "yeah. Why?" "does it have a dark forest on the cover?" "yes?" "what did you do?!" " i took the book out of her hands and accidentally dropped it. I just wanted to get her out of the tree to come try and eat." "you NEVER touch that book. No matter what." Isabella starts raising her voice louder with each word.

"w-why?" Preston steps back bumping into you. You just look at him and go sit on your bed. "our mom gave her that book. Inside is a picture of zoe and our mom on a carousel. On the back is a message from her to zoe. It means everything to her. She never lets anyone touch it. Let alone drop it on the fucking ground." "zoe why didn't you say anything?" he turns to you.

You love him, but sometimes he's far too stupid to comprehend situations. If you could speak, you would. but it's not as if it was his business anyways. You fight to not physically face palm as the thoughts run through your head.

"it's not something she likes sharing with people. She feels like it'll ruin its meaning to her. It's her thing, she wants to keep it that way." Preston sits down next to you and hugs you as tight as he can. "Im sorry zoe." you just accept it and hug him back.

You try to talk. Your voice is small and quiet but understandable. "it's okay. I should have told you." you say at barely a whisper. It's the best you can do after not using your voice for so long.

"and she talks. Sort of." Isabella says from the doorway. "yeah hopefully we can get that voice working again. I miss getting yelled at for being a snack thief."  you laugh. " Yeah quit eating my milkyways you shithead" you say as your voice slowly becomes louder and back to normal.

"It's getting late. We could all use some serious rest after these two weeks. Tomorrow we'll figure out a plan on where we go from here." You and isabella 'hmm' in agreement. Everyone says their goodnights and isabella leaves the room.

"I really am sorry." "I understand why you did it. But i seriously just ask you let me grieve in peace. I'm okay, i just want time." Every word is soft and raspy. The tears threatening your eyes with each one. "I know, I know i should be more respectful of that. You were there for me for Emma, i just wanna do the same for you." You and Preston both lay down and cuddle closely together.

"I know, but I'm just better at doing it alone." "You don't have to." Silence fell between the two of you, and so did darkness as sleep took over. There is still a long road ahead. And it will not get any easier.