Gift: A Story Of Love, Hope And Zombies (Work In Progress)

8. Tied To Her Heart

Elliann sits in a ball on the ground hands pulling at her hair and knees jabbing into her chest as she tries to breathe. Aravis and Elissa sit next to her, all of their hands begin to intertwine as they sit in silence. Jessica stands above them, unable to join them in the ground due to her crutch. Ethan stands to the side, eyes wide and confused. Elliann cries silently as Ben screams.

"You did this?! What happened? Why in the world did this happen?" His hands flail around, as if he doesn't know what to do with gimself, which he probably doesnt. Hannah flinches at the tone of his voice.

"It was an accident."

Ben drags a hand down his face. He sighs heavily, he sounds frustrated, but underneath there is a deeper sadness. "Accidents like this don't just happen. Kelby is dead!"

Hannah shrinks more in shame and sadness. "She was right. I never should have meddled around with magic. I didn't understand my own power." She mumbles.

Ellianns eyes widen. "Y-you were learning magic? This was a magical incident?" Elliann knows better than anyone the dangers of unknown magic, how could Hannah think this was a good idea?

"Yes." Hannah whispers, "This is all my fault. I should have left the magic alone."

You know that's not true.

Hannah gasps. Everyone else is too observed in their shock to notice.

I-

Remember all that we've been working for.

I know, but.... Kelby. She didn't choose this!

She's okay.

You've seen her?

Yeah. She's alright. Safe. Pissed AF though.

Of course she would be mad, Hannah couldn't blame her.

Maybe if you explained, she would understand better.

Can... can she hear me?

Yes.

Can I hear her?

I'm sorry.I don't think it works that way.

Okay, but what about everyone else?

A comforting warmth swarms near her heart.

It's time Hannah.

Hannah takes a deep, shaky breath, a new sense of courage in her.
"I loved Kelby. All of us did. And it's my fault she's gone." Every eye is focused on Hannah, hurt and confusion filling the room. "I'm so sorry. I swear, it was accident, but that doesn't make it any more excusable. I understand if you all decide to never forgive me, I'll probably never forgive myself, but there's something I need to tell you, before I let myself out of your hair."

Hannah sighs, and picks up the spellbook from the ground. That cursed book that caused everything. All eyes follow her as she sits on the bed, adjusting herself to face as many of them as properly as she could.

"This is the book that gave me the power to commit this monstrosity. I know, we're not supposed to mess around with magic, I really didn't want to." She trails off slowly, gaze drawing to the vial she keeps tied to her. She inhales and lifts her head back up to face everyone. "But I promise, I had a good reason.

"This book has a spell to fix everything. As ludicrous as it sounds, I've been preparing to end the apocalypse."

"What?" Several voices murmer in confusion.

"Its true. And I've been told.... I just get this feeling that it's time for me to leave and finish what I set out to do when I found this book. If you'll allow me to stay for the night, I'll be gone first thing in the morning.

"I know that nothing could make up for my-" Hannah's eyes flicker to Kelby's body, and her strength seems to falter a little. She chokes back on the bubble building in her throat. "Mistakes.... But when I get rid of all the zombies, I hope that'll at least help."