Ericson's Boarding School

Chapter 1: All Alone

Author's Note: (This chapter takes place just after all the adults leave except for the school nurse, Ms. Martin. This chapter takes place well before Clementine and AJ arrive and well before the students start losing sanity and making very rash decisions.)

[POV Of Inside A Random Classroom]

???: Gone! They're all gone!

*He lowers his face*

???: Marlon, keep your cool! They might be coming back. Maybe something's got them taking a while to come back.

Marlon: 'Keep my cool'? Are you kidding me right now Shawn!? We're all alone! The adults knew what was happening! They abandoned us! Don't tell me to keep my cool, this isn't alright. Do you realize what's happening right now? They didn't go look for help! They went to help themselves! They're not coming back, we're all alone!

*Shawn opens his mouth as if to offer his rebuttal, but after empathizing with Marlon's feelings and the seriousness of the situation, his face drops and he keeps silent.*

Marlon: I'm sorry, Shawn. For snapping. I'm so sorry.

*Marlon slams his fists on the floor and falls to his knees. He puts his forehead on the floor and repeatedly pounds on it with his fist.*

*Shawn just looks at him, unsure of what to say next.*

Marlon: I'm scared man. I really am scared. I just don't know what we're gonna do now. What are we supposed to do abo-

Shawn: I know... I completely understand. I'm absolutely terrified right now. As much as I hate to admit it, I think you're right. I think we're on our own this time.

*Shawn walks closer and puts his hand on Marlon's shoulder*

Shawn: We're 2 of the oldest kids here. If we lose hope, the rest of them will follow suit.

*Shawn backs off and Marlon slowly stands up wiping his face*

Marlon: Yeah... I guess so.

Shawn: I know you're not ready to look after these kids, neither am I. Thing is, we're the adults now. We need to work together on this one. If we falter, everyone falters.

*The door flies open and Louis comes running in*

*Shawn turns towards the door startled and with a confused look on his face while Marlon is still regaining composure*

Louis: Uhh... Hope this isn't a-

*Louis pauses and looks at Marlon*

Louis: -a bad time to say this, but we've got a problem out in the courtyard.

*Marlon finally looks up*

Marlon: What kind of problem?

Louis: It's Mitch and Dave.

Marlon: Again? What the f*ck happened this time?

Louis: Let's go, I'll explain on the way.

*Louis leaves the room and Marlon and Shawn follow after*

[POV Of Hallway]

Louis: Dave is very upset right now with us all.

Shawn: Upset with us? Why?

Louis: You know, his parents were teachers here and they left with all of the other adults to find us all help. They still haven't returned and to be honest, the odds of them coming back any time soon aren't looking too good.