- • Broken Children • -

four

CALVIN

Taylor Swift was singing her heart out to us at a stadium in New Hampshire. I could never figure out how someone can do the same performance over and over again. But isn't that what every actor and actress do?

My sister, Melanie, begged me for weeks to take her to this concert. And, after she told me she'd do my chores for a week, I said yes. We bought the tickets and got surprisingly good seats. It was about a three hour drive out. My mom told us to just get a hotel since she didn't want us driving back late. I couldn't complain. A night without parental supervision? Hell yeah!

My sister fell asleep in the car. We checked into the Marriot hotel and went to our third-story room. Melanie went straight to the bed and passed out. I put my earbuds in and called my girlfriend, Audrey, hoping she'd still be up.

And, partially to my surprise, she picked up the facetime call. "Hey! How was the concert?" Her light brunette hair was pulled up into a messy bun and her usually painting of makeup was gone from her skin. I couldn't keep the goofy smile off my face. She looked so pretty this way.

"It was fun-for my sister. But she did put on a pretty good performance."

Audrey raised a brow. "But not as good as a show I can put on for you," she joked flirtatiously. I felt my face heat up and my heart increased its pulse.

"Oh, stop!" I laughed.

"Oh, shoot," my girlfriend whispered under her breath. She rolled her eyes. "My dad's home. I should probably go."

"This late?" I asked, my brows raised.

"You know how he is," she sighed.

I frowned. "I'm sorry."

"It's fine. I have to go. Goodnight," she kissed the screen and ended the call. Tingles shot through my body and I couldn't erase the smile on my face. Sleep suddenly sounded so good. The sooner tomorrow comes, the sooner and I get to see that beautiful girl.

---

We pile into the car at around 10 A.M. I figured we could pick up lunch on our way home. Our mom wanted us home no later than 5. I turned on the radio as my 13-year-old sister played some game on her phone. She laughed quietly to herself and I gave her a side-longed glance.

"Is it a boy? Or girl?" I teased, glancing back to the road. But I wasn't too worried since it was a straight road.

"What?!" She squealed putting her phone down and looking at me wide-eyed.

"I'm just asking," I put my hands up slightly and chuckled.

Melanie batted my arm. "NO!"

"Alright, alright. Chill," I laughed. "What're you doing then?"

"My friend was texting me," she pouted and stuck her head back into her phone. I sighed with a smile, just deciding to drop it.

---

We were about two hours into the drive when we heard over the radio.

WARNING. This is not a drill. The United States is under attack by the undead. People who died or who are dying are coming back to life...

I turned it up, but the message just kept repeating. I looked towards my sister. The blood had drained from her face. Her knuckles were turning white from where she gripped her phone.

"Mom and Dad," Melanie said as if the wind had just been knocked out of her. My gut plummeted. Oh no.

I increased the speed and that's when the world just started going downhill. We passed a head on collision. A part of me wanted to stop and help. But no. There wasn't time. For all I know, they could both be dead and then come back to life and then I'd be dead. I had to focus on one thing: getting home.

A truck several feet ahead of us spun out and lost control. I was able to swerve and miss it just by a couple inches. I just kept reassuring myself. My dad is tough. He knows what to do in these types of situations. He has a shot gun. But does he? Does he know what to do? The world is being overrun by ZOMBIES at the moment. No one was prepared for this. Except for those wackos who pay thousands of dollars for bunkers. But maybe they aren't wackos anymore. Those people are probably already warm and cozy in their underground mansions. No, they're still crazy. I mean, they prepared for this?

---

By the time we entered town, it was practically abandoned. It was, until we witnessed a couple being chased by an undead. It's mouth was covered in blood. It's eyes were crazed. Its clothes were soaked in a now dried red liquid. A sudden urge told me to jump out and help them. Maybe pull up next to them and let them in. But I couldn't do that Melanie. I can't leave her. And what if the zombie makes it inside? I can't risk it.

I drive past. I glance in the rear view mirror to see the woman try to run after me, but she was soon tackled by the creature. The guy tried to hit at the thing but it wouldn't let go. I watched in horror as the woman stood up and they both went after the man. But then they were out of sight. I was only left to guess what happened. But I think I could make a pretty accurate hypothesis.

I side glanced toward Melanie. She had barely said a word since the news. I wonder how she was reacting to this. Her face gave off an almost blank expression.

We pulled up to our house. The street didn't stir. I half expected a mob of zombies to come running at us as soon as I opened the car door. But no. Nothing. Not even a bush moved or a bird chirped. It was eerily silent. Before I could react, Melanie rushed out of the car and to the house. I almost yelled out, but then she stopped just before the front door. I saw what she looking at.

It was wide open.

I reached to grab Melanie's hand but she stepped inside. I quickly got in front of her. But I wasn't quick enough to avoid her from seeing the horror that lay in front of us.

I pulled my sister back and into my chest. I covered her face so she didn't have to see anymore. But there was nothing to cover my eyes from the sight. I stood in utter disgust and terror at the blood covered living room.

Oooo I hope you liked this chapter. Please vote and comment and I'll update more. Okay byeee.
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