What is Real Evil

What Lies Ahead (Day One)

"Light travels faster than sound. That's why people appear bright before they speak."

It's been a week since Alex and I were separated from our group; which isn't that big of a deal cause we hardly knew them; they were just strangers to us. Now it's just us two continuously moving to stay alive. I don't believe in staying in one place for too long; I never have. I guess that's just one of the many flaws to my personality.

Alex is my younger brother by two years, but you wouldn't be able to tell that if you saw us side-by-side. I'm short, only 5'1, and on the smaller side but I'm not thin; I weigh like 120, but a good bit is muscle because I worked out all throughout college. Alex on the other hand is tall as mess maxing out at 6'2, I don't even come up to his shoulder, but he's buff as well; he was training to be a body builder... You know, before.

But enough reminiscing in what used to be. To make it out here now, you have to focus on what's in front of you... And always stay moving. Which is precisely what we are doing. It's about noon right now; I'm totally guessing by the sun's position. We've been walking since dawn and lucky for us we've just ran into a massive pile-up of cars.

"Give me a boost up." I say to Alex as he lifts me relatively easily up onto the top of a run-down Bronco. I pull my binoculars from my pack and scan ahead, and what I see makes me cringe a little inside; but I stay composed on the outside... Also another one of my flaws: not showing emotions.

I jump down and put my binoculars away, instead I sit down in the shade created by the Bronco and pull out my water bottle. Alex sighs and does the same.

"It's pretty bad isn't it?" He asks in his quiet voice; I've only heard him yell once... But that's a story for another time. I just nod my head and sip some more.

After about five minutes of rest I start to stand but pause as I hear something strange. It's almost like a motorcycle... I grab my binoculars and see what appears to be three vehicles coming our way: a motorcycle followed by an RV and some other car, not quiet sure from this distance.

Alex says nothing as he follows me off the road into the surrounding trees. I've had trust issues since before the outbreak but they don't nearly compare to what they are now; the end of the world does crazy things to the human mind. We wait in silence in the coverage of the trees as the vehicles draw closer to the blockage. 'Surely they won't attempt to get through... The motorcycle maybe.' I think as they slow and I see the motorcycle start to weave in between cars.

A loud bang sounds from the RV as smoke billows up from under the hood. I sigh... It's always been another weakness of mine to help others in need. The door to the RV opens and out come five people: a younger Asian kid, a semi muscular guy with dark hair, a skinny blonde chic, a bald black guy, and an older guy with a fishing cap and white beard.

My eyes widen as I recognize the older man. I turn slightly to my right to see if Alex notices as well. He turns to me with watery eyes and returns my sad but joyous smile. I signal to him to wait... Let's watch just a little longer. I want to get a good bearing on this group before I decide my course of action.

The people from the last car get out as well: a man in a cop outfit, hat and all, a lady I assume to be his wife, two children, boy and girl, and an older-looking lady; it might just be the way her hair is cut. They walk to the others and start talking. I only catch the phrase: "This is a grave yard," from the smallest lady with dark hair, the one I assumed to be married to the cop. After a few more words they split up; only the older man, the cop, and the Asian stay.

"Now." I say to Alex as I slowly walk from behind my tree, my bow down by my right side. When we get close enough to be spotted the cop points his gun, "Stop where you are." I stop and put up my left hand slowly to show him I mean no harm. "Who are you?" The cop asks. "My name is Tris and I'm not hear to cause any trouble. I just want to see the older man from the RV." I say softy and calmly, not breaking eye contact.