Luminous Nights

Dread

     The apocalypse pieced a hole in my chest and took a piece of me with it. There's a pit of dread where my heart is. I crave to talk to someone again. Even if it's someone I never acknowledged before. The stars are at their brightest, and yet, I'm all alone in this hell hole.

     Everything seemed as plain as it always had, the dirt was dry and chalky, the remaining plants were all shriveled up, and there was always an incorruptible silence. The only thing i hear these days are gunshots and screaming. Even a little company would seem like a gift from the heavens. As empty as everything seemed, there was one thing in this miserable world I still admire, and it was the nights. The stars always shined so bright, as if angels had lovingly polished them. It kept me looking forward to the next day, and I could lie down and star gaze forever. Oh if only I could show someone. I could ramble endlessly about it all.

     I left my miserable shed with a shotgun. Without weapons, those damn zombies go feral! I almost died once while being an absolute idiot! I wasn't the brightest back then, regardless, I'm not even the smartest now. I have my ups and downs. Yet at least I can say I'm way more aware of my surroundings.

     Seriously, how could past me ignore so much! Before this apocalypse, I swear I was a whole different person. I don't know if it's good that I've changed. I was so ignorant, but so joyful. Well, you could say ignorance is bliss.. I still miss them. Even her. All I want to do is talk to someone, anybody, even if it was my most annoying roommate in history. I despise her, but even talking to her would fill my empty void of loneliness at least a little. I remember all we did was fight, but even then, we still tolerated each other, hell, I miss everyone too much. It's stupid. I'm so vulnerable.

     I trudged around the empty wasteland. Over the years, this place had worn out. It used to be so radiant and green. My home. Yet, now things have changed. Nothing but dirt here, and a few empty buildings. There were stores, yet supply ran out. I tried growing crops. The soil was absolute shit though. I took what I could, rationalizing it all the best I could. Fortunately, I'm still alive. At what cost though? I don't understand. I guess I'll just rot here alone.

     Zombies would sometimes wonder around this wasteland, but it's no use. If I found one, they would get a blow from my shotgun, straight through their rotting skull. Kills them easily, even the fast ones.

     But, I came across someone. Was it a zombie? Or are they.... alive? No. Of course not, no one here is living.. If a living person happened to be, chances were they wouldn't be in a right state of mind. They had to be a zombie.

I was walking around an empty building. I tried peaking around the corner, making sure they don't see me as the consequences could end me if I fuck something up.

     This one was different. They seemed so lively, though I can't put my finger on why. Should I approach them? Wait! APPROACH THEM? What am I thinking? Where did my common sense go? I guess I just got too carried away seeing one resemble so much of a "person". It's nothing. They probably are like the rest of them. Rotten brains. Idiotic and feral! Reminds me of Jen if she was on acid! God.. I remember their names still.

     Jen, Vii, Moonlight.

     They were all idiots, but I loved them.

     Should I leave? Should I spare this zombie? Honestly, if they haven't had caught my eye, they would've been shotgunned to the head a few minutes ago. I decide to back away. Suddenly, I hear recklessly fast foot steps. MOVE. My instincts screamed. I proceeded to bolt out of the way, and a zombie pounced onto the previous area I had been at. I quickly fired my gun without a second thought. Perfect shot. I've improved on my technique over the years. Fuck. That shot was loud wasn't it? The zombie is dead. Yet, what about the other one?... I quickly peak around the corner. They're gone.

     Was it the right choice to let them go? Now apparently there's some zombie that's roaming about, knowing that there's a living being here. They'll try to find me.. Yet, at least I have my gun to protect me. I look around. The sun is setting and the sky is turning to a dull grey. It's definitely getting dark, I better hurry back to the shed. Wouldn't want zombies chasing me through the cold night.