Those Who Remain

Chapter 1

A week after the news reported on the new, mysterious illness many around North America were enduring, more information had come out. It seemed that there was bacteria in the pills distributed that no doctor or scientist had ever seen. It was causing a lot of flu-like symptoms to develop one to three hours after exposure. These symptoms continued for every patient for one to two days, but unfortunately, the bacteria is resistant to even the strong antibiotics offered in the U.S. That meant the mortality rate of the disease was astronomically high, in the high nineties. There had been only a handful of people who survived it, and they reported it as being the worst thing they've ever been through.

Other reports are coming out about the funerals of some of the deceased. The funerals reported on happened one to three days after the person had passed. Riots had broken out in the middle of their showings, but those who escaped unscathed reported that it was the deceased person who started the riot. At first, the reports on the news had taken this as a sick joke, but after video footage came out showing the deceased climbing out of the casket, no one was taking the allegations lightly.

The video depicted a young man's showing, but the man was climbing out of the casket and attacking the closest person to him. Many rushed to the person's aid, but the injuries he sustained were severe. The crazed man turned on those that came to help and spit in their faces while running at them. Many wondered if the disease would be spread to those who got spit on, and the answer is yes.

As more and more of these types of incidents happened, people were being encouraged to stay inside their homes to avoid those who have been infected. It is known that people who are sick become irritable and will attack without being provoked.

"Are you guys going to come home early?" I asked my mom over the phone. They were still in Florida, and I wanted them to come back to Indiana where I knew I could help keep them safe.

"They don't want anyone traveling over state lines," my mom replied in slight exacerbation, "I think it's to prevent the illness from spreading to areas where it isn't, but with the amount of people who took the pills, I think it's absurd."

"I'd have to agree with you. They aren't even letting me volunteer at the hospital anymore. There haven't been any sightings of confrontational people here yet, but I think it's only a matter of time," I replied with a heavy sigh, "There were a lot of sick people in the ER a few days ago."

"You saw it first hand right?" my mom asked me, and I winced at the memory,

"Ya I did. The poor girl's mom had it bad. She was unconscious and projectile vomited on the doctors and nurses wheeling her away," I replied, then added, "I also saw a younger girl being helped inside throw up into a storm drain. I hope you never have to see what happens."

"We're really happy we rented a house and not a hotel," she exclaimed, "I hear they are shutting them down."

"Your community is gated right?" I asked her knowing that is safer than a lot of places in our area at home.

"Ya, it's gated, but it's not actually a gate. More of a guard house to let people in and out," she explained and again, I sighed.

"We need a meeting place in case this gets really bad," I said, and she immediately agreed.

After a lot of deliberation and arguing, we decided that the lake house we own at Norris lake in Tennessee is the best option. We have a lot of family that lives in Tennessee, and we love to visit during the summer months. Having a lake house means everyone comes to us, and we don't have to worry about a hotel.

"I love you mom," I said since we need to wrap up our conversation, "Promise me you'll stay safe, and keep dad in line. You know he's never one to play it safe."