When Americans turn 20, they become immortal- if they can afford it. Ilana is ready for her birthday so that she can become immortal and enjoy a world where there's no need to live cautiously. When a new amendment is proposed to euthanize Americans who can't afford immortality, the entire country- and Ilana's plans for her birthday- are turned upside down forever. *Content Warning(s): This story contains some mature themes such as grooming, mild gun violence, character death, mild drug use, and brief mention of suicide.

I remember the day I first heard of them. I was driving my van with my mother in the passenger seat. The news channel was playing over the radio. The current story was suddenly cut off and a man's voice crackled over the speakers: "We interrupt this program to bring you breaking news," He began. "A new disease is spreading rapidly all over the world and infecting humans. Nobody is sure what it is; but we know one thing, It was stolen." A new voice came over the radio. "Hello, citizens of California! I'm here with Nicole Bradson, the leading researcher in Virus Studies at Baily University." The man said. "Would you like to tell us about this strange new epidemic?" A panicked-sounding voice came from the woman, she was clearly not pleased. "All I can tell you is to run. This virus was stolen from our laboratory. It was locked up for a very good reason. It is highly contagious and spreads through bodily fluids. You need to run from it. If it's too late to run, lock yourself somewhere safe until rescue teams can find you and escort you to safety. Do not panic." The man with the news crew interrupted her with questions. "Run from what, exactly? What should we perceive as a threat?" The woman paused for a moment as if thinking. "Do not attempt to approach anyone with red eyes. They are infected with the virus." Her voice trembled. "They are unstoppable." ~~~~~~~~~~~ This story is heavily inspired by "A Different Virus - Heartfire" by Crystal Scherer. If you haven't read it or "A Different Virus - Laura's Story" (Also by Crystal Scherer), please consider checking them out first. Finished it? It's awesome, I know. Well, here's my version, the story of Ivy and her struggle to survive the Apocalypse. Do you think she can do it? Or will she number among the ever-growing, ever-hungry horde of humans turned monster?