《3 Year Later》


 Envy

    I''ve always envied people. The way they talk, the way they smile, fuck- even the way they carry on with their life. I''ve always hated it. It''s as if the world was playing on a set time, loud laugh here, shitty joke there, and they all seem to just... Work in tune, like clockwork. It''s a strange thing to see, walking down the street and calling out the ques for each spout of joy that came from complete strangers. It''s funny yet sad.


    Considering how I never seemed to fit with the rest of them.


    I''ve made a habit of stumbling about. Awkwardly making my way through life and somehow making it this far. Even now, as I stare out my window, I despised everyone outside. They have freedom from this world.


    I don''t.


    Then again, I was always told that being alive was the best possible outcome. Perhaps that that''s not the case any more.


    Waking up was just a repetitive routine I''ve come to loathe. The year old smell of dust that came from the pillows and cushions I laid on was suffocating. Yet it was the only home I''ve known for a while now, despite not owning a single thing.


    Or at this rate, maybe I do? I''ve been living here for months anyway. Besides, It''s not like the owner''s gonna come back anyway.


    I saw to that for sure.


    "Stop."


    My voice suddenly erupted from me. Groggy and foreign. My head already pounding as I groaned, trying to push myself from the makeshift bed beneath me. The pillows that I used as blankets fell off with a swing of my feet. Cracking my neck and feeling soreness pinprick my back from the awkward way I slept at night. Opting to focus on dragging my body over to the kitchen rather than the way my joints scream at me. With a sigh, a habit I seemed to have picked up over the years, I trudged across the studio apartment to where I kept the food.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Most of the cupboards were kept open. The few that were closed held my dwindling supply. This weird system of mine created to constantly give reminders of just how little food I have nowadays.


    "Has it already been that long? Shit... Fuck!" I hissed as I came closer. Heading to the last closed cupboard and almost crying out in agony. The cans left were enough to count on one hand. Frustration coursing through me as I grabbed one slammed the door closed. The force causing the wood to tremble.


    "Holy hell... I need to stock pile fast... I think," I mumbled as I absentmindedly sifted through the drawers and pulled out a can opener and a fork, "I think I can risk it... What day is it?"


    With quick haste I walked over to the last window that I haven''t boarded up yet. Next to it was a run down calendar from 3 years ago. There were rips and unknown stains but every date had marks on them. Grabbing onto the pencil that laid on the window sill, I looked out as I made a mark for today''s date.


    It was Monday. The 12th. The rain was heavy today.


    My eyes narrowed as, for the first time that day, distinct groans met my ears.


    There weren''t many of them. Maybe a handful occupying the streets but they were there regardless. Reminding me of the fantasy that was my reality. I would''ve loved this exact scenario back before this all started. Foolishly thinking that maybe, for once, I''d be able to finally fit within the mechanism of a dying world.


    Yet, as I stared out at the waves of wide mouths and outstretched hands, I know that I am more alone than ever.


    I wonder now if it was better being a world where I was the only one dead amongst the living? Or the cruel reality of being the last one alive around the dead?

 Routine

    Within 3 years, you learn a lot about the beings that caused this world''s downfall.


    They seem to be the regular, stereotypical sort of undead. Grey skin, lasting wounds, blind eyes and heavy groans. They have no ability to distinguish pain, taking fractured bones and ripped flesh like it was nothing. Each one having no sense of awareness as they stumbled about. Bumping into each other every so often and always cawing out that same lonesome tune disguised groans.


    And yet... There were things I can''t explain about them.


    Despite the fact that their brains should''ve rotted away, they still remembered a parts of their old routines.


    The routines of the old world.


    During the weekends the streets are packed, bodies clumping together as their footsteps mix into a thunder. The weekdays are quiet, most off the streets and you might be lucky to spot those coming home at sundown. Maybe a part of them still remembers what they used to do. Their old routine heavily ingrained in their psyche that they still act like how they used to be.


    As I climbed down the fire escape of the tarot room I was holed up in, I pondered about that strange aspect of them. The downtown rain poured relentlessly causing my clothes to stick to my body as I clutched the straps of my backpack. Legs slowly moving forward as I checked the corner right out of the alleyway I was in.


    Only a handful remained but I knew better than to let my guard down. If I am correct about the day, then not many of them should be visiting the mall. Monday''s were always a slow day from what I remembered.


    With each step I took, water splashed all around me. Rushing forward where the large mall used to be as I pulled my bat from it''s sling, clutching it tight in my right hand. Those who are left slowly turned as I sped past them. Hands, or lack there of, reaching towards me but not enough to touch me.


    The rain must be slowing them down as well. On any other day, I wouldn''t have resorted to this. I wouldn''t be running out in the open like this. Then again, it''s not like I could''ve avoided it. Either I risk being out here or I starve to death in that tiny room. The latter is something that I just couldn''t allow.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I rounded the corner, my eyes faced the huge metropolis of a mall. A great sense of dread filled me as I stared up at it. The sky scraper sized mall stared down at me with a looming gaze. The bright lights that once covered the building now dimmed due to years of unuse. Windows and walls alike were cracked from what must''ve been the result of the chaos that befell on Z Day. With how much people that usually went to this mall, it''s not hard to imagine the blood bath that must''ve taken place...


    "Graa...."


    The voice pierced through the wall of rain fall causing me to spin to find the source. I couldn''t find the Z but the sound was closer than usual. This time more prominent than it''s usual place of being background noise.


    Slight alarm building in the back of my mind as I quickened my pace, simply finding one of the many broken windows to go through. I hurried to pass by the shattered glass to track the supermarket there. Hopefully, there are still items left on the shelves. Last I''ve been there, there was still a good shelf or two left. Then again, this isn''t the best of place to be with how many Zs that were still here.


    "Alright.. uh..." I began to whisper, finding myself in front of the large super market and the entire mess that littered the insides of the store. Gulping as I looked towards the main opening only to find that piles upon piles of carts were placed there. The food that once were held in them strewn about just meters outside of the cluster, the perishables already rotted away but the smell was still there.


    "Inside... inside... Okay just... um..." I paced back and forth the entire entry way before eventually settling upon vaulting over the counter to get to the other side. Shoving my bat back for a brief moment so I could pull myself up and over. For a brief moment I got to see what the rest of the store looks like and to be honest, it made me not want to go any further.


    Entire shelves were thrown to the side as if something big crashed into it. Large clusters of flies hovered near the back where the produce was but also in small pods in between isles. Items seemingly covered the floor and made it clear that if I keep going, there is no way I could travel across the floor without knocking stuff over.


    With a curse, I bit my lip before pulling my bat out again. Staying on the tips of my toes as I cautiously made my way to where I last saw the can isle. My dismay only grew as I saw the depleted state of the area. Many of which was the spilled and crushed cans that lay on the floor.


    "Shit... Come on there''s bound to be one that''s okay." I found myself whispering as i headed to the knocked over shelves trying to sift through what little cans were left.


    It wasn''t long until I nabbed the last of it.


    "I''ll need to move base soon... there''s not much left here..."


    CRASH


    Someone''s here.

 Prey

    In the span of 3 years there are things that you just learned to live with.


    You learn to drown out the constant sound of groaning.


    You learn to find the smell of rotten flesh comforting.


    You even learn to live without bathing for weeks on end.


    All things that just become part of regular life really. But there is one thing that you begin to find off putting the more time passed. Namely, something that jars you the more time you spend by yourself.


    It is, in fact, the sound made by another human.


    "Shit-how loud was that?"


    The voice came from a few isles over. Lower in octave indicating a male. Something that did, indeed, sent more alarms blaring inside me. Chalk it up to my last interaction with one ended with me barely getting away with ripped clothing to boot.


    I sucked in a deep breath and slowly slung my bag back on me. My bat held firmly in my left hand as I gazed up and down the hall. Standing up, I began to move towards the back when the sound of a gun cocking caught my attention. My grip stiffened as I heard a voice call out to me.


    "Hands up, weapons down. Don''t want to spill anymore blood than necessary.*


    I slowly turned my head to meet the face of the new comer.


    he was decked out in, what looks like, military gear. His face hidden by a plaid green bandanna and in his hand was a standard rifle. He looked like he has seen and committed death by how hard he was glaring at me. I laughed ever so slightly, raising my hands up as i slung my bat back on my back. With a deep breath I soon threw the can at his way causing him to curse and try to dodge it as I turned to run.


    My objective now is to get the attention of the Zs.


    Quickly i shoved my hands in my pockets, turning an isle and pulling out my slingshot and a rock. As my legs began to run again, I shot at one of the shelves past me and watched as it''s items all fell down creaking a loud CLANG as it hit the floor.


    Whatever Zs were in the mall before were sure to head here.


    With a laugh I began to head towards the back of the store, hoping to god that i''d find some sort of back room there. Maybe even the shipping dock if i''m lucky.


    BANG BANG BANG You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "What the fuck?!" I yelped as the sudden appearance of gunshots resounded in the building.


    "is he fucking crazy?!" i found the words suddenly leaving me. My pace picking up at fear began crawl on my back. Impending dread about how the sounds will, more than likely, draw as many Zs in here was enough to send my stomach through flips.


    I have to get out of here. I have to.


    My mind barely was there to jump over the obstacles that littered the floor. More often than not tripping causing panicked cries to leave my lips in croaks, my voice cracking from not being used. Shaking my head, I found myself in a tunnel vision. My attention right on the back doors that i slammed myself into.


    The stench of rotting goods hit me full force. A gag making it''s way up my throat but I kept pushing. My shaking legs trying to make sense of where an exit would be as I listened to the man outside scream and curse.


    it felt as if eternity passed before I finally reached the outdoors. My chest heaving as I stumbled out onto the asphalt in front of me. I took one look back, terror building in me, only to sigh out in relief seeing as that man was not behind me.


    "C-can''t stay, Gotta move..."


    Whispering to myself, I stood up trying to pin point where my base was. I didn''t have enough time to think about it. Instead, my breath hitched as I saw bodies in front of me twitch back to life.


    Dormant for months until this moment of chaos.


    I began to run aimlessly, too concerned in getting myself out of that situation to think straight. Swerving between the bodies and slamming my bat when needed. My mind racing for what seems like the first time in ages.


    My schedule, my way of life... all of it ruined because of some trigger happy newcomer.


    BOOM


    Bright heat pushed my back as i let out a screech. Confusion hitting me as i skidded across the road. The presence of a blast suddenly becoming apparent as I stared at the source of the explosion. My fear only heightened as the blackened silhouette of the man from before stood in front of an angry fire. A laugh leaving him as he stared back at the scorched car.


    Who is even is this?!


    With a gulp, I ran again. My limbs crawling into a sprint as i headed towards the buildings in front of me.


    "You!" He screamed from behind me causing my pace to quicken.


    I''ve got to hide. I''ve got to hide. This guy is insane! If he gets me who knows what he''ll do to me.


    The thought kept screeching inside my head. Creating a veil of hysteria to envelope me as I tried to figure out my next steps.


    My eyes caught with a narrow alleyway, a car just barely covering the entrance and ensuring a nice hiding spot for me. Without a second thought I B-lined towards it, jumping over the hood of the car and immediately pressing my back against the rusted metal. My bat held tightly in my hands as I forced my breathing to slow.


    My ears trying to catch any sort of sound but all that I got back was my heart beat. The toll the entire ordeal was giving me was starting to effect my senses. A throbbing ache in my head and my lungs from the fear that was no doubt running tracks in my system was enough to make me heave.


    All I wanted to do today was get food. Just a simple in-and-out situation. Had I known I was going to encounter someone I wouldn''t have gone out.


    A scratching feeling began to creep up my throat. Realizing just now how dry it was from how much running I was doing. The need to cough was getting increasingly prominent when I heard something that made me bite down on my tongue to prevent any noise.


    "Shit. Where did that little bitch go."


    I looked up and felt my entire body grow rigid. In the side mirror, I saw the man''s figure again. His hands holding onto his rifle tightly and I could even see him fiddle with the trigger. My grip tightened as I saw him looking around.


    Please don''t find me.

 Change

    I''ve grown to desensitize the emotion of fear.


    How can I not?


    I''m living in the literal wasteland of my old world with the constant threat of getting ripped apart by the undead. If I didn''t grow to get used to terror then I would''ve died a long time ago. I don''t get unnerved by the bodies as much, nor do I get unnerved by the sounds of groans. It''s what I had to do to survive.


    But there are a few times, a few moments in time, that sends my system into overdrive.


    As I watch the man back up into the car, I knew this will be one of those times.


    "I''ll get that fucking bitch. That can hurt..." He hissed as he eventually hit the car. With a huff of frustration, he seemed to point his gun back down. His face turned away and most likely watching the broken bodies of the locals rush past him and towards where the exploded car was.


    What should I do?


    Shakily, I placed my bat down and patted my body. Trying to find my switch knife. If I plan my next actions carefully... I could jump over and stab him in the neck. A somewhat quick way to inflict pain and with his back towards me, he wouldn''t notice.


    It won''t be the first time I''ve done this, nor will it be the last.


    Ever so slowly, I found myself slowly rising up. My blade tightly held in my hand as I cautiously took a step back. My heart seemingly pounding louder in my ears as I ran forward. Wind rushing past me as I jumped.


    Time slowed. My heart stopped.


    My body slid over the hood of the car as he turned towards me. Pure surprise written all over his body as he scrambled to aim his gun up but it was too late. I rushed forward slashing my knife but he jumped back. He attempted to bring aim his rifle again but I used my right hand to slam it into the car as I ran forward for him. My hand letting go to take another swing but his hand caught my wrist. A gasp left me as he pushed my arm down and slammed his head against my helmet.


    It was hard enough to boggle my mind as I stumbled back from the impact. Barely having enough time to react when he took the time to rush at me. A large, gloved hand grasped the front of my helmet only to slam it towards the floor. My footing lost at the sudden disarray allowing him to pin me to the ground. Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I couldn''t help it.


    I screamed. My hand flailing to catch anything with my knife as panic settled in me.


    I can''t loose now. After all I''ve been through, this can''t be what does me in.


    But it looked bleak for me. Easily, he grappled both of my wrist above me as he used his free arm to snuggly place the end of his gun in the middle of my chest. My eyes shutting quickly as I inhaled. Awaiting for the searing pain of getting shot and fully ready to die out right then and there.


    And yet.... nothing happened.


    All I could hear was heaving. From the both of us.


    "W-what...?" I mumbled as I looked up at him.


    His expression was cold. Almost emotionless as he said a simple order.


    "Don''t move."


    I gulped as he let go of his rifle to grab the bottom of my helmet. My eyes widening as I realized that he was trying to push it off me.


    "I want to look at the face of the bitch who I''m going to kill."


    "Fuck you." I spat back. My eyes shutting again as I felt the hunk of plastic lift over my head. Soon I tried to adjust my vision to the sudden change in lighting. All I heard in response was the sudden inhale of air coming from the guy on top of me.


    I peaked an eye and caught the sight of dark green muddled in tears. Confusion began to defuse my dread as I watched tears begin to silently leave him. Soon a sob accompanied it as he reached up to pull down his bandanna to reveal a... smile?


    "Oh my god it.... it''s you?" He spoke, almost as if he was unsure himself as to what he was talking about.


    My eyebrows furrowed but I made no attempt to stop him. If crying is the only thing that''s preventing my blood to spill the floor than so be it.


    He laughed again as his hand went to wipe the tears away.


    "You''re alive! Holy shit you''re alive!"


    And now I''m officially lost.


    "What do you... Do I know you?" I questioned. Taking the moment to scan his features for anything to signal as to who the hell this is. And admittedly, there was something familiar about him. Maybe it was that patchy dark brown beard of his? or those bushy eyebrows?


    Something in me began to stir.


    Who is he?


    "Wait come on you remember me right? I- Marie-"


    "What the fuck how do you know my name?"


    "It''s because I know you!" He yelled causing me to wince. Almost as if he realized his mistake, his face fell. Soon easing back and moving the gun away. Was he trying to signal that he was friendly...? As he let go of my wrist, I brought them back down. Rubbing the joint knowing it will bruise from how hard he held them.


    We stayed in silence for a bit. His face was looking at me expectantly and yet I don''t know what to say. It seems that my lack of answer was all that was needed to make him cry harder. Sobs began to escape him as he sat back. A hand going to wipe the tears as he shook his head.


    "Dude it''s me! You know, your friend!? I..." he bit his lip and almost whimpered, "I don''t know what to do..."


    I stared at him longer. Eternity passed before something in me clicked. A part of me that I''ve hidden away began to resurface and along with it, came memories that I tried so hard to bury. I was lost at the sudden onslaught of images of my past. Scanning him once more as I tried to match his face to a name.


    "...Bryce?"

 Reality

    Sometimes, the best thing to do is forget.


    Forget about reality.


    Forget about the pain.


    Forget about the past.


    And yet why. Why does it all come crashing back?


    memories of a time that once was were reflected in the man on top of me. His smile pressed deeply into his lips as if what was happening didn''t perturb him. How unnatural and rare something like this would happen. As I watch him laugh, wiping tear drop after tear drop, I couldn''t help but feel a pit begin to build in my stomach.


    He was sobbing, so relieved that he finally has someone he knew before everything went to shit. Someone who is alive, surviving, and fighting. Someone who he had history with. He was so glad that I was still alive.


    And yet I couldn''t return the feeling.


    All I felt was deep sense of dread and apathy from the fact that he''s here. I mean, shouldn''t I be happy that he''s here? Why don''t I feel anything?


    Is something wrong with me?


    I was pulled from my thoughts when he begun to move again. Climbing off of me before turning to give me some help up. I took it of course, gripping onto his hand as he pulled me off the ground. Passing me my helmet which I immediately shoved back on.


    As if time restarted again, the groans came back. My eyes darted around and seeing that the Zs that were rushing to the mall were now beginning to slug back the way they came. Most probably realizing that not a single lick of fresh meat was were the sound was.


    Bryce tsked as he looked around, pulling his bandanna up before turning to me.


    "As much as I''d love to stay here and talk, I rather find some place safe before I get ripped apart."


    I nodded, looking around once more before recognizing the path we were on. Soon my legs began to move, already heading back to base subconsciously as I pulled my bat out.


    "I''ve got a safe place near by. We can hide out there for the time being until the Zs calm down..." I mumbled, soon picking up my pace as he followed.


    At most, the Zs didn''t notice us. Even if they did we were moving much faster than they could. Our bodies weaving by out stretched bones hoping to grab something to bite. Quickly making haste as more and more dead began to trudge back to where they were before.


    Making a quick left, I found myself at the familiar stripe which I resided in for the past few months. Dodging to the right when a Z came a bit too close as I headed to the very narrow stair case in which my base was. My hand reaching back into one of the pockets of my bag to grab my set of keys. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    "In here!" I called out behind me, watching as Bryce nodded, both of us heading towards the gate covering the stairway. Promptly unlocking it to allow the both of us in. As I turned back to secure it, the sound of confusion that left my companion caused me to hesitate and look back.


    "Uh... dude... How are we going to get through?"


    I tilted my head to his question. A bit perplexed as to why he didn''t know what to do when I took a look behind him. The stair way was cluttered with all sorts of chairs and boxes. Many times throughout, it was piled up to the ceiling. So long as I could add it to the pile, the item was there.


    Looking at it now, I guess I never realized just how... Complicated it was to actually get back to base was.


    Pursing my lips, I turned to him and shrugged.


    "Just get over it."


    With that, my hands clutched for a ledge and my climb began. Taking note in the familiar positioning of each object so I could give pointers to Byrce. Ensuring that he doesn''t upset the gentle balance of the items and their places.


    He grumbled, stopping ever so often to shift his gear around so he could fit in the gaps that could fit my size but not his. All this did was pull a giggle from me as well as a creeping warmth in the center of my chest. Was it strange that I couldn''t remember the last time I''ve laughed like this?


    Just as the warmth began to fade to emptiness, I reached the landing. Clambering up into the hallway as I turned back down just in time for Bryce to flop next to me. His hands clawing at the many straps and zips on his outfit in an attempt to take them off. Each of them just dropping with a thud as a heavy pant left his lips.


    "y... you go through that every time you go out?" he questioned as he removed his bandanna to reveal a grimace, "I haven''t done that much climbing since back at camp?"


    Part of me wanted to laugh at his response. The other half was curious as to what he meant.


    After a bit of debating, I decided that it was best to just bring him back to base. Let him rest for a while before interrogating him. With a kick to his leg, I placed my hands on my hips as I huffed. I felt a bit of pity for his state but


    "you can rest when you''re dead. Let''s go" I urged, kicking him again and turning heel. Heading to the right to where my place was.


    A groan met my ears as Bryce hurriedly gathered his things in his arms, soon scrambling to get to my feet before taking note about how the place look. Wonder crossed his freckled face before turned back to me. For a second, I met the eyes of amazement and approval yet it was all that was needed for me to turn away.


    "You''ve... Did you do all this?" He gingerly asked. Almost as if hesitant to. But a question was asked and an answer must be given.


    "No, I wish..." I started, my eyes drawing back to my surroundings as I remembered when I first found this place.


    twinkling lights hung across the top with a soft white glow, some even stretching to the other side of the wall to make the area just a bit brighter. Along the floor were small floor lamps that added to the calm and whimsical atmosphere. Tapestries indicating the stars and the horoscopes lined the walls as scraps of chiffon were strung up in places that tied the whole area together.


    "It was like this when I stumbled upon this place. The people who lived here owned the only shop upstairs which just so happens to be one of those fortune telling places..." I say with a sigh, leading him to the door as he nodded to my answer.


    "Like one of those tarot places?"


    "yeah, something like that." replying, I pushed open the door to the dust ridden apartment I''ve resided in for so long. Maybe it''s just the fact that I''ve become desensitized to my surroundings but everything just felt too lackluster for Bryce to be acting the way he was. Whistling at the different sashes strewn around the room, the multicolored pillows and blankets.


    I left him at the door way, opting to restock my supply only telling him to find some place to hunker down. It was when I placed the final can that I realize just how uncomfortable I was having him here. In the middle of my base, was the mirror of a person who I once was.


    And I could do nothing but deal with it.

 Past

    Talking is not my forte.


    Even before the time everything went to shit, I never mastered the art of it. In fact, more people could drag more words out of me with a text than if we met face to face.


    It''s funny, but pathetic really.


    As I sat in front of Bryce, I realize I don''t know what to say. But can you blame me? Months-fuck years of barely speaking and then suddenly I have to think of full sentences to say to him?


    He wasn''t looking too good either. I can''t tell if it was because of the climb or just because I''m in front of him, but he looks as though he''s ready to cry. His mouth keeps opening, ready to speak, yet one look in my direction and he closes it.


    It was silent for a moment.


    "3... 3 years huh...?" I mumbled, more like whispered, to him. My eyes shooting up to meet his halfway as a strange sense of emptiness began to fill me. Whatever I should be feeling was gone, just a sense of longing for something I used to have I supposed.


    He nodded, his face screwed up in his own memories before relaxing. A small laugh left him as if he just realized how stupid it was to be worked up over this meeting. At least that''s what I hope, for that''s what I feel at this moment.


    I just got to wing it and maybe it''ll come natural to me. Talking to a relic of my past.


    "S-so this is where you''ve been holed up at huh?" He tentatively asked, perhaps unsure as to how to start.


    I just shook my head, trying to relax into my seat.


    "No no.. uh I''ve just came here a few months ago," I fiddled with my fingers trying hard not to feel as though I was being judged, "I''ve been rotating where I stay at."


    "That''s smart."


    He pulled a chuckle from me as I nodded in agreement.


    "I mean, if you stay for too long then you''re bound to run into trouble right?" I laughed as he nodded. I found myself eyeing his weapons and clothes, curiosity peaking my interest as I asked him where he''s been at. He must''ve noticed my gaze for he looked down as well, tilting his gun over, before speaking.


    "Wondering where I got the gear?"


    I nodded as a cheeky smile spread across his face.


    "I was picked up by a Military group. Well..." He paused, contemplating his words by scratching the patches of beard he had, "Technically no. They weren''t actively part of it. Just old time veterans, military fanatics, and the likes."


    A part of my stomach sort of dropped, a memory resurfaced of a time when I ran into one of those. But for the sake of him, I just smiled and nodded.


    "They gave me the guns, the gear, they were a second family." He laughed, shaking his head, "I''ll forever be in debt by their kindness. Even allowed me to leave so I can come back."This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    "For what?"


    Whatever he was planning to say next was suddenly lost. Mouth agape as my words seemingly short circuit. Looking down, he began to ponder again. Perhaps trying to figure out why he did come back.


    "To find friends, see home, the usual I guess." He decided to finally say. His tone this time low with  the hints of an unknown sadness as the undertones. Perhaps even he realized the impossibility of such a wish but did not want to acknowledge it. Not now, not while he found one person from back then.


    I just gave him a soft smile, placing my hand on his shoulder as he nodded. Holding it in his own hand as he stared into the ground.


    "D-Did you see anyone?"


    I just shook my head. Pulling my hand back as I pulled my knees to my chest. My head suddenly began to throb as I tried to really figure out when was the last time I saw someone from back then.


    "N..No. Not since... Not since the day when everything went down."


    "Well what about Ethan? Or Nurie?"


    His question sent a pang of pain through my head. The names beginning to echo back and forth through my ears.


    What about them?


    Where are they?


    My vision began to flash. Pulling me away from Bryce''s concerned face to a dark room. Of blood red skies and black surfaces. Of a groan then a scream.


    "-rie! Marie!"


    The sound came back. My body unfroze as I slowly began to hear my heavy breathing. My eyes shakily turned upwards as Bryce''s body was placed in front of me. His hands on my knees as he stared with the upmost worry.  Silently, he pulled me into a hug. My first for a long time.


    "H-Hey. Don''t worry, you don''t need to speak about it. I understand." He said, looking past me and towards the window.


    "Had to off my family, I get the pain."


    he let go, standing up to stretched.


    "Let''s not think about the past, instead," He walked over to his bag and suddenly pulled out a rather large looking flask, "let''s get drunk and celebrate finding each other!"


    A soft chuckle found it''s way out of my mouth. Shaking my head as I rolled my eyes.


    "Should we really be getting drunk as shit during the apocalypse?"


    "Hey man, gotta find something to entertain ourselves!"


    With that, he took a gulp. Soon passing it to me with an expectant look on his face. With a sigh, I accepted his offer. Allowing the rather burning liquid to slide down my throat as my features contorted to one of pure disgust without my knowledge. This, of course, prompted a laugh from my companion.


    For a while we stayed like that. Laughing off past anxiety and freight for one night. It was great to just not worry so much. Just to get shit faced and talk to a relic of the past.


    It wasn''t long until it hit night time.


    "I''ll take first watch," I offered as I walked to the window, "Feel free to just sleep anywhere yeah?"


    "You sure about it dude?"


    I turned to nod at him as he sighed. Soon rummaging around to prepare for bed as I looked back outside the window.


    For what little moment of festivity it was, it''s now gone now. The bleak reality of this world came back when I peered at the bodies below. The rain coming almost relentlessly now as their bodies danced. Struggling to move towards the buildings as if they were looking for cover.


    "Do... Do you ever think they remember anything?" I found myself asking. More so to myself then anything. That didn''t stop Bryce from responding though. Propping himself up on his arms from his place on the floor to look at me.


    "Huh?"


    I laughed at his response and just shrugged. Leaning against the window sill and staring out at the fractured fragments of what was society.


    "It''s kinda strange... I''ve noticed it from staring out for too long. But they... they seem to act as if they remember things.


    "Like during the weekdays, students still go to their old schools. I encountered that when I tried holing up at one of the highschools near by... Or how more of them meander about in the malls during fridays and saturdays but come monday and it is dead as a whistle. Hell, even now! It''s raining and they''re all scrambling for cover..."


    I found myself trailing off, a part of me retreating as I speculated just what I''m trying to say. What my observations were indicating.


    "I... I never notice that before." Bryce''s voice came, whispering as if he just realized it himself.


    I just sighed.


    "Nevermind Bryce. Get some rest. I''ll wake you up later."