#wtan

And I won't be awake to see The monster that becomes of me

Introducing my Survivors, because of course I would.

“You don’t have to say it.” is Marie’s first comment to the obviously serious conversation the two adults are about to have with her.  “Marie-...” Cassie begins, but the little girl shakes her head. “It’s okay. I heard it. I saw my sister dig a hole in the garden, and I haven’t seen Mabel in three days. I’m not stupid.”

Jess rubs her forehead. “I’m sorry we didn’t tell you, Marie.” she apologizes. “I just didn’t want you to have to see it.” “I’ve seen people die.” Marie retorts. “You really don’t have to put in the extra effort to protect me. I’m okay. You’re not.” “I’m-..” “Jessie, you killed her yourself, you’re not okay.” Marie shakes her head again. “You don’t have to lie to me either. We can get through this, but we have to do it together. That’s what you always say, isn’t it?”

Cassie puts her hand on Jess’ shoulder. “She’s right. We will get through this together.” she tells her. “Even if it’s the three of us against the rest of the world, we will get through this. We owe it to Mabel, and we owe it to Marie, because she’s gonna have to live in this world longer than we do.”

“The noises stopped.” Cassie whispers. Her and Jess are sitting on the ground with their backs to the door, having listened to Mabel’s futile fight for her life for the past few hours. There’s a tiredness in their horror, and a relief in the silence.

“Do you think it’s over?” Cassie continues, turning to look at Jess, who is staring blankly at the ceiling. Almost as if to answer her question, a new, softer sound takes the place of the groaning and retching. It’s a slow, deliberate drawing of breath, rattling and labored, then steps and ineffectual thumping against the door. Jess gets up.

“Get back.” she says and picks up her bat from the floor. “You don’t have to see this.”

When Jess enters the room, the walls and floor are splattered in blood and the creature that once was her friend is sullied as well. She must have started vomiting blood, and choked on it, causing her eventual death.

It stumbles toward her, clumsy and stiff, still struggling against rigor mortis, hands outstretched and mouth agape, emanating a low growl. Jess feels sick.

“I’m so sorry.” she whispers to the pitiful wretch wearing Mabel’s face. “I’m so sorry, Mabel.”

“You know, I was never really a people person.” Tim admits. He’s been chatting to her the whole way back. “But I guess the end of the world brings out the best in people, huh.” “Ya think?” Cassie responds, sceptical of his optimism. “Yeah! I mean, stranger danger isn’t really a thing anymore, is it? I’d never just randomly walk up to somebody and introduce myself. Now look at me, making friends left and right!”

Casse grins. “I guess. Not quite the same as networking at a coffee shop, though, is it?” There’s still that silent, residual fear in her as she chats with him. They’re loud, and the groan of the dead is ever present, so much so she’s almost become numb to it...

“Woah!” Tim’s exclamation has her spinning on her heel. She’d walked ahead a bit, since she was the one who knew the way home, leaving him  few steps behind her. She’s frozen when she sees the dead girl lunge at him, motionless and without reaction as she tackles him to the ground, digging her nails into his stomach. Except for her hand, which goes limp and sends her bag of supplies clattering to the ground.

When she breaks her terrified stupor, reaches for the hunting knife Jess ahd given her and jams it into the zombie’s temple, it’s too late.

Supply runs have always been a lonely affair for the duo. Mabel had insisted they split up, so in the case of an attack, only one of them would fall. That reasoning really didn’t help the tight knot of anxiety in Cassie’s chest, but she’d always swallow her protests. She’s alone with the distant groaning of the living dead and the sound of her own footsteps, when a wonderful, beautiful sound draws her attention. Another human being’s voice.

“Hey! Hi! Oh my god!” It’s a young man in the local mail delivery uniform. “I thought I’d never see a friendly face around here!” He comes jogging toward her, waving and smiling all the way. “Hey!” Cassie parrots him. “You by yourself?” “Yah, for weeks, good lord. Can I join you in your-... whatever you’re doing?” he asks, gesturing to the bag of supplies she’s carrying. “I’m really good and bringing things from point A to point B.”

“One of the upsides of this place.” Mabel exclaims as she lights the fireplace. “I think this place might’ve been abandoned, and the backyard space was used communally as a vegetable garden.” “Mhm.” Cassie agrees. “It’s still dusty as hell in here, and Mabel ripped up most of the furniture to barricade the windows and stuff.” “Mighty shame, too. Most of those were antiques.” Mabel hums and turns to sit on one of the inflatable matresses.

“It ain’t the presidential suite, but I thank you for taking us in.” Jess responds, now much less reserved. They haven’t tried to kill her yet, after all.  “Ah, ‘course.” Cassie says. “You seem like a good gal. Woulda hated to see you torn apart out there.” “We’ll give you the grand tour tomorrow, but I think you should get some rest for now.” Mabel suggests. “We have these two beds and a tent in the backyard. It’s fenced in, so don’t worry about the chompers.” “I’m taking advantage of your hospitality enough as it is, Marie and I will sleep in the tent.” Jess offers, then slaps her thighs and gets up. “In fact, I’m gonna go set it up for the night. You go brush your teeth, okay?” Marie nods vigorióusly, then spins to the other side of the bed, once her sister’s gone.