Ambulate

Episode

One

[Car stereo/News 1]

"Good afternoon New York! I'm Denise Weatherspoon reporting live from the Whitehouse for a brief summoning in question of the cure we all know as AzOnei also known as H0p3. It has come to our attention from our president who expressed with deep remorse that head Doctor Daniel Lee of biomedicals and pharmaceuticals of Indiana took his very own life today for reasons unknown. "

[News 2]

"It is unclear whether or not Doctor Daniel Lee discoverer and true founder who alleviated the world's most complicated disease cancer hasn't revealed any specific antibody that can reverse the engineers of this world wide spread that was released into the atmosphere on November 15th of 2009 which we all know as the day of H0p3.

[News 3]

"There is no information whether or not there are or will be antibodies, and or if scientists are working to reverse H0p3's side effects. According to LCD (Labs Cure Diseases) records and reports have stated that it has surpassed a massive spike of 3.6 billion cases in total which equals to 4.1 billion in deaths."

[News 4]

"The U.S. shipping distributions are under restricted order to close all U.S. ports and borders. Supply chains are issued with low supplies. Rioters are breaking entry in people's homes, stores, and even more scarcely hospitals. Police officers are under heavy vigilant defense, but have sustained major casualties. Many officers have lost their lives protecting the people in the line of duty... What? Viewers and listeners be advised I just received new confirmation that the President has issued Martial Law. I repeat Martial Law will now be in effect. Armed forces are deployed and will initiate lockdown. There is also confirmation that they will be setting up checkpoints if residents of New York are planning to leave the State. Rioters and looters will be sustained or fired upon if or when necessary... Please for the sake of others do the right thing. Think of the lives we have lost.

[News 5]

"State by State at approximately 7:30 PM lockdown will take effect. Workers are issued with an emergency leave. If you are planning to leave the State do so before 7:30 PM... (Heavy Sigh) For those who are tuned in I can't keep this in any longer than I already have. Fuck this script that I am told to say. You viewers and listeners deserve to know the truth, but I'm deeply sorry to inform you that the answers you want to hear are completely surreptitious. Beware the media for it wears the devil's skin. What doctors call the three stages of death is beyond incurable. For those of you who are holding on for a cure to incurable diseases that our government has crea-"

[Radio Static]

(Advance Healthcare Life Support Directive Letter)

"This document contains two parts. Both parts are for when you can't communicate with your healthcare wishes to your Doctors. You may choose to sign one or both. Given the chronic unsafe staffing conditions, exacerbated by H0p3, we can no longer deliver the care you expect us to provide for patient Sarah Black, and the level of critical care our patients rightly deserve.

The first form is called a health care directive, and it allows you to tell your healthcare provider your preferences for end of life treatment. The second form is called a health care of attorney, and it allows you to appoint another person to make healthcare decisions for you on behalf taking into account what is best for you and Sarah Black. Given the quality of life that patient Sara Black is in she is no longer unacceptable as my team members have determined that Sara Black's condition is irreversible and will not improve.

I direct that treatment that extends Sarah Black's life be withdrawn. This form was completed and signed by Breanna H. Black on the 3rd day of April 2010. I will begin preparing the form and within 4 days time you may say your goodbyes."

My Sincere condolences,

Dr. Jeremiah. M

[2:35 PM]

Upon reading the letter I received this morning, I was utterly astounded by its contents. Overwhelmed with anger and frustration, I clenched my fist tightly and repeatedly struck the dashboard of my car, venting my emotions. After reading the letter numerous times, I angrily discarded it onto a heap of overdue medical bills, which had long been occupying the passenger seat. Overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, I collapsed onto the car seat, my hands covering my face, and sobbed uncontrollably.

How could my wife do this? How could they allow her to sign that form with my absence? I swear doctors are the most corrupt bastards on this planet. I was in between jobs that day since I lost mine at the start of the pandemic. I've been at it for almost 4 and a half months searching just so that I could pay my daughter's medical bills. There is so little health insurance can do, especially for the unemployed.

I served 6 years in the Marines and this is how they disgustingly pay us for our fucking services! Shame on me for being the dumbest brute to sign my life away to witness the fruits of chaos. I was young and dumber than a donkey's ass and of course it goes without saying not only did I serve for my country I protected it with all my fellow combatants just so that my daughter and wife could have good health benefits. Everything I endured and sacrificed, did any of it matter to her? I don't know how I'm gonna look my wife in the eyes when lockdown initiates or possibly be on the same roof as her.

With a heavy sigh I ran my hands through my medium length hair, pulling it back with great stress. I need to discuss the letter with my wife. I know our daughter is gravely ill but I know deep down by some miracle the hands of our creator will heal and wake her from her coma. And to prevent another heated confrontation that's been going on for far too fucking long I need to be more sensible before leaving the car. Turning the car's ignition off I leaned back against the headrest and closed my eyes for a short moment calmly inhaling and exhaling. After gaining some composure I got out of my car and began my two block walk home.

As I was walking home my surrounding neighborhood looked completely anomalous to me. It wasn't the fact that I was unsure of where I was walking, but my neighborhood was completely uninhabited. It was peacefully quiet, but also scary to take the imagery in.

Every parked vehicle on every driveway was vacant. Most of the residents' houses were barricaded while others left their doors open In quick evacuation. Up ahead of me I saw my up the block neighbor along with his family packing. He didn't seem to notice me until I spoke.

Adam: Busy morning I see.

Mr. Mitchell: Oh hey Adam. Sorry I would shake your hand, but my hands are busy.

Adam: I noticed most of the residents here either up and left or barricaded themselves inside. Is it really that serious?

Mr.Mitchell: Have you seen or heard the news lately? All the craziness that's happening. I'm taking my family out of the city for our own protection.

Adam: If you're concerned about your family's safety I'd be happy to loan you my gun.

Mr.Mitchell: I guess it's easier for some than others.

Adam: What's that supposed to mean?

Mr.Mitchell: Killing for you is like breathing, but as for someone who hasn't killed anything in his entire existence I don't think I'd have the strength... (Brief Pause) I'm sorry I didn't mean-

Adam: Don't be... I understand.

Mr.Mitchell: Listen from neighbor to neighbor I advise you to take your family and leave Brooklyn as soon as possible... I got a bad feeling and it's airborne.

Adam: Yeah... if only I could. (Heavy sigh) Anyways sorry for interrupting you. Drive carefully and keep safe.

Mr.Mitchell: Oh before you go I saw Royce's car parked outside your house.

Adam: (Soft Chuckle) The news got' em shook too huh. You and your family take care.

After a brief talk with my neighbor I continued up the block and saw Royce's car parked outside my house. I can't talk to my wife when Royce is here. I must act discreet. I walked up to the front door of my house fumbling through each key. When I found the key to the front door the door was already unlocked. I paused and stood with my hand on the door knob feeling nothing, but heaviness in my stomach.With a deep breather, I opened the door, entered like normal, hung my jacket up, quietly walked into the living room, and found clothes scattered around.

When suddenly I hear a woman softly moaning coming at the end of the hall towards my bedroom. I walked towards the end of the hall that led towards my bedroom and saw the bedroom door partly closed. Peeking through the partly closed door I saw my best friend fucking my wife.

I quietly pulled away soon after and went back into the living room and sat down on the couch and stared intensely at the wall. Mentally broken minded. I then dug into the pockets of my jeans for my phone and wallet. Scrolling through my contacts I called my sister Elizabeth and my brother Alan, but the call went straight to voicemail.

Adam: Hey, I'm just calling to see if you guys are doing okay... (Paused) I know I can do better... I'm sorry if I made you guys feel neglected... I'm sorry for not calling or visiting much... If you guys are pissed at me I get it, I'm pissed at myself for keeping things to myself and not once asked you guys for help knowing when I needed it most... I discovered something today that I thought I could handle discreetly, but as it so happens I can longer bear this heavy weight on my shoulders than I already have... Please take care of my daughter... Please don't let the doctors put her down... Give her a big kiss for me and tell her that daddy loves her more than all the oceans in the world...

After leaving a voice message I tossed my phone carelessly aside and grabbed my wallet from my lap. Opening it, I flipped to the plastic photo pages and took out a picture of Sarah playing in the sands of Puerto Rico beach. She was so healthy... I don't understand what went wrong. A tear ran down my cheek.

Adam: Forgive me...

I got up from the couch and went straight into the kitchen. Searching around I slid the kitchen cabinets open and grabbed a clever and a meat mallet from the kitchen's organizer basket. Walking out of the kitchen I head towards my bedroom, hearing them laughing and giggling like nothing is about to happen. I then maliciously kicked the door aside and stormed into the room.

Royce jumped out of the bed in total startlement with his arm extended out backing up away from me, telling me if we can talk about this. As I got within close range I swung the meat mallet across his head. His body dropped lifelessly to the floor.

I pounded the meat mallet against his temple several times before it was enough and turned into mush. My wife stood up in bed yelling and crying trying to utter "how could you" but fear stuttered her speech. Standing on my knees over Royce's lifeless body. With malice on my mind I then began squeezing the handle of the clever tighter and tighter.

I roused up and charged at my wife with my arm raised into the air and slammed the clever into her head, splitting her head in half. With the blade lodged in her temple blood began trickling down. I grabbed her by her lifeless head and pulled the blade out with great force. I then slammed her back head on the mattress with one hand and began stabbing her in her chest where her heart is. Her blood splattered on my face and shirt.After gaining some tranquility I tossed the clever across the room, walked out of the bedroom and back into the living room, grabbed my phone, and dialed 911.

Police call taker: 911, What's your emergency?

Adam: I'd like to report a murder...

Police call taker: Did you just say a murder?

Adam: My address is Park Slope, Brooklyn. Home address 6th avenue...

Police call taker: Please confirm what happened?

Adam: I killed my best friend and my wife...

Police call taker: Attention all units-

I hung up the phone, dazed in a cloud of empty thoughts. I walked out of the living room to the front door and stepped outta the house. I walked towards the empty streets and dropped to my knees in the middle of the road with my hands behind my head.

Sirens rang in the distance coming closer and closer by a blink. I could've taken my life, but that's a cowardly way to go. Looking ahead of me I saw the sirens flashing lights approaching me. Six police cars made a hard stop and three officers stepped out with their guns aimed at me.

Officer One: Head on the pavement asshole!

Officer Two: Put your head on the pavement!

[4:46 PM]

Life blurred when facing the pavement. Before long I was sitting quietly handcuffed in the backseat of a patrol car. Stuck in the middle of traffic on the Brooklyn bridge, traffic has yet moved by an inch. And two of the officers rambled about how crazy situations are and how things are getting out of hand. The driving officer suddenly ignored his partner and fixed his rear view mirror to look at me. I then stared back at him with the same intense look he'd given me.

Officer Six: Tell me the story.

Officer four: Wait, what? Ohhh... thought you were talking to me.

Adam: Come again?

Officer Six: Tell me your side of the story... What really went down back there? And don't piss me with " I don't speak without my attorney present" bullshit. I can tell it was personal by the look in your eyes... So tell me.

Adam: Short and sweet... I caught my best friend fucking my wife.

Officer Four: Damn, don't that bite the bitch... Now that explains the crime scene.

Officer Six: Has the thought of walking away ever popped to mind?

Adam: No...

Officer Six: Offing yourself either?

Adam: (Heavy Sigh) No...

Officer Four: Your record states you were in the army.

Officer Six: Correct yourself dumbass he's a marine... say what's that marine motto?

Adam: Semper fidelis.

Officer four: What does that motto mean?

Adam: Always faithful...

Officer six: Always faithful... I know what you're going through. Trust me. About 8 years ago my wife played my stupid ass too. My thoughts blackened and a little voice wanted me to kill her, but I couldn't go through with it... Can I actually sit here and say what you did was right, when I thought of it too? I guess that's a question better left unanswered.

Looking away, looking through the window, looking at a family inside their vehicle, I saw a girl no more than 6 years old praying to a teenage girl lying unconsciously sick on the back seat. Staring more closely that teenage girl rose up out of sudden, grabbed the little girl by her arms and ripped the flesh of that little girl's neck. Her blood splattered on the car window. Her family screams were muffled as they cried for help.

I quickly turned to warn the officers of what I witnessed I saw Alan and Elizabeth with their guns pointed outside the car window and let off a shot, killing the two officers before they could even defend themselves. In total shock of what was happening. Elizabeth and Alan both unbuckled the two dead officers' seatbelts and dragged them out of the car, frisking them of their guns, and keys. Elizabeth then opens the opposite side of the door, steps halfway into the backseat, uncuffs me, and takes me by the hand to pull me out the car.

Once out Elizabeth takes me by the hand, running, half pulling me. The screams of fear and death of men, women, and children appeared behind us. With a quick glance over my shoulder I saw what appeared to be something developed by the works of filmmakers. Is all this really happening or am I experiencing a lucid dream? My feet stumbled in total shock with the question in mind, but I kept running through the chaos, then stopped short when I heard and saw a man in crutches yelling for help.

Despite all that's happening I let go of Elizabeth's hand and raced towards the man to aid him. Alan and Elizabeth turned to me and hurriedly shouted "what the fuck are you doing?" then came running after me. When I got to the man in crutches I immediately wrapped his arm around my shoulder, lifting the man to his feet until I heard the sound of the hammer being pulled back on the gun. I looked up and saw Alan pointing the gun at the man.

Alan: Step away from him Adam!

Elizabeth: Adam Listen to Alan... Fuck! We don't have fucking time to play hero. These fuckers are pushing there way towards us. We need to go now!

Adam: This man... He needs saving. We just can't' leave him to die to those things.

Alan: He's far from saving now! Look at his arm. Those ghouls fucking marked' em!

Man in crutches: Don't listen to him, he's lying. Please help me. I need to get to my family.

Upon examining the man's arm Alan was right. The man's arm was infectiously burnt surrounded by black veins. I kicked the man back down, snatched Elizabeth's gun off of her hand and let off a shot to the man's head before he could even utter a scream. Alan then places his hands on my head placing my head close against his.

Alan: You okay big broski? I know there's a lot to explain, but now's not the time for it. We need your head in the game.

Adam: I need to get to my daughter.

Elizabeth: Holy shit! A plane is crashing down upon us. We gotta fucking move right the fuck now!

Looking above I saw the plane Elizabeth mentioned slowly crashing, landing down towards the center of the Brooklyn bridge. We ran straight away shoving and pushing people out of our way running as fast as our legs could move without looking back. Up ahead nearing the end of the bridge we saw a man exiting a car as he blocked off the street bridge in a line up formation.I looked above seeing the plane nearing close proximity as we ran. We proceeded tirelessly then slid across the car's hood and stumbled and fell by the shock of the explosion.

As my head struck the ground my vision was unfocused and my ears rang with the echoes of panicked screaming people. Promptly as my view of my surroundings became clear to me the entire area was filled with a thick cloud of smoke.

I coughed several times and my eyes teared in irritation from the smoke. Proceeding forward blindly looking for my brother and sister, a ghoul appeared in front of me and submitted me to the ground. It snapped its teeth trying to rip my face off until Alan appeared and kicked the ghoul off of me and shot the undead bastard in the head.

Alan: You okay? Did it bite you?

Adam: I'm fine. Where's Elizabeth?

Alan: She stood behind while I went looking for you. Come we gotta get the fuck outta here.

Alan gave me his hand, lifted me to my feet and together we ran away from the area. Once Elizabeth saw us emerging from the smoke she ran up ahead, leading us up between Madison Street and Saint James where dozens of protesters filled the entire street. Police ordering protesters on loud speakers to disperse. A TV news reporter reporting live on scenes of the "We Spanish stand with Blacks and we Blacks stand with the Spanish" injustice dilemma. We desperately spun around, looking for a way out of the crowd as fast as fucking possible, but saw no other way but through the crowds of people.

Moving through the crowds a police officer let off a painful scream and fired a round. Everyone panicked and screamed out "Zombie's!" We pushed through the crowds faster shoving people out of our way up until Elizabeth opened the door of a small deli store. As we stepped inside Alan and I quickly jumped and grabbed the ledge of the store's gate and slid it down, locking it shut from the inside. And as soon as we turned we saw Elizabeth with her hands up as the store owner pointed his shotgun at us.

Pánfilo: ¡Ustedes dos levanten sus manos!

(I.E: You two put your hands up!)

Alan: Sorry, old timer, no fucking hablo espanol.

Adam: Watch your tone stupid! Do as the man says. Umm, tómalo con calma.

(I.E: Take it easy)

Pánfilo: ¡Me estás ordenando chico! Por lo que sé, ustedes tres podrían ser violadores, abusadores de niños, esos molestos manifestantes que quieren que personas como yo apoyen una causa de mierda sin ganancias, o ustedes tres están infectados y quieren infectar a mi.

(I.E: Are you ordering me boy. For all I know you three could be rapists, child molesters, those annoying protesters who want people like me to support a bullshit cause with no gain, or you three are infected and want to infect me.)

Alan: What did he say?

Adam: Quiet. He thinks the three of us are infected and how we came to spread the disease to him.

Elizabeth: We're not marked, take a look.

The store owner pumped his shotgun in total warning as Elizabeth moved by an inch towards the man with her arm extended out trying to show the old man that we're clean and not marked.

Adam: Liz, stay the fuck still and the both of you stay the fuck quiet. Señor, no queremos hacerle daño a usted. Vinimos aquí para escondernos de toda la locura que está pasando. No somos lo que usted cree que somos, señor. Somos buenas personas en las que puedes confiar. Sé que la confianza es una frase que todo el mundo predica libremente, pero te juro que somos buenas personas. Si podemos, nos quedaremos aquí hasta el anochecer para que pueda ir a buscar a mi hija. Y si no, lo entenderemos y te dejaremos a ti y a tu familia en paz.

(I.E: Sir we mean no harm to you. We came here to hide from all the craziness that's happening. We're not what you think we are sir. We are good people who you can trust. I know trust is a phrase everyone preaches loosely on, but I swear to you we are good people. If we can, could we maybe stay here till nightfall so that I can go and get my daughter. And if not we'll understand and leave you alone.)

Pánfilo: Eres un padre... ¿cómo sé que no me estás vendiendo una mentira de mierda?

(I.E: You're a father... how do I know you're not selling me a bullshit lie?)

Adam: You two wouldn't happen to carry a picture of Sara?

Elizabeth: Sorry...

Alan: I do, why?

Adam: Toss your wallet at him. He thinks I'm lying and wants me to show him proof.

Alan: (Mumbles) This fucking guy!

Alan reaches down for his wallet and tosses it to the old man. The old man flips the wallet open to the photo page's and sees a photo of Sara at a park picnic.

Pánfilo: Dios la bendiga.. ¿Qué edad tiene?

(I.E: How old is she?)

Adam: Ella tiene 6 años.

(I.E: She is 6 years old)

Pánfilo: De padre a padre os ayudaré a ti y a tu familia, pero no arméis ningún escándalo ni intentéis nada raro porque si huelo a mierda os mataré a todos.

(I.E: Parent to parent I'll help you and your family, but don't make any fuss or try anything funny because if I smell a stench of shit I'll kill you all.)

Adam: Muchísimas gracias. Tienes mi palabra. Una vez que caiga la noche te dejaremos en paz.

(I.E: Thank you very much. You have my word. Once night falls we'll leave you be.)

[7:30 PM]

Gathered around a TV watching the news. Watching a reporter reporting live at downtown area where things looked far more fucking worse than it already was. A sudden foreboding feeling crept my insides for this woman. As dangerous as it is, she wanted to show the world the truth even if it'll get her killed. She named the undead who now walks amongst us lurkers. She also uploaded a live video someone had sent her of a lurker during daylight hours and sunset hour's. She'd compared the lurkers behavioral patterns and Christ what a difference it was.

Apparently during daylight hours these lurkers are on a normal stage called diurnal, they're behavior is slower, but when sunsets she advises everyone to run or hide somewhere safe till sunrise. During the hours of sunset these lurkers can run and kill more effectively than your normal daylight lurkers. And just like the rest of us she has no fucking idea how the undead is walking amongst us and how our government left our minds hopelessly Inarticulate.

As we began preparations for our departure the store owner came to me with a shotgun and a box of 12 gauge shells. He also kindly handed Elizabeth and Alan a box of 9mm rounds with three machetes that was tied together. Hurriedly reloading the shotgun he'd given me he came to me again and told me.

Pánfilo: Que dios los bendiga a los tres... Lo siento por lo de antes, espero que lo entiendas. Antes de que irrumpiera en mi tienda, iba a cerrar y retirarse a Florida, donde mudé a mi familia. Me quedé atrás con la esperanza de obtener una oferta por el lugar y por la gracia de Dios lo hice. no puedes creer que es una "oferta hecha durante el apocalipsis". Qué puta suerte, eh. Escucha, si quieres, me gustaría ofrecerte a ti y a tu familia un asiento en mi barco y zarpar hacia Florida. No puede ser tan malo como Nueva York.

(I.E: I'm sorry for earlier, I hope you understand. Before you guys stormed into my store I was gonna close the shop and retire down to Florida where I moved my family. I stood behind in hopes of getting an offer for the place and by the grace of god I did. Can't you believe an "offer made during the apocalypse." Such fucking luck, huh. Listen, I would like to offer you and your family a seat on my boat and set sail down to Florida. It can't be as bad as New York.)

Adam: Un nuevo cambio de escenario... Creo que nos gustará.

(I.E: A new change of scenery... I think we'll like that.)

Pánfilo: Me encontrará a mí y a mi bote ubicados en West 79th street Boat Basin. Te daré tres horas y si no regresas entonces me despediré ahora. Dios mío y la señora suerte los bendiga a ustedes tres y a su hija, hijo mío.

(I.E: You will find me and my boat located on West 79th street Boat Basin. I'll give you three hours and if you're not back by then I'll say my goodbyes now. My god and lady luck bless you three and your daughter, my son.)

Adam: Gracias y nosotros cuatro estaremos bien contigo en menos de dos horas.

(I.E: Thank you and we four will see you in under two hours.)

Pánfilo: Oh, casi no me olvido. Aquí está la llave de la camioneta estacionada en el frente.

(I.E: Oh I almost forgot, here's the key to the van parked out front.)

Adam: Es demasiado amable, señor. ¿Qué tal si vas a llegar a tu barco sin coche?

(I.E: You're far too kind, sir. How bout you how you gonna get to your boat without a car?)

Pánfilo:No te preocupes, tengo un coche aparcado no muy lejos de aquí.

(I.E: Don't worry, I have a car parked not far from here.)

Elizabeth: Is everyone ready?

Alan: I've been ready. Just waitin on ya.

Adam: I think we're all set to head out. Gracias de nuevo. Y manténgase helado, señor.

(I.E: Thanks again and stay frosty, sir.)

Pánfilo: Igualmente. Ah, por cierto, no intercambiamos nombres. Mi nombre es Pánfilo

(I.E: Likewise. Oh by the way we didn't exchange names. My name is Pánfilo)

Adam: (Firmly handshack Pánfilo hand) Mi nombre es Adam y el que está parado junto a la puerta es el hermano menor Alan y el que está vigilando junto a la ventana es mi hermana menor Elizabeth.

(I.E: My name Adam and the one who's standing by the door is my younger brother Alan and the one who's keeping watch by the window is my youngest sister Elizabeth.)

Pánfilo walked over by the gate and bent down to unlock it, and quietly Alan helped Pánfilo lift the gate up. Elizabeth and I pushed open the door ever so quietly as we took the lead with our guns aimed at our surroundings. All was quiet and not a single infected or survivor was present.

The three of us pushed towards the van while Pánfilo ran the opposite direction. When the three of us got inside the van Elizabeth took the wheel, inserted the key to the ignition, powered the van, and drove us off down to 6th avenue children's hospital.Riding along the road passing abandoned vehicles and out speeding lurkers chasing behind us. Elizabeth brought up an unavoidable question I'd liked buried.

Elizabeth: Earlier today Alan and I saw you distance away surrounded by police officers, coroners, and medical examiners. Officers were setting up crime scene tape around your house perimeter and cross taping your front door. But when we saw the paramedics coming out of your house with two stretchers Alan and I froze. Never in my life have I seen so much blood on a white blanket... So my question is what did Breanna do that drove you to kill her!?

Adam: (Heavy sigh) A lot.

Alan: Like?

Adam: Earlier today before the undead crisis I received a Letter from Sarah's doctor. The letter stated how staffing was critically low due to HoP3 and how Sarah's condition is irreversible and will not improve. And the more I read, the more I discovered something, something that drove me to my breaking point. There was a signature by Breanna that stated that the medicine that extends my daughters life to be withdrawn.

Elizabeth: Are you fucking kidding me? Why haven't you come to us? You should've called us to-

Adam: I didn't wanna burden y'all. I couldn't ask y'all for money knowing that I couldn't pay y'all back. I couldn't- I couldn't ask y'all for help knowing it was too much of me to ask.

Alan: Who was dead stretcher number two?

Adam: Royce... I killed Royce.

Elizabeth: Why?

Alan: I think I know where this story is heading.

Adam: I caught Royce fucking my wife...

Alan: I fucking knew it! What a fucking dickhead!

Elizabeth: Well, that bitch and that dick headed asshole got what was coming to them... I mean what kind of best fucking friend would do that to his own best friend knowing his friend was going through a crisis. And what kind of fucking wife spreads her legs out knowing that her daughter is dying. I rule out depression from this argumental content. She was a bitch in general.

Alan: Friends don't exist, Liz. Vows are only validated if the significant lover or friend lives by them no fucking excuses, and if your not living by them like that dead toxic bitch then your words and trust are worth nothing, but a bag full of dog shit.

Adam: Despite Breanna being unfaithful and all I still killed her. I killed my daughter's mother... How in the hell am I supposed to look into Sarah's innocent eyes knowing that I killed her mother...

Alan: I don't know what we can tell ya brother, but you got off lucky cause if it hadn't been for the apocalypse you would've been behind bars for long long fucking time.

Elizabeth: Shit, we got a problem.

Adam: What's the problem?

As I turned to face Elizabeth the vans front view mirror caught my attention. They're were about a dozen vehicles blocking our way to the hospital.

Elizabeth: What's the call here?

Adam: Looks like we're moving on foot from here. We're three blocks down from the hospital. We'll move faster if we hop from car to car.

Alan: A lot can happen in three blocks. What about the lurkers?

Adam: Yeah, about them... Try not to fucking miss y'all.

Hurriedly, the three of us stepped outta the van, jogged up the street, leaped straight up onto a cars roof, and jumped from car roof to car roof. Halfway up a block a car alarm suddenly triggered, startling the area's silence.We paused briefly before moving forward and saw a dozen lurkers coming from behind running towards our way.

We turned back around frantically hopping from car roof to car roof until the lurkers closed in and became within shooting range.I pumped my shotgun with one hand and positioned it as close to a lurker's head and blasted the lurker's head as I leaped to the next hood of a car. Advancing forth running and gunning our through a horde of infected we were closely approaching the hospital when suddenly a lurker grabbed me by the left ankle, putting me off balance, slowing down my advancement, and landed hard in between a row of cars.

Briefly stunned, the lurker that grabbed me crawled hurriedly at me. I kicked the lurker's face several times, discarded a spent shell and blasted its head off his shoulders until I saw three more running toward me between the rows of cars. I pumped my shotgun again and pulled the trigger firing nothing but empty clicks.

With no time to insert new shells. I then immediately began unfastening my machete that was tied around the stock. I unfastened my machete, hurriedly picked myself up, and held it firmly tight ready to embrace my last breathing moments when Elizabeth and Alan came to my aid, headshotting the lurkers on time. With more lurkers coming inbound Alan desperately stepped inside a vehicle to see if it was operational and with lady luck it was.

Alan: Get in quickly!

Like mad we stepped inside while Alan began ramming a car that was blocking our side of the way, moving the car an inch sideways. He then switched the car in reverse for a few inches, switched it back to drive, rammed hard against the car, and finally managed to push the last remaining car out of our way and drove off quickly.

We drove up onto the sidewalk and blocked up onto the front entrance of the hospital. We then crawled out of the car through the passenger side door scrambling across the floor on our hands and knees backing away from the car. We Paused briefly for a quick breather of relief seeing more than dozen of lurkers outside trying desperately to push their way inside, but couldn't get through.

Elizabeth: That was a close fucking call! Think they'll push their way in?

Alan: I likely doubt it.

Adam: Doubt or not we're not gonna stand around here and wait for it to happen. This hospital has eleven floors and Sarah could possibly be on any one of these floors, but if I had to guess they'd probably move her to the ninth floor. Liz you would do a quick sweep on floor 7 and Alan would be on the 8th while I check the 9th.

Alan: Okay, how do we keep contact with each other? We're not exactly carrying walkies you know.

Adam: If you so happen to find Sarah bring her down to the main floor and wait for us by the emergency back exit. Understood?

Alan: Crystal.

Elizabeth: Copy.

Adam: Good. Looks like there's still power in the elevator. Let's see if it- (Elevator door opens) Well I be damned.

We stepped inside the elevator and Elizabeth pressed the button panel for each of our floors, the door closed with a ding and slowly went up. Moving up the three of us reloaded our guns in preparation until the elevator arrived on the 7th floor. Soon after the elevator slid open we saw that the room was dimly lit and half filled with black body bags scattered across the floor that now moved.

Elizabeth then stepped out a bit unnerved with her gun aimed vigilantly while proceeding forward as the elevator started up and closed its doors behind her. When the elevator reached the 8th floor and slid open, it was completely dark. Alan took his phone out from his pocket and turned on the flash feature and took a good look at me with a nervous stare then stepped out with his gun aimed at his surroundings, waving his phone light around as the elevator started up, and closed behind him.Immediately after when the elevator reached the 9th floor and slid open I was greeted by a room filled with four looters strapped in arms. We stared at each other briefly before taking aim at me.

Adam: Ah, shit!

I immediately ran behind a corner wall for cover as the firing began. I fired back blindly pumping my shotgun back to back and luckily managed to kill one of the looters. When the firing stopped and became quiet giving the indication that the three remaining looters were reloading. I immediately stepped out from behind cover and charged up on the second looter and swung my shotgun like a baseball bat across the man's face, flipped my shotgun back into the trigger position, pumped it back, and pulled the trigger, blasting half of his face off.

And as for the third looter who ran through the hall trying to make it across the hall's corner room. I quickly pumped my shotgun and fired my last shell and killed the third looter. I then tossed the empty shotgun to the floor, breathing with breath of exhaustion, and stared at the last looter as he stood in the middle of the hall frozen in shock, staring me with eyes of fear as if I were the devil.

As I stood staring angrily at the man I reached behind my back, lifted the back side of my shirt partly, grasped the hilt of my machete and drew it out. Tightly grasping the handle of the blade I slowly began to charge at the fourth looter.The fourth looter snapped out of fear and ran off In trepidation down the hall into a room directly across from him. And as I followed the soon to be dead bastard into the room there I saw my daughter Sarah in oxygen tubes under an unconscious state with a gun pointed close to her head.

Adam: Hey, hey, hey, easy, easy! Don't point that thing at her, you aim that gun at me.

Looter 4: Why should I? What is she to you, huh?

Adam: That's my daughter you pointing your gun at. I'm not here for the takings, I'm here for her and only her. I didn't come all this way expecting to bump heads and stir trouble with you and those unfortunate souls I killed back there. I just want to get my daughter outta here so if you mind I'm going to-

Looter: (Cocks back the hammer of his pistol) You killed my cousins. What would their families say if I returned home without them? They'll think I'm weak, a coward for not killing the man that gunned down my cousins. I'm sorry like the saying goes "blood for bl-"

[Gun goes off]

Adam: Nooooo!

A shot let off and the fourth looter collapsed dead on the floor. I turned to see who had shot him and saw my younger brother Alan with his gun still aimed at him.

Alan: Thought you could use a hand.

Immediately I rushed over to my daughter's side checking if she'd been hit or got bitten by the infected, but luckily she was fine, and still breathing through the tubes.

Adam: (Quietly muttered) I'm sorry Pánfilo... but I don't think we're gonna make it.

Alan: Hey, how's my niece doing? Is she-

Adam: No... she's fine (Kisses Sarah's forehead) from all the waters in the ocean I will swim everyone of them just to get to you.

Alan: Let's hurry on outta here before more of those scavenging assholes show up or worse get overrun by lurkers.

Adam: You're right... Grab that oxygen tank and I'll carry Sara.

Alan: Will one tank be enough?

Adam: We'll go pick up the remaining tanks in the morning.

Alan: Sounds like a good (Grunts) plan.

Alan immediately reached down and picked up the oxygen tank that weighed approximately 50 pounds. Before picking up Sara I removed the tubes of her rebreather and plugged it to the oxygen tank. From there I lifted Sara from her medical bed and together we raced outta the room and got into the elevator.

Once we reached the main floor we hurriedly took a sharp left down the hall and immediately turned right at the end of the hallway and saw Elizabeth waiting by the back exit. As we come close to Elizabeth she looks out through the glass door window to see nothing, but a blackout street and sounds of heavy gunfire firing distance away.

Adam: How's it looking out there? Are we safe to move?

Elizabeth: Define safe...

Alan: I don't mean to be dick, but this tank is heavy. Once we're out that door this ain't exactly gonna be a walk in the park.

Elizabeth: Then what are you suggesting?

Alan: I'm not suggesting anything. I'm just laying the fucking foundation. We can't defend each other with both our hands heavily occupied.

Adam: Liz, you're taking the lead from here while we stay behind your ass.

Elizabeth: Okay, where are we headed to Pánfilo's boat?

Adam: I think Pánfilo is gonna be traveling at sea alone. Just lead us to safety for now wherever that may be. Oh and Liz, pull the trigger wisely... Try not to miss.

Elizabeth: No promises.

Elizabeth opens the door for us as we exited first; she then jogs up ahead and takes the lead. Hurriedly moving up moving with good progress, Alan suddenly tripped and accidentally dropped the oxygen tank which bumped a car setting the alarm off along with a sickening vibrational clang that rang the entire area for a few seconds.We paused, staring at each other nervously until we heard the growls of lurkers running from behind in our opposite direction.

Alan picked up the oxygen tank as quickly as he could and together we ran running as fast as our legs could move. Elizabeth shot a couple of rounds behind us until the clip went empty. Straight ahead we saw a building of a baptist church slowly opening its doors and a priest came out and held the door open for us, shouting "Get In!" We ran inside and immediately the priest shuts the door and Elizabeth pushes the pew up against the door and slowly backs away from the banging door.

Elizabeth: That was fucking close!

Adam: Thank you, Sir! If you hadn't opened that door we would've never been standing here thanking you.

Alan: I'm sorry, everyone. This was all my fault. if I hadn't tripped on something and caused so much noise the lurkers wouldn't have come to chase us.

Priest: Mistakes happen child. Learn to accept the unintentional happenings for we cannot predict them.

Alan: Looks like someone ate too many fortune cookies.

Elizabeth: Are you done?

Alan: For now...

Elizabeth: Good. Now quit your sarcasm, shut the fuck up, and sit the fuck down. Before this savior ours kicks us out on our asses.

Alan: He'll kick us out? I'm pretty sure the odds are with us and not him.

Adam: Alan, please that's enough. I had just about enough of arguing today. Let's just stay quiet and hope the lurkers outside run off someplace. Try to get some rest. You two earned it. I apologize for my brother, father.

Priest: Dire times overtake the stress in us. Is she your daughter?

Adam: Yes. Her name is Sarah.

Priest: Is she infected?

Adam: No.

Priest: She looks Ill. May I ask what's wrong with her?

Adam: Leukemia.

Priest: (Stares away disingenuously) I'm truly sorry for her.

Adam: Don't be you did nothing wrong.

Priest: Here, rest her here.

The priest removed a pile of stack bible books laid on the pews cushion seat and when done he helped me lay Sara flat on the pews padded seat. I then sat down right next to her, lifted her head gently, and rested her head on my lap.

Priest: If you would pardon me I shall pray for her and the lives taken by the devil's creation.

Adam: Are you the only one here?

Priest: Yes, unfortunately... There were others, but everyone decided to leave.

Adam: Why? Did they say where they were going?

Priest: No, but there was a family of four who came seeking refuge before you guys. I overheard one of the family members mention that their father was infected. I've never seen a river of tears for a singular person in all years of living. He must've been a good man, husband, and father. And I believe you have met them.

Adam: What do you mean "I already met them?"

Priest: Those things that chased you and your family were them.

Adam: How can you be so sure it was them?

Priest: A mother wore a yellow cardigan sweater with small polka dots. Her two sons wore red baseball jerseys. And her father wore a white button down shirt.

Adam: I take it if one falls down everyone goes down in a blaze of glory.

Priest: There's no kind of glory the way they decided to end their lives.

Adam: I guess no matter what we decide to do we'll never be free from this new hell of a world.

Priest: Hmm... I wonder what we can do to change that? I guess in order to keep going through this new existence we have to find a reason to keep moving even when you feel like committing the damnation of suicide. I shall go and pray to the Lord to heal the corruption the devil created in our minds. May you and family rest up. I shall pray for each and everyone of you.

Adam: On the behalf of my brother and sister we appreciate it.

The priest then walked up to the altar and got on his knees and did the only thing he knew how to do: pray. Looking down at my daughter I ran my fingers through her beautiful hair, grooming it down softly. A few minutes passed by and I suddenly reoccurred a lullaby I specifically made for Sarah.

Adam: Goodnight little Sarah may you sleep at last. Forget all of the pain that was bestowed upon you today. I sing gently loud, sending a message as high above the clouds, asking Angels to rid you of all your pain so you can wake up healed by heavens warm rain. Hush little Sarah I beg of you not to cry no more for daddy is here and is willing to embrace all nightmares you fear. If you dream of me leaving you remember nightmares only want to deceive you. Hear my words so that my words can manifest into a beautiful dream. I want you to know I would swim all the oceans in the world and climb the roughest terrain just so that I can hold you and tell you there's nothing to be afra-

Sarah suddenly began shaking uncontrollably. I cried out her name in total panic as she threw her head back with watery eyes and her limbs tensed up. And very suddenly red foam suddenly began pouring out from her mouth and nose, her eyes pleading for me to save her. I removed her rebreather and screamed for help. I then immediately moved Sarah on her side, inclining her head sideways so that she wouldn't choke on her own foam. Her body slowly twitches and quivers slightly and very slowly she stops moving completely.

Adam: (Desperately begs) Sarah! Sarah, honey. Please... Sarah, wake up! Please... Sarah, wake up! (Sobs) Baby...

I held Sarah's lifeless body in my arms as my eyes welled up and tears ran heavily down my cheeks. Alan and Elizabeth gathered around me and Sarah, and held us in an embrace crying.

Priest: The third stage... Any minute now she's gonna rise up and eat the flesh off our skins. We must act quickly before that happens.

Alan: You watch your goddamn mouth! She's not fucking infected!

Priest: I wish I was wrong, but I have seen this happen earlier.

Alan: Bullshit!

Priest: Your daughter suffered from Leukemia, right? Earlier today before the events of the undead rising. I was sent to the hospital to give prayer to a family under distress. And as I was offering a prayer dozens of patients underwent the same conditions as your daughter. Not long after the dead patients suddenly woke from their internal slumber and started ripping, and eating the flesh of folk. I got out of that hospital as fast as God made me. I've heard tales of hell, but prayed to never witness such catastrophes. .

Elizabeth :If what you preach is true then how come we're not infected? Why haven't we turned?

Priest: I wish I could give you an answer, but I am under qualified to know such explanations. I could only testify of what I witnessed. It is up to you to decide if my words are true or faulty.

Adam: Hand me your gun, Alan.

Alan: What? Y-you can't be serious?

Elizabeth: No! You hand me the gun, Alan. I'll put her down, Adam. (Sobbing voice) It can't be you.

Adam: If what the priest says is true... I- I can't have Sarah come back as one of those things. I have to be the one to put her out of her misery. (Sobbing with a cracked voice) Now would you please hand me the gun, Alan.

Abruptly, Alan reached behind his back with his right, pulled out his 9MM, angrily placed the pistol in my hand, and stormed away in tears. With the gun in hand I held back my tears as best as I could. And very slowly lifted the gun and placed it directly to the side of Sarah's temple. And just then a soft growl emerged from Sarah.

I immediately turned my head the other way, directing my eyes away from Sarah. I then pulled her hair back away from my chest and squeezed my eyes shut as tightly as I could, and pulled the trigger. After putting Sarah down I cried hysterically holding her in my arms and roared angrily.

[5:37 AM]

After a few hours have passed I sat silently with Sarah still in my arms and stared directly at a wooden Jesus Christ cross statue.

Elizabeth: Adam, please say something... Please, say something.