Trapped in a Zombie Apocalypse Story

I knew agreeing to this was a mistake.

Pia had begged me for weeks to edit her zombie apocalypse story, promising to pay me. And because I was broke, I gave in. But now, sitting in front of my laptop at 2 AM, I was regretting every life choice that had led me here.

“I’m in a zombie apocalypse, but I have five hunks to save me.”

That was the actual title.

I groaned and dragged my hands down my face. This wasn’t just bad—it was painfully bad. It was the kind of story that made me want to punch a wall.

Still, I needed the money, so I forced myself to keep reading.

Sofie gasped as the zombie lunged at her, but before it could sink its rotting teeth into her flesh, Arlo stepped in front of her, his strong arms shielding her petite frame. “Don’t worry, Sofie. I’ll protect you,” he said, his deep voice filled with warmth.

I gagged. Out loud. “Oh my God, Pia. This is so cringe.”

I opened our chat and started typing.

Me: Why do all the guys love Sofie immediately?

Pia: Because she’s special!

Me: She literally just tripped and almost got eaten.

Pia: That’s part of her charm!

I stared at my screen in horror. I was starting to think Pia had lost her mind.

As I continued reading, my patience wore thin. Sofie was useless—always crying, tripping, or getting saved by one of the guys. Levi, the “leader,” was just barking orders like a knockoff action hero. David barely spoke. Dustin acted like an annoying kid. Lazarus was the classic arrogant jerk.

And Arlo? Arlo was just too perfect.

By the time I reached the last page, my head was pounding. I slammed my laptop shut and threw myself onto my bed, muttering, “If I ever end up in a zombie story like this, someone just kill me.”

***

When I woke up, I knew something was wrong.

The air smelled different—like rust and rotting meat. My bed felt…hard.

And then I heard the screaming.

I bolted upright and froze.

I wasn’t in my room.

I was outside, in the middle of an abandoned street. Wrecked cars were scattered everywhere. Buildings had shattered windows. Blood smeared the pavement. The sky was an eerie gray, and the distant sound of growling sent chills down my spine.

This—this couldn’t be real.

I turned my head just as a girl sprinted toward me.

Long brown hair. Tear-filled eyes. Weak posture.

Sofie.

My stomach dropped.

I scrambled to my feet, my heart pounding. “No, no, no—”

A guttural shriek echoed behind her. My eyes snapped up.

A horde of zombies was charging straight toward us.

Sofie tripped (because of course she did), landing face-first on the pavement. The undead were getting closer, and she wasn’t moving.

Panic surged through me. “Are you serious right now? Get up!”

Before I could decide whether to help or abandon her, I heard footsteps. Heavy, confident, and fast.

Five figures appeared, weapons drawn.

My blood ran cold.

Arlo. Levi. David. Lazarus. Dustin.

The five hunks.

I wanted to scream.