The Black Bloom

I was rummaging around the classroom. The desks and chairs were pushed over, and papers were scattered everywhere. I kept looking through all the cabinets and containers. There was nothing of use until I reached the far side of the room.

As I walked over, there was a dark and musky bookshelf, the kind you’d smell in a library. I stood on my tiptoes and reached around the top of the shelf. I could not see, but I could feel; I finally found something and accidentally knocked it off the top of the shelf. I went to pick up the item. It was a med kit, though it’s not what I need; it’s still helpful. Even though there is no cure, if I accidentally get cut or hurt, it would help patch me up.

I kneeled and put it in the green bag I found earlier. Then I put it onto my chest and my own backpack on my back. I thought it could serve as a shield, so I don’t get bitten. I never actually saw a Thraxxor, but I’m always prepared.

I had heard plenty of stories from people who claimed to have seen some. I have not seen anybody in the past few days. Everybody had quickly disappeared; it was only the fifth day since the disease started spreading. I don’t know if my family is alive… My parents went on a business trip, and I never heard back from them. The cell towers are down; there is a chance they're still alive.

I am searching for things I can fix at the nearest cell tower. I believe others may have been fixed. Somewhere in the world, there must be one working. I am tired of being by myself. I want to find safety and be with others for extra protection… but I am not so sure if there is one or anything left.

Brushing that thought off, I walked to the rest of the classrooms and only found food, some expired, yet most was still of use. Jackpot! I stuffed the front bag with the food and water bottles. Next, I went to the nurse's office. I went straight for the fridge. There was a lot of juice, which I had not had in a while.

Then I opened the cabinets, and there were pill capsules and more med kits. I placed the findings in my bags and kept walking around the school. I was exhausted, so I went into what looked like a commons area and locked the windows and doors. Can never be too careful. I found a comfy lounge chair and lay down, it was close to night, and I could not be out at night anyway. My eyes slowly closed, and then I fell asleep.

It was one of the nights I slept peacefully, the days before I had horrible dreams, and they would not end well.

***

The rain pattered loudly against my windows as the wind blew around harshly.

“Another normal day of school, it's storming pretty bad out,” I say as I look out the nearest window.

I got up and unplugged my phone from the charger; it lit up with notifications. Some texts from my friends, the weather app, and lastly the news. I liked to watch the news before I got dressed and ready for the day. I turn off my phone and reach for the remote on my nightstand. I turn on the television, and I sit on the edge of my bed as I flip to the news.

BREAKING NEWS:

Barbra, the anchor, straightened her papers, her face pale underneath the studio lights. “Good morning, everyone. We have some breaking news; something we never expected to happen.”

Her co-anchor, Marcus, glanced at her, his voice tense. “That’s right, Barbara. Everyone, please, pay close attention to what we are about to say.”

Barbra cleared her throat, struggling to maintain her composure. “Authorities have confirmed a disease outbreak. The exact location is still under investigation, but early reports suggest it may have originated from a laboratory in Dark Pine.”

My stomach dropped. A lab? Here, where I live?

Marcus continued, “We know this is frightening, but there are some safety guidelines: stay indoors, stock up on food and water, and avoid unnecessary contact with others. Right now, that’s all the information we have.”

Barbara tried to manage a reassuring smile, but her voice was thin. “Officials say there is no reason to panic, but please remain inside and safe until we know more.”

The News faded into a protest going on outside Bleak Valley's courthouse.

Well, at least I don’t have school, aye?

I turned my television back off, and then I went into my closet. I grabbed a baggy t-shirt and my ripped black jeans, then put on my black boots. Even if there is no school, I can still look cool.

Ding!

My phone went off. It was a message from my parents.

Dad: “Hey, kiddo. Your mom and I have to head out for a business trip. Again. Sorry.”

Me: “No worries. Are you guys going to be gone for a long time?”

Mom: “Just a couple of days, promise! This one might finally get us that promotion.”

Me: “I’ll survive. I know the drill. Good luck, both of you.”

Dad: “Thanks, kid. We’ll be back before you know it.”

Me: “Love you.”

Mom: “Love you more. Don’t burn the house down!”

Dad: “She’s serious.”

Me: “I’ll try my best.”

This was normal; they were always travelling and doing activities. I can’t blame them, but hey, they might actually get a promotion this time.

Little did I know, I would not see them in the next two days…

***