The Beginning in the End

Not how it is now

The town is now ran by shufflers. We're gated off to everyone, no one can come in or out. James, steph, and I set up shop inside a hotel building we found empty, we've taken in some adults and children. It's hard though, we don't have enough supplies and we have another supply run in a few days.

I forgot to mention that James is a dad now. He fell in love with some chick named Renee that we took in. She lost her parents and her younger brother. Her dad was the first to fall, from what she said, he was absolutely ruthless. Her younger brother tried to save her, but he fell victim to her dad. Her mom tried to make a run for it with her at the last second her dad somehow managed to pull her mom down by her hair. I feel bad for Renee, but she's a nice girl. Honestly, she's the sister I've always wanted.

As for steph, he became one of our scouts. He hates shufflers with a passion, he uses this to search for his family. He and I had a fling for about three months. I lost my virginity to him, I thought I loved him. We both realized that we were just together because of the situation, but some how this whole thing made us closer as friends. In case you guys are wondering steph is 5'11 with beige skin tone. Just like zeke he too has a body of a God, he has messy brown hair and brown eyes that almost look hazel. What makes him different is that he wears his heart on his sleeve. Now, he fights to protect us, we're all he has left.

I do a little bit of everything. From night watch to scouting. James doesn't like that I go out scouting, but he doesn't understand I need to do this. I need to search for any sign of hope to get out of here. When this started I went to the lab mom and dad worked at. It was empty, no shufflers, no blood, no sign anyone was there. Not long after I gave up looking for our parents, I think they got out and didn't even think about us.

I'm on night watch today, recently shufflers have been coming our way. I think anyone who may have been alive no longer is. It's the only logical thing I can think of for the recent gathering of the undead.

"Hey Tim, how's the garage looking?" I radioed. silence filled the air for a couple of seconds.

"Ash, we had some wanders over here but we took care of the problem. Are you worried about me?" He said that part a little too flirty for my liking but I chose to ignore it.

The rest of the night went well. Shift change went smoothly. I sleep on the bottom floor. In case anything were to happen I'd be the first in action.

Our camp is different from camps we've encountered. Like for instance, once a month we gather on the roof to have a little "party". It's really just an excuse to reminisce about our old lives, or talk about people we miss. It's also a time to talk about accepting transfers from different camps or vice versa.

I get what you're thinking. 'who transfers?' Better yet 'what kind of f*cked system is this'. It works though, it keeps people sane, keeps them from doing crazy things.

When we first established our camp we had about 15 people. A few kids from our high school was in our group, I should've known that Brent wasn't handling the situation well. We had Brent on night patrol on the main ground one night. He couldn't take it anymore, at least that's what we assumed. I was one of the first to hear the agonizing screams from outside. James, Drew, and I were the first outside to see our gate slightly opened.

We got there in time to close the gate, however, it was too late for Brent. Shufflers had him in pieces already, that weighs heavy on me everyday. I should've known I could've helped. To get to the point, that's what transfers are for. To help people like Brent get a change of scenery for once.

There's a plus to our camp though, we get to use the hotel pool in the summer. Kevin and Drew, they're cousins, are in charge of keeping the pool cleaned and people safe in that area. Now I won't lie Drew is so hot, I'm very much interested in him, but after steph, I'm scared to make a move. Drew is 6ft, lean body, big hands that I love, he has sandy blonde hair and beautiful hazel eyes. He and I made out once drunk but never spoke of it again.

Kevin on the other hand was a linebacker for school. He's about 6'10, built like a freight train, brown long curly hair, and eyes as blue as the ocean. He's kind of a big player in the group. How he pulls it off in here? I'm not sure and I don't care. He's one of the best shooters we have here, and he only transfers to help people learn to shoot.

I know I'm rambling but it's a long walk to the bottom floor from the roof. I'm not going to lie to you, I'm nervous for our next scouting trip. We're heading to the heart of the town. From what I hear, there's a new camp that came from the north side of town there. We're only going out there to see if they have any information about the fence out there.

"Hey James, I'm going to sleep soon. I wanted to check up to see if you needed anything before I go."

"Uh, no.. actually do me a favor?" He says as he coo's the baby. "Reconsider going out tomorrow. You're my baby sister, I can't lose you, please." he said, slight tears in his eyes.

I know he has a lot on his plate, but I've changed a lot since this happened. I like being in action now, I love shooting shufflers. Go figure, out of the two of us I'd be the one who wants to be a total bad a$$. "Sure, I'll consider it." I lean down to kiss my niece on the forehead and give my goodbyes.

I rush down the steps and sprint to my room. Now I know this is crazy but we still have showers that work in here and for that I'm grateful. I kick my shoes off at the door and put my pistol on the dresser shed myself of my clothes and start a shower. "How I missed you baby" I whisper to my shower. Yes I talk to my things I have a newfound respect for them. I take my quick rinse slip into my pajamas and then hit the bed.

Nightmares, always the damn nightmares. "mommy push me higher!" I giggled carelessly while my dad plays with James on the field. "Honey, things are going to get bad soon. Take care of James he'll need you to lean on. You guys aren't ordinary children, neither is stephan." Confused I look back to see mom, she has no eyes, blood seeping from the sockets and mouth then she vanishes. "AHHH ASHLEY HELP ME!" "DADDY GET OFF OF JAMES WHY ARE YOU HURTING HIM?" He looks up at me from what use to be James then comes at me with the most cynical laugh I've ever heard.

I wake up drenched in sweat, tears streaming from my face. I look out the window to the pool, kids enjoying themselves no care for the creatures beyond the fence. The position of the sun hints at it being almost late afternoon. "These dreams are getting more violent." I whisper to myself.

Hopefully today will go much better I know I'll need a pick me up after that. Just like that day a year ago I have that same feeling I can't put my finger on about tomorrow's trip.