The Bird's Song

Chapter 1

    The night sky was littered with twinkling stars, the world clear of light pollution making the milky way seem just out of hands reach. I smiled to myself and stroked my dog, Bonnie, who lay next to me. The fire in front of us crackling away a misshapen tune, trying to stay alight as it starved for more wood. I laid back into the soft grass and closed my eyes. Peace has overcome me in the past few months. The world as we knew it had fallen apart almost six years ago now; I was finally coming to terms with it and finding my fears were slowly fading away. I still unhealthily clung to my grief for family and friends, throwing fits of unprecedented rage followed by falling into total mental break down and collapse.  Those days were hard, I found myself staying in bed for hours upon hours. Unable to eat and keep myself clean. I crave for a friendly face or at least someone to show kindness and fond memories. 

       I tend to keep to myself now though; I've only met unsavory people since the collapse. No one I wish to hang around for long anyways. Even with 99% of the population being gone, humans still managed to be selfish and greedy. Murder, r**e, carelessness, and evil still somehow ruled the world and whatever 'society' is left. I've found myself a secluded cabin on the west coast of what was once called Oregon. I chose to stay here through the dreary rainy days that never seem to cease because I am off the beaten path for scavengers, and I never have to deal with the freezing temperatures of winter. It only ever rained. The past 36 hours were the first break in storm for about three weeks now. Because of that I also chose to fight sleep so I could bathe in the sun, stargaze at night, and wrap myself in a metaphorical blanket with the sounds and smells of nature. 

    The sun will be coming up soon, and if the weather stays nice I've planned a trip for myself. I'm going to go down to some of the old towns near by. Being secluded in this cabin for almost a year now has been peaceful and healing, but I need some new clothes. They have been worn down to tattered bits, pocketed with holes and barely hanging on. My boots barely tied and the sole has layer upon layer of duct tape wrapped around it to keep it together. The hard long days of work I've put in to keep Bonnie and I fed as well as a secure living hasn't been very friendly to my clothing. I should gain some hours of sleep if I decide to do this trek. I decided it was nice enough I didn't need to clean up and head inside, so I pulled my blanket up to my chin and positioned myself so Bonnie's stomach was my pillow. She took a deep sigh and snuggled closer. I listened to the rustle of the trees and sounds of creatures stirring in the night as I dozed off, waiting for sunrise. 

                                                                                       ~~~~~

    The sun peaked over the ridge of the mountain and slapped my face full of orange and red hues. I winced as I opened my eyes, perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to sleep outside. My back ached as I sat up and rubbed my face. Bonnie got up, stretched, then trotted off; wagging her tail as she went off to do her morning business. I went about my own morning, brewing some dandelion tea and finishing yet another book. I grabbed a slice of my homemade bread and combed my hair. Sliding on my old baseball cap and tucking my hair into a low ponytail I headed out the front door of my cabin. 

    "Bonnieeeee!" I yelled for her. She came running out of the woods, tongue lolling and tail still wagging. "Time to head to town, sweetie!" She bowed then barked, almost as if she understood it was time for an adventure. She was the last living thing I have from before the disease struck and killed everyone. Bonnie was just a five month old puppy when everything happened. I had searched far and wide for the perfect dog, and I found her outside a Walmart in a box marked 'free'. She had a beautiful chocolate brown coat and twinkling yellow hazel eyes, matched with a pair of bid ole' ears reaching for the sky. Bonnie looked like a mix between what I would say is a Labrador and a German shepherd. Best damn dog I've ever had. She kept right at my side as we walked down to the pasture to retrieve my mule, Danny Boy. I found him within the same pasture near the cabin when I first found this place, and just seemed like I should keep him there. We had an instant bond, especially once I gave him a bath and braided is thick once-matted hair. He seemed to think I was only there to care for him. Fine by me I suppose. 

    Before entering the pasture I needed to make sure his pulling cart was ready to go, thank god for whoever used to live here. It was almost too perfect to come upon; gardens ready to be sowed, a mule with a vengeance to protect his property, plenty of hunting rifles and ammo, and this lovely little cart I can attach to Danny Boy for hauling animal carcasses once shot and killed; now for the first trip back to the town about fourteen miles away. It was going to be a couple hour ride.

    After walking into the small horse barn I untangled the straps and gave the cart a quick dusting. I situated Bonnie's spot in the front of the cart with a blanket and pillow. Now I needed to find Danny Boy's halter to round him up. The saddle sat square to the cart, ready for a horse to fill its empty straps. I told Bonnie to stay as I walked to the gate and slipped through. Letting out a high pitched long whistle I waited for Danny Boy. He came prancing through the grass out of a small grove of trees, and gave his mane a quick shake as he came to a stop in front of me.

    "Going to go to town today, boy. Wonder how long its been since you've left these hills.." I shook my head as I started to think about the things that could spook him and have him throw me off. He was up here all alone for who knows how long before I came along and he managed to survive. Hell, he wasn't even scared of gun shots. He can do it. There shouldn't be much mud on the road down since we've been without rain for about two days now. No traffic to muck it up any worse than it was. 

    I put on his halter and led him back out and around to the barn. He knew what to do without me even asking him, as he backed up towards the cart and stood still waiting for me to throw on his gear. Danny boy always put up this good boy act until it came time to tighten his saddle. He would hold his breath and push out his stomach, causing the straps to be loose once he let out his breath making it so my saddle would flip upside down. I swear he gets a good kick out of it. Today I waited patiently for him to get tired of holding his breath and quickly finished strapping him up. I didn't bother calling Bonnie into the cart yet, as she loved to run around as we rode on. 

    I threw in my bag full of essentials, extra ammo, food for all three of us if it turned into an overnight trip, bottled rain water, first aid kits. Nodding looking over everything before I hopped onto Danny Boy, I felt my pistol on my side and the rifle on my back. I leaned down and made sure my hunting knife still lay neatly tucked into my boot. 

    I swung myself into the saddle and led Danny Boy out of the barn and onto the dirt road, pointing down away from the cabin. Bonnie hopped and sniffed and ran with excitement. Danny Boy snorted and we began down the road at a soft trot, making sure to not go too fast and jostle the cart. There was a soft breeze carrying the soothing smell of wild flowers and morning dew. Our ride could take anywhere from two to four hours and I was planning on taking in every beautiful second of it. 

                                                                                        ~~~~~

    The streets of the tiny coastal towns were eerily silent. No sounds of papers flying about, no doors opening and closing with the breeze. No one had been here in a long time. All the signs of scavengers and traders were long gone. The nearest trading post was five hours east by car alone, and I preferred it that way. Plants were taking over, hiding away the harsh shapes and emptiness of structures and filling them with life. A different life than the one before, one more wild and free. Nothing that knew the boundaries of societal life, nothing that could understand the ugliness of humanity. I took in the streets one by one, admiring the peace and quiet. Finding joy in the sounds of nature, of being alone but not alone. 

    Bonnie lie napping in the cart as Danny Boy and I slowly made our way down the  deteriorating asphalt roads. She occasionally peaked her sleepy head up to gaze around and take note of her surroundings, just to curl back up to bask in the sun. I came across an Old Navy and decided to leave Danny Boy tied up to the light pole outside. Bonnie jumped out of the cart and followed me inside, sniffing everything on our way in. Oddly enough, this store was almost left in pristine condition, besides the broken windows and Ivy climbing its walls outside. It was like stepping back into a reality where everything was normal again and I was in the store before opening hours. I got an itchy feeling I wasn't alone, but brushed the feeling off, as I knew no one was here. The inch thick dust on everything was enough to tell me that. 

    I grabbed a cart that had been flipped on its side and started to scour the isles.  I had gotten about twenty t-shirts and long sleeve shirts piled in the cart as I started to turn down the isle full of jackets and coats. I picked one that resembled an off brand Carhart, selling me on the promise of being water wicking and warm. Following that I grabbed a light rain jacket, extra large to fit over whatever I happen to chose to wear underneath. Rolling the squeaky cart down the isles proved to be inducing déjà vu. I imagined the store still full of occupants scurrying about trying to get shopping done before school starts for their littles. Times like these is when I feel the loneliest, and is why I tend to stay away from what still resembles civilization and societal norms.  Usually coming into the remnants of humanity stirs the rage inside of me, pulling my stomach into knots. I gripped the cart harder and clenched my jaw, putting more speed into my step to get out of here quickly. It was starting to give me the creeps. 

    After I grabbed several pairs of jeans I pushed the cart to the front of the store. I happened to glace to my right and thought I saw a shadow move. Could just be my imagination or critter slipping away from me. I shook my head and walked out into the bright light of the afternoon sun. Neatly packing all of my goods from the store and swinging back onto Danny Boy I took in a deep sigh of relief. I had not noticed until now, but I had been tensed the whole time I was 'shopping'. The anger that swelled from memories back in the store still threatened to boil to the surface and I knew I needed to get out of there. That was when I noticed Bonnie wasn't beside me anymore. Panic began to grip me, my chest tightening. I slid off of my mule and took in everything around me, hoping to see her with her head buried in something. Nothing. Not a glimpse of her slick brown fur, wag of her tail.. Nothing. 

    "Bonnie?" I yelled. Not a sound. "Bonnie?!" I cupped my hands around my mouth to help carry the sound, fear sliding into my heart. Where is she?  That's when I heard her bark from somewhere inside the store and then.. a sound that sounded an awful lot like someone trying to quiet her. "BONNIE!" I screamed into what I had thought was an empty store. She barked again. This time it wasn't followed by a shushing sound. I heard her whine instead. "God damn it, who is in there? Where's my damned dog!" I yelled, pulsing with the aforementioned anger, ready to let it out on whoever just hurt my baby. 

    My old boots squeaking and thumping on the tile floors as I stormed back inside. "Come out, NOW!" I ordered. "I'm not here to play games. You give her to me or your world is ending. TODAY." I swear I could feel steam rolling out of my ears. My hands trembled from the mix of passionate anger and deep struck fear. Whoever this is is not taking my dog. Not for a pet, and certainly not for food. I stopped and slowed my breath, trying to pinpoint any sound I could hear. Yelling out her name once last time did the trick, and I heard her yip from the back corner of the building. Quickly sliding off my boots so I made no noise, I slipped in between the isles making my way quietly towards her. 

     As I approached the men's section in the back I heard a small soft voice saying, "It's okay girl, it's okay. I need you to keep me safe, please. Please don't bark again. We need you.." It almost sounded like a child.. No. It couldn't be a child. Not alone. I slid out my pistol from its holster and kept it low at my side. Bonnie let out some low pitched wines, obviously being held from coming to me. Crouching low to the ground I searched underneath the racks of clothing to see if I could locate them by their feet. I saw her. A little hand held onto her teal collar, and whoever it was was hidden inside the circle rack of shirts. I remembered hiding in those as a child while my mother shopped... Shaking my head again I refocused on getting my dog. I couldn't be certain if they were armed or dangerous, but that hand.. seemed too small to be an adults. 

    I was now within ten feet of Bonnie and she caught my scent. Her tail began to thump on the ground from wagging and she turned in my direction. I made sure to hide so my spot would remain secure till I could figure out how many their were. 

    I kept silent for a minute or too longer when the person spoke again, "Good girl, calm down. Don't let her find us. You'll protect me right? And my brother? You'll be quiet till she gives up, okay? I can find you some treats I think. Yeah, I could try. Be good, girl." The person's other hand came out and began to pet Bonnie's head. Something isn't right here. 

    "Alright, come out of there now. I see you. Holding onto my dogs collar. Come out and show yourself and I won't hurt you." I said between clenched teeth. A whimper escaped from the clothing rack and that's when I knew. I knew this was a child. This person is not a threat. Unless there were others.

    "P-p-please don't hurt me! I just need her. Please, don't take the dog!" The little voice said, all the while a strong stench of dirtied clothing and skin gone unbathed smacked my nose.

    "Are you alone?"

    "Uh.. uh... Yes.. I mean.. n-.. Yes!" 

    "What about a brother I heard you mention? Where is he? Is he armed? Are you armed?" I stood up and surveyed around us, but saw and heard nothing.

    "I.. I.. Fine." A small girl pulled apart the clothes and stepped up into the dusty glow within the store. Her blonde hair piled in matts and strung about her like a ray of sunshine from her head. Her little white dress was in rags and coated in dirt, her dirty bare feet scrunching on the tile floor. She let go of Bonnie and held herself with her arms, swaying back and forth looking like she was about to run. Bonnie came running to my side and nuzzled my hand that wasn't holding the gun. 

    "Oh.. Oh my god. Are.. are you by yourself? Who is taking care of you?" I gasped. She looked completely neglected and her eyes looked hollow like they'd seen too much for her age.

    She grabbed a piece of dirty hair and tangled it around her finger. Looking down at the floor as she spoke, "Uhm.. I'm not alone." I tightened my grip on my pistol. She noticed and frantically said, "But we won't.. or can't harm anyone!" Her crystal blue eyes sparked as she looked at me pleadingly. "Please put it away.." She said pointing shakily at my pistol. 

    Sighing, "I don't know that, I keep this for my safety. If there is anyone who wishes me ill, I can prevent that." She stepped from foot to foot. "Now, don't go runnin'."

    "I have a brother, he is younger than  me. He's sick. And we have no food. I wanted your dog to help us, to protect us from danger, maybe help find food.. I don't know what to do. Please don't hurt me my brother needs me." She burst into tears. Her body shook with her sobs. Tears welled and spilled down her dirt smeared cheeks. I softened, figuring this was no threat and those tears were true. I put my pistol back in its holster, clicking the safety on. 

    "What's your name? Maybe I can offer some help."

    She looked at  me through her hair and sniffled, "No you won't. Nobody ever helps us. They use me.. touch me in ways I shouldn't be touched. I don't want you near me.. please." She continued sobbing and swaying. This little girl was broken. Torn. This world has not been kind to her. 

    "It's just me. Nobody else. You told me the truth now its my turn, okay?" I sighed and took a step closer to her. "I've been alone for the past year, no one around. I have a small farm and shelter up in the mountains. As you see I can keep myself and my animals fed. I know some herbal medicine I could possibly help your brother, I'm not here to cause harm or evil. I am just trying to survive, like you."

    She wiped at her nose and looked up again. "You're not lying are you?"

    "Sweetie, there is no reason to lie during these times. The world is mean and harsh as it is."

    "Maribelle. I'm Maribelle May." She whispered. 

    "Thank you Maribelle. Where is your brother?"

    "Uhm... The motel a few blocks from here. Nobody goes there."

    "Well, let's go see him then?" I asked, quietly. 

    Maribelle looked at me with fear and sadness, a broken look in her eye. She wasn't sure if she could trust me, but it looked like she had run out of options. "I suppose..." 

    "Can we get you some new clothes? You're basically wearing rags." I said with a slight smile. She nodded and we walked over to the girls section, all the while keeping a sharp eye and ear to our surroundings. I was not going to be surprised again. I picked a simple tee and jeans with a raincoat for her. She scampered behind a clothing rack and changed. As we walked by the little boys section she grabbed the same for her brother.

    "Thank you." She whispered as I lifted her into the cart. I nodded and got onto Danny Boy. We pulled out onto the streets and I had her direct me to her brother.

    We stopped in front of a falling apart motel at the edge of the town. Some of the trees nearby had fallen onto the building, making it extremely hazardous to be inside. A knot in my chest began to form making my breathing shorter and faster. I can't believe she has been living here. With an even younger child. A sick one at that. She couldn't have been older than twelve. The burden she carries must be enormous.    

    "Why did you choose here? Its dangerous!!" I exclaimed over my shoulder.

    "I told you, no one comes here."

    "It doesn't look like anyone has been to this town in ages, though."

    "Yeah, I haven't seen anyone in awhile. I just thought it could be for the best. We've stayed here for a long time without anyone noticing us or coming by." 

    "Alright well, lets go see your brother and bring him his new clothes." I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. I could be walking into a trap or walking in to seeing a dying child. Both are things I did not wish to see or deal with. But here we are.

    I helped her out of the cart and gathered the new clothing. She walked briskly ahead of me, seeming to be desperate to get out of the open. "Slow down, kiddo." 

    "Jeremy wasn't doing well when I left. I'm worried." That's when she broke into a sprint towards the back door entrance by one of the fallen trees. I ran to keep up and not lose her. But I did, the moment she ran inside. It was pitch black inside except for a small stream of light leaking through cracks in the ceiling. All the windows were covered with blankets, tables, and debris. It was clear someone had been trying to make this a hidden and protected home. 

    "Maribelle?" I yelled into the darkness. I set the boy's clothing on a chair and started to make my way deeper into the darkness. A feeling of fear began to wash over me again. I took my pistol out and clicked the safety off. Then I made myself jump when I kicked some empty cans on the ground. "Maribelle?!" I shouted getting more anxious. 

    Then I heard soft crying. I followed the sound till I came upon a motel room door slightly cracked with more light coming from inside than anywhere else in the building. I slowly pushed it open and saw Maribelle cradling a young boy, maybe six years old, in her arms. He was completely limp and in the same dirty state as his sister. I put my pistol away and walked towards her. I could see the boys chest still rising and falling, so he was still alive.

    "He won't wake up! He won't wake up!" She sobbed. 

    "Hey, hey, now.. hold on." I said as  I sat next to her. I felt for the boys pulse, it was faint but it was there. Leaning forward I listened for his breath, I could see snot running down his nose and chin. Jeremy's breathing was ragged and shallow. He really was not doing well. Seems to me he has made a turn for the worse. I kept a straight face for Maribelle's sake. "He is still alive and breathing. We can try to help him. You stay right here." I bounced off my feet and ran to Danny Boy and the cart outside. I started digging through my first aid kit for anything I could have for immediate use. But my kit was made for injuries, not illness. My remedies were all back at home. "f**k!" I smacked my forehead. I ran back inside.

    "Maribelle, if we want to get him any help you'll have to trust me and come back to my cabin. I need to make one last stop on the way. Check the pharmacy if there is anything left." As my words spilled out of my mouth I wasn't sure if they made total sense. But, she nodded her head. I instructed her to grab anything she needs, her brothers clothing, and to meet me at the cart. I picked up the scrawny little boy and walked out of the motel. I could tell he had a fever, his clothing was soaked in sweat and he shivered as the breeze tickled our faces. Setting him down in the cart I used Bonnie's blanket and pillow to keep him comfortable, albeit even if he isn't awake. I helped Maribelle into the cart as well and took off down the road being careful to not hit any big bumps or cracks in the road.

    We stopped at a crumbling CVS on the edge of town. No doubt its been absolutely ransacked over the years, but I had to at least try to find something. I had found a thermometer so I could at least tell what his fever was at. As I was giving up hope combing through what used to be isles to find any kind of medicine, I spotted was looked like a bottle of Dayquil, just sitting covered in dust tucked behind a shelf. Someone must have put this here planning to come back and never did. Bless them. I grabed the bottle and sprinted out of the store. 

    "Here, Maribelle. Try and stick this under his tongue to check his fever. If he wakes up, even for a second, get him to drink a little bit of this, okay?" 

    She nodded her head and I slipped back onto Danny Boy and took off for the cabin, trying my best not to jostle the cart as we rode on.