Casey
Leaning my cheek against the shower tile was the best feeling in the world. It was so much colder than I remembered. It was as if heaven was welcoming me home.
My stomach rolled inside and out, and I was back in hell again.
I shouldn't have taken a drink of that soda. I didn't know if I should try to sit up and aim for the little shower drain, or if I should try to make it to the toilet.Someone bellowed from far away, ripping through the depths of my painful reality.It sounded like Dad.Another yell tore through the house.I moved to get up, but my energy was completely depleted, and my muscles were weak and mushy.Footsteps pounded outside the door. They vibrated through the floor like frigging wild animals, but no one came in.I could barely separate the cries from the shouts because everything sounded like I was deep inside a pool of white static.My stomach rolled as I tried t(Three days later)My prison guards made me stay in bed for three days and my room had become my prison, which didn't really matter because I wasn't talking to anyone, anyway.A baby was crying somewhere on the other side of the house, but they never brought her in, and I never cared enough to ask about her.Once I found out my parents were dead, my entire world had dissolved into nothingness.I couldn't help but wonder why I was still alive. In a perfect world, I'd be dead too. Then we would all be together in heaven or wherever it is, we go after we die. Did it matter where they were now? All that mattered was that I was here, and they were there.The bite on my arm was still a solid red scab, and it still hurt. It was probably because of the deep tissue damage, but it was healing, and that's all that mattered."It stinks in here." Suzie's nose wrinkled as she opened
"Will you stay with me? With us?" Derek gently ran his thumb over my cheek before he pressed Mom and Dad's keepsakes into my hand. They were warm from his grip.As I put them in my pocket, I looked into Derek's glassy eyes. His black eye had healed entirely, but his lip still had a small white mark from where it had broken open by the maniac squad jerks.The corner of his mouth tipped up as he waited for my answer.I pressed my forehead to his as I continued to gaze into his eyes. "I'm so sorry."Derek ran a hand down my back. "I know.""I was such a bitch." I closed my eyes as my breathing grew shallow. "Are you sure you want me to stay?"When I reopened my eyes, Derek's grin grew into a smile. "I don't know if I can be away from you. I almost lost you. You're lucky to be alive."I released a breathy chuckle. "I am lucky. I just wish my parents—"Derek shook his head slightly against mine. "You can't think like that. You still have Suzie. You still have... a
"Don't come in any further." Derek stopped Matt from walking past the foyer.Matt was covered in blood, and the blood was barely old enough to be dry. He looked like he'd escaped a war zone.Matt glanced at Thomas. "Is she here?""Matt, I'm okay." I walked into view."Oh my God, Casey. You're alive." Matt released a sob as he reached for me.Both Derek and Thomas moved in front of Matt, blocking me from his view."Dude, no touching! Have you seen yourself?" Derek's bark sounded like he was about to kill Matt. "Better yet, you've seen she's alive. Now, get out!""Derek," I didn't want to step on his toes, but I couldn't just send Matt out there to die. I'd already done that once, and I couldn't do it again.Thomas glanced at me before he jutted his chin toward Matt. "Say what you got to say, Sweetheart. I'm sorry to tell you this, but he has to go."What did that mean? Matt was a cheating jerkface, but he didn't deserve to die for it."No. He doesn't hav
Closing the door behind us, Derek gestured for me to take a seat on my bed. He pulled my desk chair over to sit across from me.Derek inhaled a deep, shaky breath before speaking. "Derek wasn't my name in school, and my hair was much shorter. I used to have my basketball number marked on the back of my head like a lot of the guys. I think I know why you don't remember me. I was older, and we ran in completely different crowds. Plus, I was a Junior, and you were a Freshmen."I searched his face, trying to place him. Freshmen year was the year they diagnosed Mom with cancer. It was the roughest year of my life since her survival odds were so low. Mom's operation to remove the mass had been bad, but the chemo afterward had been even worse.My mother was a cancer survivor going on three years, and an awful virus had taken her from me in one day.Life is a nasty bitch.I'd somehow made it onto Varsity during Freshmen year, but I was so worried about my mother I barely reme
Suzie was right. The cold chili was disgusting, but we still ate our fill.Somehow the guys had found several cans of baby formula for Mindy. She had a few large packages of diapers and wipes too, but not nearly enough to get us through the next month.I was grateful we had enough for a couple of weeks, but it worried me to think about what we would have to do once her supplies ran out.Mindy was currently sitting on my lap eating Cheerios. At least she could eat solids. I didn't know much about babies, but I assumed since they were usually introduced to baby food before they could walk, Cheerios would be okay.After Derek and I emerged from my bedroom, Thomas was doing his best not to ask about the status between us. Thomas assumed something because there were several occasions when I could feel the heat of his eyes on me, and when I'd glance at him, he would look away.I cared about Thomas, but it was too much to wrap my mind around right now. We were friends, and I
Ushering Suzie and Grant into the laundry room, I handed Mindy over to Grant. I glanced around the small space, trying to locate what Thomas had left for me. I had a suspicion it was a gun. I could only hope.Just as I spotted one of our thick comforters hanging over the side of the washing machine, the pounding on the door repeated as someone hollered from outside."I'm coming." Jim let out a heavy cough as he hollered. "Hold your horses. I can't move like I used to."Grabbing the blanket, I threw it at Suzie. "Cover Mindy's ears and cover yourselves up. You guys have to stay quiet and hide. Grant, you too. If anything happens, I need you to take care of Suzie and Mindy.""I will." Grant's lips pressed together as he nodded, pointing at the washing machine. "Thomas hid it behind there.""What?" I asked."The gun," Grant whispered.Thank God. Thomas had thought of this situation.Suzie crawled under the counter, which was as far away from the door as she coul
Jim was dead.Thankfully, Derek woke up on his own while I was looking for another shirt.Other than some nasty bruises, Derek was okay. What worried me most was the giant lump on Derek's forehead. Jenson had pistol-whipped him, and I was concerned Derek might have a concussion.I had no regrets about killing Jenson and Crazy Eyes. Maybe one day I would have to deal with what I'd done, but tonight I was just grateful we were all alive.Derek helped me get Thomas to my bed, and Thomas fell into a fitful sleep after I gave him some ibuprofen for the pain.Derek said he wanted some alone time in the garage. I didn't know much about concussions, but I knew sleep was bad. Derek promised to stay awake, so I didn't protest when he disappeared. I knew I would have to check on him regularly.Grant silently agreed to stay with Suzie for the night, so I could stay awake and keep watch.There were still five dead men in the house plus Jim, but everyone was too exhausted to
Suzie"Psst. Squirt," Thomas whispered from across the room. "Psst. Wakey wakey, eggs and bakey."I rubbed my eyes, trying to get them to open. Once they obeyed, I was happy to see the sun was finally up.I stretched before searching for Mindy. That baby girl was the best way to make me smile in the morning."There's my little sis," Thomas said in a quiet voice.I rolled to face Thomas, forcing myself not to say anything about how awful his nose looked.Thomas waved me over to the side of the bed. Since everything happened last night we hadn't done anything, but go to sleep.My night had been hell.I needed to apologize to Grant. Again.My brain had started playing crazy tricks on me at night. It all started the night Mom nearly took a bite out of my face. It was difficult to figure out what was real and what wasn't.Last night, I had a hard time falling asleep knowing Jim and those men wer
"Anyone else wanna play the next round?" Miranda asked as she gathered cards."I'll play. You wanna play, Bae?" Matt pulled Celia toward the table."Wanna give Su her gifts?" I whispered to Thomas.He nodded and tugged me toward the living room. "Alone? Or with everyone else.""Alone." I knew if we did it alone, the gift would be more meaningful. "Su, come here.""Yeah?" Suzie walked into the living room."We have birthday gifts for you," I said."You do?" With wide eyes, Suzie glanced between us."Thomas first," I said.Releasing my hand, Thomas pulled a small pouch out of his pocket. "Squirt, you need to know I'm always gonna be here. I hate thinking about horrible shit, but if anything ever happens to your sister or if one day she smartens up and leaves my dumbass, I want you to know I'm always gonna be here for you. You'll always be my little sister, no matter what."Suzie's sapphire eyes sparkled in the candlelight as her face m
A mouthwatering aroma wafted out of the house as I ascended the back steps. Jett must've heard me coming because he started whining at the door before Miranda opened it."Back up, Jett," Miranda tried to hold Jett inside with her foot. "Everything alright? Y'all have been out there for a hot minute.""Yeah, we're good." Pushing back the desire to tell her about Joey's latest bullshit, I laughed at Jett's eagerness to see me. "You can let him out."Miranda moved her foot, letting Jett run. He yelped as he bounded toward me."Case?" Suzie rushed out behind Jett. "Are you okay? I heard you needed stitches."Kneeling to catch Jett before he ran down the stairs, I scratched his head. "Yeah. Do they look okay?"Miranda clicked on her tiny flashlight and moved in my direction, shining the light at my ear. Both she and Suzie hissed."That good, huh?" I chuckled as I grabbed Jett and stood."I'm no doctor, but it looks like Thomas knows what he's doing
Just as the barn door opened, a shadow darted from the cellar to the office."What was that?" I whispered as I clicked on my flashlight."I hope it's not what I think." Thomas's tone was angry as he put his gun away and flicked on his flashlight before barging into the office.I rushed in after him with my gun raised."Well, looky who it is," Thomas said sarcastically.Joey's dark hair hung over one eye. His other eye was wide with fear as he stared up at Thomas from behind the desk. He was sitting on the floor, holding the front of his shirt like a baby. Pre-packaged goods of all sorts were poking out of his makeshift basket."Empty it on the desk." Thomas said.Joey sighed in defeat and stood, unloading the contents of his shirt onto the desktop. Candy and snacks of all kinds fell out.Thomas and I looked over the pile of junk food. Everyone wanted this stuff, but since they were in such high demand, we were only permitted one selection per
Casey POVAfter our visitors finally left, we all rushed to get back on track. I barely had time to clean the blood off my face before I hurried outside to get done with the day's to-do list.Since our schedule had been unendingly jam packed, we were all looking forward to the party planned for tonight. Not only did we need some time off, but we were finally celebrating birthdays.For the first time since the virus started, we were going to have a relaxing night and drink alcohol. We didn't have much to look forward to in this new life, and we'd all been working our asses off. The first priority on our list was to finish the fence, and this party was our big reward.The unexpected visit from Waldo and Harold had put our day way behind schedule.Grant and Suzie stayed in the house to watch Mindy, and they were also helping Miranda and Derek with food preparation.Thomas, Matt, and Joey were
Casey POV"Grant, stand guard here. No one gets inside." Thomas said from somewhere under my window as he and Matt jogged toward the front gate."Dada!" Mindy hollered from her playpen.Keeping my gun pointed forward, I twisted and pressed one finger to my lips. "Shh.""Mama ma ma." Mindy's big smile faltered before dropping to her bottom and throwing one of her blocks at the netting.I gave her a warm smile. Thomas had been working with her to say 'mama,' and last week, she finally got it. During his lessons, Thomas hugged me and kissed my cheek to show Mindy that I was Mama. She was growing too fast and was on the verge of walking. I was nervous she would figure out how to escape her playpen soon.Matt and Thomas opened the small gate beside our large vehicle gate. When they both disappeared, my skin crawled.I'd watched the three vehicles approach, but now they were hidden behind th
Suzie POVOver the next few weeks, things were oddly quiet. Don't get me wrong, it was awesome, but it was just weird since we hadn't seen a zombie in days.Digging sucked. It looked easy, but it was tiring, and my hands suffered the consequences. The blisters made it a painful transition, but I didn't get blisters anymore. Now I had calluses."Do you think the zombies went south to the ocean?" Taking a long drink from my water, I studied the clouds in the sky as I tried to catch my breath."No. We're just in between groups." Joey tossed a heap of dirt onto my feet. "They're always right around the corner, headed our way.""What the heck? Don't!" Kicking the dirt off my boots, I aimed for Joey, hitting his knees.Joey's deep laugh filled the trench as he slapped the dirt off his jeans."Joey," Matt warned in a harsh tone before his pickaxe hit the dirt. "Do it again, and you'll be put
The drive home was pleasantly uneventful. For the first time in a long time, it felt like today some angel above was watching over us.Since the Dually had more seating, Joey and Miranda were riding with Grant and Suzie. Our newbies didn't argue or complain as Thomas gave them specific instructions when they were preparing to leave with us, which was a good sign.Joey, albeit heartbroken over his father, stayed silent as he and Miranda quickly loaded more supplies, their belongings, and thoroughly disinfected themselves before loading up for the journey home."Is that Matt?" I pointed to a shadow digging in the yard as we rolled down our long dirt road.Thomas squinted against the late afternoon sun. "Looks like it."Matt glanced up. A huge smile lit up his face as he threw down his shovel, hoisted himself out of the hole, and jogged toward us.The front door swung open, revealing a joyful Celia with our Munchkin in her arms.At the sight of my dau
Casey POVClicking on our flashlights, Miranda led us into the dark store. Dodging a massive stack of empty boxes sitting just inside the door, I nearly walked into a heaping pile of garbage. One bulging trash bag showed that someone had done the same thing and ripped one open. The garbage within was comprised of empty soup cans and food packaging."Be careful." Miranda grimaced before she continued walking without a flashlight. "We don't do much tidyin' up. I tried to organize the store after those military men left, but a couple of days later, a group of college guys broke in and destroyed all my hard work. They got so drunk that one guy forgot to block the entrance and let a group of eaters inside. The guys all died. Well, actually, I think maybe one got away, but they left me with the mess, and I had to kill all the eaters and the guys that came back to life. It was bad. I gave up cleaning anything after that."
Casey POVGiving up on finding gas, I buckled myself into the passenger seat and leaned my head against the window. We passed several random biters staggering aimlessly down the road as I stared into space. This country road was hopeless.As we hit the three-quarter mark toward home, I glanced at the truck's gas gauge, and it was almost empty again. This truck literally guzzled gas.Noticing my worry, the corner of Thomas's lips tipped up. "It's okay, Sweetheart. Like I said before, it's just a truck. We'll drive until it runs out and we'll come back for it someday."I grimaced and nodded. I hated the idea of leaving this truck behind. It was his, and he shouldn't have to lose anything else. Who was I kidding? It was mine too, and I damn sure didn't want to lose it.Even though the dark clouds continued to hold their ominous position, the rain slowed, softening into a sprinkle. That was when a small m