Photo Copyright - Björn Rudberg
When the plague first hit we were too stupid and oblivious to know it. We all thought it was the flu. We were wrong. We found that out when the infected started dying. That would have been fine if they’d stayed dead. Unfortunately for us that didn’t happen.
Everyone knew the house on the cliff would be the safest in town, but that was the problem: everyone knew. There are sixty of us crammed in here and very little food to go around. When we run out, I think I’ll be better off taking my chances wandering among the infected.
—
This story was written for Friday Fictioneers. I’ll be on vacation next week, so I’ll probably miss the fun. I tend not to spend much (if any) time on the internet when I’m on vacation. Also, don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list! You’ll get a Smashwords promo code for a free download of Zombie Tree if you do. Who doesn’t like free?
August 7th, 2014 at 8:33 AM
Adam, Good story, and well written as usual. Going among the infected is really taking chances. Maybe he’ll get away with it if he acts like one of them like the fellow in “The Mummy.” Well done once again. :) —Susan
August 7th, 2014 at 9:11 AM
Sounds like a final letter that someone found in the aftermath. It really does suck when everyone has the same plan, so it just makes a mess. Like trying to leave early to beat traffic and everyone within 3 counties thinks the same thing.
August 7th, 2014 at 9:16 AM
Great story! Have a fun time on vacation, as well. :)
August 7th, 2014 at 9:19 AM
Yes, does sound like famous last words…
August 7th, 2014 at 9:52 AM
That zombie plague is a bitch.. I’m reminded of “the masque of the red death” by Poe to some extent.. the isolation…
August 7th, 2014 at 10:50 AM
Ooh, a hint of possible future cannibalism there at the end I reckon.
I like “That would have been fine if they’d stayed dead.” - says it all :-)
August 7th, 2014 at 11:13 AM
This brings to mind Ebola. Hopefully they will stay dead (does that sound awful - sorry) Anyway this leaves me with a cold chill , well done.
August 7th, 2014 at 12:27 PM
Living in there is already a nightmare, and with 60 people more, I can’t imagine it.
August 7th, 2014 at 3:56 PM
I’ve been a bit too weak and tired lately to get drunk enough for ranting. Today, it’s too early to be drunk anyway, but that’s really your fault for posting when you did.
As to the story: My favorite part is “that was the problem: everyone knew.” With so many people crammed into such a tight space, I’m guessing it won’t be infection-free for long.
Interesting story this week, Adam. I think it could easily be expanded into a full-length story or even a novel (providing “easily” is ever the right descriptor for novel writing).
All my best,
Marie Gail
August 8th, 2014 at 3:41 AM
This sounds like the beginning of a novel I’d love to read, Adam. Interesting question you’ve raised here: who presents the most danger? The ill or the healthy?
August 8th, 2014 at 5:29 AM
Dear Adam,
Hmmm…60 people crammed into one house or zombies walking the street? Tough choice. Good one.
shalom,
Rochelle
August 8th, 2014 at 8:18 AM
Reads like a journal entry. Perhaps his last? Well done! Karen mentions a full length version for this one. That would be good!
August 8th, 2014 at 10:33 AM
Aaah a little roasted homo sapien can’t be that bad can it?
August 8th, 2014 at 3:20 PM
Hmmm. A real dilemma. Topical story what with the ebola virus currently making itself felt.
August 8th, 2014 at 5:00 PM
“they didn’t stay dead.”
oh, was that a clue for something sinister about to happen or what?
August 9th, 2014 at 4:19 AM
lol at Riya’s comment. sounds like a nightmare situation. enjoy your vacation, Adam. :)
August 10th, 2014 at 4:08 PM
In your sweet spot, Adam. Creepy, but definitely your sweet spot! ;-)