September

What…. where… am I?

My eyes slowly opened as I tried to get a hold of my surroundings. In one hand was a handgun-a revolver, I noticed, with five rounds still loaded. In my left hand was a broken remote, with just one button. I looked to examine myself. I wore a pair of blue jeans and white t-shirt. Over my shirt was a ragged grey sweater. The shoulder area was stained red with blood.

Why does everything hurt so much, especially my head?

My vision was blurry and my head was throbbing in sync with my heart as I staggered to my feet and leaned against the concrete wall to clear my head.

Why can't I remember anything?

As I took in my surroundings I gained an eerie feeling, a sense of discomfort that nipped at the back of my skull, something wasn't right, it wasn't enough to be immediately noticeable, but as I began to walk around, it got stronger. It was as if a metronome was in my head, but it was beginning to gain speed.

tick….tick….tick….tick….tick

Looking around I knew something was off. I was in an auditorium, a small one with a small stage, and a pedestal for a guest speaker. But the chairs had been knocked down, as if the people who were once listening to a lecture were now scrambling to escape.

tick..tick..tick..tick..tick

What were they running from?

The metronome in my head began to pick up the pace, demanding that I keep going. The last rows were in complete chaos, the people in these seats were most likely trampled to death by the crowd of people rushing towards the large wooden doors which were now covered in moss and grass.

tick tick tick tick tick

I began running, no, sprinting towards the exit, I needed answers…

Tick Tick Tick Tick Tick

Why were they running?

TICK TICK TICK TICK

Why can't I remember?

TICK TICK TICK TICK

Why does everything hurt?

TICK-TICK-TICK-TICK-TICK-TICK

What's on the outside?

I reached the exit of the building and swung open the door, and all I received was even more questions… as the wind whipped against my face I stared into the small town which had fallen into ruin.

...Now only one question burned inside of my head...

"…..what happened to this town?"