My hometown was always small, comfortable. Every time I left the house I ran into someone I knew. I loved my home. It was beautiful.
Now it's a shadow of it's former self.
There is no sign of life.
No child's laughter.
No car honking in the distance.
Silence.
…
Michael moves with the grace of a cat. He told me to stay by his side.
No sign of those Creatures yet but they could be anywhere.
…
Michael stops.
"What's wrong?" I ask.
"Shhhh."
We stopped in front of a huge house. There is a gate around it. Seems quiet. Seems safe.
"Stay here Maria. If you see anything just yell."
Michael opens the gate.
Screech
We make eye contact before he disappears inside.
…
I look around. This place is no longer familiar to me.
It's not home anymore. Home is with Lea, Lawrence, and my new niece Nicky.
This place is a ghost town.
I feel nothing but pity for those who lost their lives here.
As the wave of acceptance washes over me there is also a sense of relief. Relief, that I have a home and part of my family still alive with me.
And as I feel a hand on my shoulder, I turn around to face Michael with my realization.
When I am met with a rotting face of a once handsome man…I scream.