p data-p-id="c058520dfdc61a5e07d29da6b0456303"My head rests against the semi-clean tile wall of the shower. This is the one place it seems I can get complete quiet, since I no longer am staying in a one person tent. The water splashing against my skin and dripping on the floor of the shower is the closest thing to noise right now, besides the echoing of the same sounds from other showers a few feet away./p
p data-p-id="4938a4ce4d482fcbd0cf5953e74d0272"I'm just glad they're separated./p
p data-p-id="35b85b69b249422d9a7fa03009c8867b"But even with the silence, or the closest I can get to it, my mind is screaming./p
p data-p-id="31fdd2e5a7b449cd69c3f0042e4a8578"emAnother question. Another mystery. Another thought to plague my mind. And even if Janine wants me to find out what this is about, what about the vaccine? What about Pro. Van Ark and whatever he's hiding? What about Project Greenshoot?/em/p
p data-p-id="32256863087ec72a87cd8d19ad7496c7"emWhat about the rocket launcher and who shot my helicopter down? What about justice for Sierra?/em/p
p data-p-id="405b610738a33afe455e772c9fc94d8c"I press my palms against my eyes and sighem, /emalthough I barely hear it over my raging mind and the sound of the shower. I feel the heels of my feet begin to slide forward, as my back begins to slide down, but I do nothing to keep myself upright. When I reach into a sitting position on the shower floor, I don't move, except for the action of drawing my knees to my chest so I can wrap my arms around them./p
p data-p-id="4000e1ba2d1e04afba4999bc68f9e8df"emI came here for one mission and this is what I get in return. Confusion, mysteries, friends who I didn't intend to make, three kids who follow my every move, and a freaking crush on my radio operator./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c84bec17e19b07e46d8132c0c9f94d32"emAnd a partridge in a pear tree./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a487af2bd5a7f8ff018fe6abfcaa3edb"At least that last bit makes me feel a little bit better./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="13c208e5cc9fca3d040ae09fb31136a0"But then my thoughts take a turn, on how Wes would've had at least one of these things figured out by now. Joey would've thought of it all, or at least had some theory on it. Jessica or Julia would definitely have pieced a few things together if it were them./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a36084d1dba69f1e8cb04773b4223ef0"But it's not them. It's me, because I'm alive and they're all dead along with the others... and it's all my fault./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="360f46b25f169b6d1b162575d24ecd19"Suddenly the shower curtain is ripped open, and if I had the voice I would scream. I pull my knees closer to my chest and Summer-only wearing a towel herself-looks at me with a mildly surprised expression./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ba9a21def5d974befb85aa294fd61c4c""Haven't seen a conservative runner in a long time," She chuckles before raising up a shoulder in a half shrug. "You know, because we constantly have to change at any given moment for surprise missions."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="646d849a20943977051d0ded103c7606"I nod quickly, wanting her to get to the point of why the hell she decided to have a conversation with me while I'm showering. I would ask, but seeing how I don't want to show anything I keep my arms wrapped around my knees, which does an adequate job of hiding my small chest./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5ef82b01887510d97c6cc8fd3fe452a4""Anyway, your time's almost up for the showers. I thought it'd be better if it was me telling you than Rajit so..." Her voice trails off as she chucks a towel at my face, causing me to let out a huff from my nose. "Get dried off and dressed, sweetheart. I'm sure there Janine's dying to know what you saw back there anyway. I know I am."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f6c3bef2c71fc9963aa5d6fed0190efe"With that I hear the rings of the shower curtain clink against the bar as she closes it, giving me privacy once more. I push myself up to my feet and run the towel against my skin and hair, doing just enough to make me look like a person and not a drowned rat before grabbing my clothing from outside the shower and slipping it on./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f4e868e3cd300d37df97d618387bb974"When I leave the showers, Summer is waiting there for me. "Come on, I was told to take you to Janine."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="002e5f023bb12e1e7ee5a1abb2a1b200"'Never do that again,' I say with a semi-harsh glare, but the tan skinned girl just laughs./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="abdb807cee77076b8a3c52d65832160f""Had to get your attention somehow. I'd already called your name, but you didn't answer, and yes, I know you're mute," She says with a raised hand when I start to sign out an answer, "But you didn't even poke your head out or anything. And when I opened the curtain you seemed pretty out of it. Everything okay?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8f65f69ca60cd3075bc643bba8df087d"'Even if I weren't I wouldn't discuss my shower thoughts with you,' I reply as sassy as I can with no voice./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7526bd3c67faac2c4ef885e9a14f70f2""As apposed to you telling someone else?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b7e6173192c93113f2986fe1c705da99"I roll my eyes at her words but don't reply. Instead I change the subject. 'Does Janine want me to meet her in the armory, like last time?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="da36e36fad288ae5dc26df3ff43eeec8""No, since this isn't as crucial as it was with you being questioned and considered a potential threat to the Township she said you could meet her in her farmhouse," She explains, taking the bait. "But if you do sound suspicious in any way I don't doubt that Janine will shoot you without hesitation."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="cce71b6d6672516dcdc2dbec30417d17"I nod slowly at that, but since something like this was found at the beginning of the outbreak and I was in America at the time, I know there's no way this one can be pinned on me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="cf4d121746b33d4031b5346e7057abb3"emUnless it could somehow be related to Project Greenshoot./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="05f49f1116b1ed4aeaef800518c0ecb2""Come on, Jody and Sarah have already told Janine what they saw. Let's not keep her waiting."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="95642ecd71b75dccb362d057dbc5195c"She gives me a small smile and swivels toward the right, her wet hair whipping around with her and nearly hitting her in the face. I follow right behind her tail as she marches along to the farmhouse./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="2de32a3e1c37c2bb39c748aed0717f6a"When we reach the porch, Summer doesn't hesitate to stride over to the door, open it, and walk right in, not even bothering to knock. I leisurely go inside after a few seconds pause, and I make my way into the living room, since that's the only room of this house I've ever been into. Janine and Summer are waiting for me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8f300e9f69a01e21802df041c19a7c4c""Runner Five, there you are," Janine says in her business-like voice, and I nod. "I just wanted to ask you if there was anything you might have seen while Sarah and Jody were out scouting the area. Since I haven't gotten around to learn sign language Miss Swan will be telling me your answers. Was there anything you saw since you stayed with the guns?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7a4d3e282444193c750334387fb5b38d"emAnd corpses, /emI add mentally./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="78b5ed1f046c7b122d4174b191c7d7b0"I shrug casually. 'Not really. There wasn't anyone I saw, which is odd since even if those people were to sprint Sarah or Jody would've seen them when they scouted the area.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="83f2d9c1aa09608dd3f90c17fb0efceb""Why do you think there was more than person?" She asks after Summer tells her my reply./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f483bfae94029ee7c0285d8c2439e826"'Because there was more than one gun left. We couldn't carry them all so there's no way one person could have taken them there, and I could hear multiple guns being fired.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c666633a10ec3f6f4dddcb0773354212"Janine's lips press together firmly in thought. "I see, and what about these tones that you heard?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e3e6e4579e80d78f5ff33b27328f07ea"'It sounded like music, but not normal music,' I pause as I try to think of a good way to explain what I mean. 'It sounded like someone tried to mix a song played by an organ with auto tune and it didn't mix well.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="201a04ad2f579f2242270ff2c0302706"Janine blinks, and from the small bit of tension in her face I can see she's trying to find a way to respond to that. Summer is wearing the exact same look./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a3b2b31d0ecb7c0154d3d34b1ad132af"'Are we going to look for any clues as to what could have happened?' I ask, and Summer immediately tells my words to Janine./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1bb588e81e47fb96183fd69fceccac5c""We'll try to send out runners to investigate, but we have many more things we must look into. I believe you know what I mean."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8997400ca3474699c9bf2ab9483c8ad3"'Is my mission one of them?' I ask, cringing slightly since I know not many people are supposed to know about this./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="936e978eadf7a893c9526ee14b85ab82"The tan skinned girl gives me a questioning look as she repeats my words, and she flinches when Janine's face hardens./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9881fc1b66fb79650590374fa471b5ed""Runner Five, I believe Runner Eight told you the current circumstances of your mission and why it has been put on hold. I expect you to refrain from asking any questions to me or anyone else," She snaps, the bite in her voice very obvious. "Do I make myself clear?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5b965f43f86da261417c88769b8ec197"'Crystal.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9c6731913a3e3a67a752600b76286350""You may go."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="44563fe5956b71e3e0bb89d77390c258"I stand silently, ignoring the confusion on Summer's face as I make my way to the door. Once outside, I notice someone sitting in the steps of the porch. He turns around at the sound of my feet hitting against the wood beneath me, and I give a weary smile./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="16cffdd343369cefe3d516a8b4ccf920"'Hello, Caleb.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0a8a643b4b58e650cd0c1487f3e454e9""Hey," He says with a grin. "Heard you had some fun today."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a20571422795929d839eaab44917c27e"I roll my eyes. 'Depends just on how you define fun.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="68f5703ad27f5a1b52392d06c345607f""Yeah, I guess I should say I heard you had an exciting time today," He laughs./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="413a589ec07905ee1a004e6a82c7bfab"'That actually is true.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="458160557642df9dd830d301ea92ab25""Running zombies, huh? Guess you've never seen that before."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9588ebfda2a82b3e94ab93a037e7b629"'I've never seen them before with zoms that that were so... decayed,' I correct. 'I would question it but everyone else already is.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="641df6ee4feb7de0ad4242205bd19863""Ah, so that was what you were in there for," He says in a knowing voice, I nod in response./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="df1cdda8233262e15006c43cc6ba09dc"'It wasn't really just questioning,' I state, and Caleb sends me a raised brow, 'I mean, it was until I asked about other things.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0146a6a9fd5dfa912546bf2400b53b72""Other secret things that you can't tell me about?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="af5d59b5b8b09c4750d3fcbf440f4e0c"I nod, and Caleb sighs as he stands. "Figures."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="db6c2b0fad9d52677d9c4553f8ea028f"I shrug, wanting to say sorry but not doing so because it would only be a half-truth. 'I think it was mostly because Summer was in there telling her what I said. Don't know why she didn't just have Sam in there since he knows more than she does.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a207a97a3fa01b60f266166d4320809e"emHe of course doesn't know about Project Greenshoot but he does know about the search for a vaccine and Patient Twenty-nine./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="35203738b0d49a3827ee35789db0e725""Ah, yes, because we know you'd love to spend more time with Sam," Caleb teases, I dart my eyes to the right, finding the end of the porch railing much more interesting than Caleb's wide eyed expression./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c46e6b0ba5a445f036d591106da03bdd""You're not rolling your eyes," He says before gasping over-dramatically. "You actually do like him!"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="4b182824e694aa9e5be225100e97cae8"I send him a harsh glare but don't deny it. 'Can we not talk about this here on Janine's front porch?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="48fe704ea79f0f3d65d779671c81af96""Sure," He answers with a shrug. He hops off the porch and starts walking with me following right behind./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="92168937a203596839b7e945a0dc906a""I totally called it though," Caleb smirks, but I just send him an unamused look. "But why would you think he would be in there instead of Summer?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0b36a554230d593bc3296d0176d04dbc"'Because he knows a bit more than she does,' I reply./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7bb5222e9b202cf72fc4c0712584a66c""About?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="61b874254e8674447e9d085c1d0d98d1"'He knows about one of the secret missions that Summer doesn't.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6ddf5607aa8856fbde86f409a2d477ae"Caleb huffs out a laugh. "So many secrets."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="727e439bac4fb696e47e243076c19b3d"'That's just how it is,' I say with a half smile./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ee2010748125b83612a89ce9b5b5d6f7""So are you going to investigate whatever happened on this mission?" He asks. "There wasn't much told on this mission either. People are starting to get suspicious."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="29a3291771fb025bcb9cb98cb4337ed5"'We will soon, I think. I hope. If nothing else comes up it should be scheduled in between normal runs.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e23f8eb092eb732b12192020180950f2""If nothing comes up?" He tips his head to the side slightly. "What does that mean?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c83081485d00331dacc891ec016995b8"'A lot of my other secret missions have been put on hold because of another secret mission coming up or something threatening makes us have to put it on hold.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7e7497411349b22a7343358b6a2e6121"Caleb's brows knit together at that. "You were threatened?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7c1da5b79d7cf67658d18e008af769b9"'Not exactly. It's complicated.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="84f21dc7748ac3b268fd11c851dd557f""I'm sure."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6cffdd4fa81b101541eb796348d6549b"'So where's the trio?' I ask, itching to change the subject./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8ce21b4d3dcb3876628382c0fe1ccf11""Penelope's with Molly, I think; Don't know where Milo is and Willis was going to come but then he accidentally called you 'mom' again and changed his mind."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ae564cc211d9c6a564bd5991056b916d"I frown at that, but don't say anything on it, but the redhead notices immediately./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="93aed5c67907187bd9f98cff75f4919f""They idolize you, you know. That's why-"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="663da63c23ce402c052dd56c567fcf11"'I know that's why,' I sign. 'That's why I dislike it.' I take a quick step back. 'I'm a runner, not a hero.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="124bd4c94c8a75e9fe5f66a05fb0f9f4""To them you are."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9eaebe7f66c9cd23406c67f93bb3cec0"'Well, I shouldn't be,' I scowl with narrow eyes. My mind says the words I don't say aloud./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6ee9b37f7bcc2290a631711b9ba7afdc"emI don't deserve to be./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="edcb3d27ced58299abd269aa6782660b""Why not?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="79ce6c46fe384794996e6a5226d63c30"emBecause I'm not a good person./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8222ad3b47ceeeaab4bdd3ee4780852e"'Because I'm just a runner.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="20bc6f1ddb5055cf9ab39c7111fbe4c5"And the last person who actually thought of me as anything more than that is deadem. /emAnd it's my fault./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="2a940265ff8b580f73bdab2efc6fab9a"emI guess that goes for everyone who thought that. Not just the last./em/p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="53fe0881d8553a8d801dfb95b88f4e40"•/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="92b205c16e791b620d3aefec8767f85d"emuSix children sit in an old attic-cold, dark, and terrifying. A twelve-year-old brunette girl, soon to be known Runner Forty-three, sits in the middle of the room with her ten-year-old sister. Three of her cousins are the the room, while the fourth and oldest is down with her mother and Great Aunt and Great Uncle./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="23325e28bf46ca7884630302d9816fb9"emuShe looks over at Wes, who's talking his /u/ememuto /u/ememuolder brother Joey. She doesn't understand why he was sent to keep watch over us. Elijah is only a few months young/u/ememuer/u/ememu than him so he could do a more than adequate job of doing so./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1c95093b85287f41f07bbfd5457b6d07"emu"Where's your parents and sisters?" Elijah asks lowly to the two brothers./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="15ae733efb20a8df714d948957021f19"emu"Downstairs in the kitchen, looking for any food," Joey answers as he crosses his arms and leans against the closed door. /u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="4a2cfc3eae6753a74c258c798d675cd5"emu"I think dad's looking for guns," Julia pipes up as she tightens her ponytail. The brunette cousin can't help but notice how filthy her second-cousin's beautiful hair has gotten over the past few days./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b67252ceb3c54b28a8b6b8ab8ef9b144"emu"Where will we even go after this?" Elijah asks. "We can't go home. We can't stay in this random house forever. And according to the news the disease or whatever it is is in other countries too."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="afc2340082a2ca9b6ecdd0ba5c5f17d9"emu"Why can't we go home? To our home?" Wes asks as he sits down besides Katelyn and her sister. "We don't know if they've reached Arkansas yet. We're several states away. My house is on a hill, maybe we can-"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1bcca99294b098fe63bb9970b917d257"emu"There's no way we can get from Virginia to Arkansas before the zombies do," Jeremiah interrupts, speaking for the first time since they all got here./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d14a159d432da846954e6624638cc024"emu"Zombies?" Katelyn repeats quietly, but her sister is to pull her close as her blonde cousin shakes her head./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9b6b572175a10ae569947be36eadb4a2"emu"No, there's no such thing as zombies," Julia says before the soon-to-be-runner can./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3bd5941a54859fadccde3462815afd02"emu"Don't lie," Jeremiah snaps./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5bef6b2bdc160e7957c0438f5a5c76d3"emu"You're the one that's lying. There's no such thing as zombies."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f08cfdaa79f5ddf1bdfe6b19c5b8bed0"emu"They die and come back as rotting flesh bags," He argues. "If that's not zombies than I don't know what is. It's not a lie, and neither is saying some of us are going to die."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="319bf0bcd9081c5a07e8e5774783269d"emu"Jeremiah!" Elijah scowls at his younger sibling, but he doesn't flinch. /u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1c92465190491e73121316f00af2bb8e"emu"What? There's fifteen of us total. What's the chances of us all making it out alive? We don't know where we can go, or who we can turn to."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="338e78c33617cba8b4a988b83cc9de29"emu"Meme and Pawpaw are still in Arkansas," Katelyn says, "And so is Dad-"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ffbadeb292113bf0801bee8586195c49"emu"Who might possibly be dead."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f9533341d58ab7c299985d57701c5434"emu"You need to stop that right now," Joey says. "No one is going to die."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7cde98195f86612299edf46ce74af311"emuJeremiah points at him and chuckles. "Now that is a lie."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="16894192d6cdd51ca3c96d2c3d6cc9c1"emu"What do you think, Singer?" Wes asks, eyeing the brunette girl beside him. She turns at the sound of her nickname and gives him a raised brow./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d0740186a8dda7af286a95bc8e41f5de"emu"What do I think about it?"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="37b593a192a56b1cae28afcc4577194d"emu"Usually you are very vocal on your opinions. What do you think?"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b891bcd85136c9f12063788860ddc6cf"emu"About the dead walking or my cousin's comment?" She asks, and Wes's silence tells her the answer./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="428243c4d8e7591f2055f410f00425b7"emuThe girl known as 'Singer' sighs and looks down at her sister. "I think the dead are walking, and if they're defined as zombies then that's what this is: The zombie apocalypse. And I know that with this disease... some of us will die."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="88c029af846aee627c3486dc0b40d759"emuJulia stiffens. "That's not true-"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d27cf657ebaa3b89cb915b89cf80e180"emu"It is. You know it is. And it probably won't be some of us, it will be most of us. But guess what?" She spats, clenching her fist in determination. "Most of the people in this house are going to die, but I won't be one of them."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="51cb9e245e02ff74880c0c1b0fb31e63"•/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3202404c89fe5c2ccd178c83bd8e3486"I was right. I stayed true to that my promise, although a part of me wishes I hadn't. A part of me wishes I'd died the first time death knocked on my door./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="2ad20e4eb54a4ec913a9c2e9648eb37d"emToo bad other people insisted on answering it for me./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1ff8f3d367fc26ec64188d9a25209e53"I lean against the wooden wall and push my feet into my sleeping mat, trying to ground myself into reality. The memory of that day-the day the zombies came to Virginia-led to many more painful decisions and mistakes that I'll forever regret./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="84ee664e1d0ea1f5ce1a7d7b98382166"A blanket is draped over me, the soft fabric brushing against my skin and I bristle. I look up and Sam smiles sheepishly./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ebe5bb5f810fdd4912ca32991e6c8783""You looked cold," Is all he says./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="da59c2a1b5ecbe70321478bc1290049d"I rub my arms, noticing the goosebumps that are all on my arms. I give him a small smile of appreciation as he sits down beside me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="977b82caa54e5fc4da493baece089570""Guess there's another thing we'll have to look into, yeah?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b32fc1b09400053417f0ad14d5f81070"I nod, shifting under the blanket to show my hands. 'But will we?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="10ec3c98f20f01110b4953dc735a6c6a""Hopefully, but we have other things we have to do, plus we still have the question about your helo-"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="866d225006fbda63c34c6b23ee9570c8"'Which we have no leads on.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7829cab84171a0142b761c136647e6ae""And the vaccine."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e979e9c10f61fe22ebba906e8d449cbb"'Which has been put on hold.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7d02649d665841556875450dc35581e8""And now this."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e03d291dd7563eecc4b1997ef29c8ec1"emLet's not forget about Project Greenshoot./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="14dd22d4551e1edc32e08615871bdfc6""But if Janine wants us to check it out anytime soon she'll be sure to tell us," He continues. "I know that much."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9b4e37e103802c1ce01a72d9e18e2a30"'You think she'll tell both of us? She might think I ask too many questions after she questioned me.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d7904573fef3bc9c64a108948c11da17"Sam snorts. "I ask way more questions than you do, Five. If anyone annoys Janine by asking too many questions, it's me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b55ebe7dcbb0b8d052bde111955223c6""And you know how Janine is-snappy, doesn't know how to really smile, slightly terrifying, could probably break your arm in two point five seconds." I giggle at that, and Sam grins. "See? You know I'm right."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3f39540f36832d31f9cb1b2c132c2649"'Yeah, yeah I do. I guess I've just never had so many questions swirling around my head since the start of the apocalypse.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5c851b7a30699b26a072d93d80a57017"emAnd unfortunately some of them are emotional related./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8613c0b5ead1c39807238d4281c21c62""Yeah, I think the only questions I'd ask before you came was, 'how do I keep my runners alive today?' And 'how do I stay alive today?'"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a8f754fa2870217669bb1b2f68e1d6fe"'And how many more questions do you have now?' I ask with a small smile./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="048cf946174c02369bc29c25b56f8490""About six," He answers. "Who shot down your helicopter? Is there really a chance of a vaccine? What's Van Ark hiding? Is Paula alive?" He opens his mouth to say more, but then hesitates, and after doing the quick math I see there's still two questions he hasn't said./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e34a4e5f856c72c91b8f327138493f20"Sam's eyes are turned away from me, but after nudging his arm with my elbow I gain his attention. 'And?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3e496ef3098391e543babb61d73b8cec"He sighs. "What's Runner Five's name, and why doesn't she want anyone to know it?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e58c2aa1a7fe17e8cc44caedeab14660"It takes everything ounce of restraint in my not to cringe./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="45bfef97dda0b0edde0beda5d689e632""I know you said you wanted to leave the past in the past and all that but there's this feeling like there's something more to it," He explains before quickly saying, "I-I'm not going to pester you about it or anything but I know some others talk a bit."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7a4386634629dc1baf505455dfb0122b"He snickers. "Someone said he thinks you were a criminal before the apocalypse, not that I think that of anything."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6ca5be57b66a1d8fbd3c590c2204bdfa"I roll my eyes. 'Oh, I actually was a criminal. I was known for stealing juice boxes and tick-tacks from my local Walmart. The Township does know I'm only fifteen, right? I mean, I look like I'm twelve."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c3d0ded2bd8aa6d2f157fb3a2ef4d9f0"Now it's Sam's turn to roll his eyes. "No, you don't. Not twelve anyway. And actually a lot of people think you're a lot older than you really are since you're such a good runner."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b046b6259ba38cd521f6377dff04ded6"'I'm a runner, not a good runner.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d24f453693ea569f2cbfc4aba695b96a""Stop being modest. You're a good runner."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="463df62a62729969e68235bc7eb2f20d"'I was considered average at Mullins,' I shrug./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8a50b5929c4428fead882d36a77055d8""Well, you're definitely not considered average to Abel," Sam responds cheerfully, but I notice that the word 'Abel' seemed choked out, like he was going to say something else but then decided against it the last second./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7f96aec64076271150a60d2321613362"Knowing I'm fighting a losing argument, I change the subject to something else, knowing Sam will see this as an acceptance of his praise and move on./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="33fa03cdc2c60b17b92b23e7f9aca492"But that night, when everyone's asleep, I give Sam back the blanket he gave up for me. There's never enough in an apocalypse, so sharing is something we all must do. But I give up the blanket not just to be of good character, but because I don't deserve it. I don't deserve anyone's kindness, even if it feels good to receive it./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f8dd8f97a65805894f0f904f3e3dc882"Fifteen people. We started out as a group of fifteen people. Fast forward a month later twelve are dead; Another year thirteen; Skip to now quite possibly fourteen, but I like to think I'm not the only one in that group who's still alive./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e8ed0bcb1d1a21f4b326affe857b248b"But thirteen people dead. Thirteen lives gone, and it's all my fault./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="97a6f8ad3b64940102de91160d678ecd"I killed every single one of them./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0fd25aaba1d24a055bdf864a218ec00b"strongA/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please be sure to vote and comment because I love hearing from you. Thanks and have a blessed day!/strongu/uspan style="text-decoration: line-through;"/span/p
p data-p-id="4938a4ce4d482fcbd0cf5953e74d0272"I'm just glad they're separated./p
p data-p-id="35b85b69b249422d9a7fa03009c8867b"But even with the silence, or the closest I can get to it, my mind is screaming./p
p data-p-id="31fdd2e5a7b449cd69c3f0042e4a8578"emAnother question. Another mystery. Another thought to plague my mind. And even if Janine wants me to find out what this is about, what about the vaccine? What about Pro. Van Ark and whatever he's hiding? What about Project Greenshoot?/em/p
p data-p-id="32256863087ec72a87cd8d19ad7496c7"emWhat about the rocket launcher and who shot my helicopter down? What about justice for Sierra?/em/p
p data-p-id="405b610738a33afe455e772c9fc94d8c"I press my palms against my eyes and sighem, /emalthough I barely hear it over my raging mind and the sound of the shower. I feel the heels of my feet begin to slide forward, as my back begins to slide down, but I do nothing to keep myself upright. When I reach into a sitting position on the shower floor, I don't move, except for the action of drawing my knees to my chest so I can wrap my arms around them./p
p data-p-id="4000e1ba2d1e04afba4999bc68f9e8df"emI came here for one mission and this is what I get in return. Confusion, mysteries, friends who I didn't intend to make, three kids who follow my every move, and a freaking crush on my radio operator./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c84bec17e19b07e46d8132c0c9f94d32"emAnd a partridge in a pear tree./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a487af2bd5a7f8ff018fe6abfcaa3edb"At least that last bit makes me feel a little bit better./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="13c208e5cc9fca3d040ae09fb31136a0"But then my thoughts take a turn, on how Wes would've had at least one of these things figured out by now. Joey would've thought of it all, or at least had some theory on it. Jessica or Julia would definitely have pieced a few things together if it were them./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a36084d1dba69f1e8cb04773b4223ef0"But it's not them. It's me, because I'm alive and they're all dead along with the others... and it's all my fault./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="360f46b25f169b6d1b162575d24ecd19"Suddenly the shower curtain is ripped open, and if I had the voice I would scream. I pull my knees closer to my chest and Summer-only wearing a towel herself-looks at me with a mildly surprised expression./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ba9a21def5d974befb85aa294fd61c4c""Haven't seen a conservative runner in a long time," She chuckles before raising up a shoulder in a half shrug. "You know, because we constantly have to change at any given moment for surprise missions."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="646d849a20943977051d0ded103c7606"I nod quickly, wanting her to get to the point of why the hell she decided to have a conversation with me while I'm showering. I would ask, but seeing how I don't want to show anything I keep my arms wrapped around my knees, which does an adequate job of hiding my small chest./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5ef82b01887510d97c6cc8fd3fe452a4""Anyway, your time's almost up for the showers. I thought it'd be better if it was me telling you than Rajit so..." Her voice trails off as she chucks a towel at my face, causing me to let out a huff from my nose. "Get dried off and dressed, sweetheart. I'm sure there Janine's dying to know what you saw back there anyway. I know I am."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f6c3bef2c71fc9963aa5d6fed0190efe"With that I hear the rings of the shower curtain clink against the bar as she closes it, giving me privacy once more. I push myself up to my feet and run the towel against my skin and hair, doing just enough to make me look like a person and not a drowned rat before grabbing my clothing from outside the shower and slipping it on./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f4e868e3cd300d37df97d618387bb974"When I leave the showers, Summer is waiting there for me. "Come on, I was told to take you to Janine."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="002e5f023bb12e1e7ee5a1abb2a1b200"'Never do that again,' I say with a semi-harsh glare, but the tan skinned girl just laughs./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="abdb807cee77076b8a3c52d65832160f""Had to get your attention somehow. I'd already called your name, but you didn't answer, and yes, I know you're mute," She says with a raised hand when I start to sign out an answer, "But you didn't even poke your head out or anything. And when I opened the curtain you seemed pretty out of it. Everything okay?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8f65f69ca60cd3075bc643bba8df087d"'Even if I weren't I wouldn't discuss my shower thoughts with you,' I reply as sassy as I can with no voice./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7526bd3c67faac2c4ef885e9a14f70f2""As apposed to you telling someone else?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b7e6173192c93113f2986fe1c705da99"I roll my eyes at her words but don't reply. Instead I change the subject. 'Does Janine want me to meet her in the armory, like last time?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="da36e36fad288ae5dc26df3ff43eeec8""No, since this isn't as crucial as it was with you being questioned and considered a potential threat to the Township she said you could meet her in her farmhouse," She explains, taking the bait. "But if you do sound suspicious in any way I don't doubt that Janine will shoot you without hesitation."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="cce71b6d6672516dcdc2dbec30417d17"I nod slowly at that, but since something like this was found at the beginning of the outbreak and I was in America at the time, I know there's no way this one can be pinned on me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="cf4d121746b33d4031b5346e7057abb3"emUnless it could somehow be related to Project Greenshoot./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="05f49f1116b1ed4aeaef800518c0ecb2""Come on, Jody and Sarah have already told Janine what they saw. Let's not keep her waiting."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="95642ecd71b75dccb362d057dbc5195c"She gives me a small smile and swivels toward the right, her wet hair whipping around with her and nearly hitting her in the face. I follow right behind her tail as she marches along to the farmhouse./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="2de32a3e1c37c2bb39c748aed0717f6a"When we reach the porch, Summer doesn't hesitate to stride over to the door, open it, and walk right in, not even bothering to knock. I leisurely go inside after a few seconds pause, and I make my way into the living room, since that's the only room of this house I've ever been into. Janine and Summer are waiting for me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8f300e9f69a01e21802df041c19a7c4c""Runner Five, there you are," Janine says in her business-like voice, and I nod. "I just wanted to ask you if there was anything you might have seen while Sarah and Jody were out scouting the area. Since I haven't gotten around to learn sign language Miss Swan will be telling me your answers. Was there anything you saw since you stayed with the guns?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7a4d3e282444193c750334387fb5b38d"emAnd corpses, /emI add mentally./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="78b5ed1f046c7b122d4174b191c7d7b0"I shrug casually. 'Not really. There wasn't anyone I saw, which is odd since even if those people were to sprint Sarah or Jody would've seen them when they scouted the area.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="83f2d9c1aa09608dd3f90c17fb0efceb""Why do you think there was more than person?" She asks after Summer tells her my reply./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f483bfae94029ee7c0285d8c2439e826"'Because there was more than one gun left. We couldn't carry them all so there's no way one person could have taken them there, and I could hear multiple guns being fired.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c666633a10ec3f6f4dddcb0773354212"Janine's lips press together firmly in thought. "I see, and what about these tones that you heard?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e3e6e4579e80d78f5ff33b27328f07ea"'It sounded like music, but not normal music,' I pause as I try to think of a good way to explain what I mean. 'It sounded like someone tried to mix a song played by an organ with auto tune and it didn't mix well.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="201a04ad2f579f2242270ff2c0302706"Janine blinks, and from the small bit of tension in her face I can see she's trying to find a way to respond to that. Summer is wearing the exact same look./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a3b2b31d0ecb7c0154d3d34b1ad132af"'Are we going to look for any clues as to what could have happened?' I ask, and Summer immediately tells my words to Janine./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1bb588e81e47fb96183fd69fceccac5c""We'll try to send out runners to investigate, but we have many more things we must look into. I believe you know what I mean."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8997400ca3474699c9bf2ab9483c8ad3"'Is my mission one of them?' I ask, cringing slightly since I know not many people are supposed to know about this./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="936e978eadf7a893c9526ee14b85ab82"The tan skinned girl gives me a questioning look as she repeats my words, and she flinches when Janine's face hardens./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9881fc1b66fb79650590374fa471b5ed""Runner Five, I believe Runner Eight told you the current circumstances of your mission and why it has been put on hold. I expect you to refrain from asking any questions to me or anyone else," She snaps, the bite in her voice very obvious. "Do I make myself clear?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5b965f43f86da261417c88769b8ec197"'Crystal.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9c6731913a3e3a67a752600b76286350""You may go."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="44563fe5956b71e3e0bb89d77390c258"I stand silently, ignoring the confusion on Summer's face as I make my way to the door. Once outside, I notice someone sitting in the steps of the porch. He turns around at the sound of my feet hitting against the wood beneath me, and I give a weary smile./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="16cffdd343369cefe3d516a8b4ccf920"'Hello, Caleb.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0a8a643b4b58e650cd0c1487f3e454e9""Hey," He says with a grin. "Heard you had some fun today."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a20571422795929d839eaab44917c27e"I roll my eyes. 'Depends just on how you define fun.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="68f5703ad27f5a1b52392d06c345607f""Yeah, I guess I should say I heard you had an exciting time today," He laughs./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="413a589ec07905ee1a004e6a82c7bfab"'That actually is true.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="458160557642df9dd830d301ea92ab25""Running zombies, huh? Guess you've never seen that before."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9588ebfda2a82b3e94ab93a037e7b629"'I've never seen them before with zoms that that were so... decayed,' I correct. 'I would question it but everyone else already is.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="641df6ee4feb7de0ad4242205bd19863""Ah, so that was what you were in there for," He says in a knowing voice, I nod in response./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="df1cdda8233262e15006c43cc6ba09dc"'It wasn't really just questioning,' I state, and Caleb sends me a raised brow, 'I mean, it was until I asked about other things.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0146a6a9fd5dfa912546bf2400b53b72""Other secret things that you can't tell me about?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="af5d59b5b8b09c4750d3fcbf440f4e0c"I nod, and Caleb sighs as he stands. "Figures."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="db6c2b0fad9d52677d9c4553f8ea028f"I shrug, wanting to say sorry but not doing so because it would only be a half-truth. 'I think it was mostly because Summer was in there telling her what I said. Don't know why she didn't just have Sam in there since he knows more than she does.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a207a97a3fa01b60f266166d4320809e"emHe of course doesn't know about Project Greenshoot but he does know about the search for a vaccine and Patient Twenty-nine./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="35203738b0d49a3827ee35789db0e725""Ah, yes, because we know you'd love to spend more time with Sam," Caleb teases, I dart my eyes to the right, finding the end of the porch railing much more interesting than Caleb's wide eyed expression./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c46e6b0ba5a445f036d591106da03bdd""You're not rolling your eyes," He says before gasping over-dramatically. "You actually do like him!"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="4b182824e694aa9e5be225100e97cae8"I send him a harsh glare but don't deny it. 'Can we not talk about this here on Janine's front porch?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="48fe704ea79f0f3d65d779671c81af96""Sure," He answers with a shrug. He hops off the porch and starts walking with me following right behind./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="92168937a203596839b7e945a0dc906a""I totally called it though," Caleb smirks, but I just send him an unamused look. "But why would you think he would be in there instead of Summer?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0b36a554230d593bc3296d0176d04dbc"'Because he knows a bit more than she does,' I reply./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7bb5222e9b202cf72fc4c0712584a66c""About?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="61b874254e8674447e9d085c1d0d98d1"'He knows about one of the secret missions that Summer doesn't.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6ddf5607aa8856fbde86f409a2d477ae"Caleb huffs out a laugh. "So many secrets."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="727e439bac4fb696e47e243076c19b3d"'That's just how it is,' I say with a half smile./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ee2010748125b83612a89ce9b5b5d6f7""So are you going to investigate whatever happened on this mission?" He asks. "There wasn't much told on this mission either. People are starting to get suspicious."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="29a3291771fb025bcb9cb98cb4337ed5"'We will soon, I think. I hope. If nothing else comes up it should be scheduled in between normal runs.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e23f8eb092eb732b12192020180950f2""If nothing comes up?" He tips his head to the side slightly. "What does that mean?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c83081485d00331dacc891ec016995b8"'A lot of my other secret missions have been put on hold because of another secret mission coming up or something threatening makes us have to put it on hold.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7e7497411349b22a7343358b6a2e6121"Caleb's brows knit together at that. "You were threatened?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7c1da5b79d7cf67658d18e008af769b9"'Not exactly. It's complicated.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="84f21dc7748ac3b268fd11c851dd557f""I'm sure."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6cffdd4fa81b101541eb796348d6549b"'So where's the trio?' I ask, itching to change the subject./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8ce21b4d3dcb3876628382c0fe1ccf11""Penelope's with Molly, I think; Don't know where Milo is and Willis was going to come but then he accidentally called you 'mom' again and changed his mind."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ae564cc211d9c6a564bd5991056b916d"I frown at that, but don't say anything on it, but the redhead notices immediately./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="93aed5c67907187bd9f98cff75f4919f""They idolize you, you know. That's why-"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="663da63c23ce402c052dd56c567fcf11"'I know that's why,' I sign. 'That's why I dislike it.' I take a quick step back. 'I'm a runner, not a hero.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="124bd4c94c8a75e9fe5f66a05fb0f9f4""To them you are."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9eaebe7f66c9cd23406c67f93bb3cec0"'Well, I shouldn't be,' I scowl with narrow eyes. My mind says the words I don't say aloud./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6ee9b37f7bcc2290a631711b9ba7afdc"emI don't deserve to be./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="edcb3d27ced58299abd269aa6782660b""Why not?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="79ce6c46fe384794996e6a5226d63c30"emBecause I'm not a good person./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8222ad3b47ceeeaab4bdd3ee4780852e"'Because I'm just a runner.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="20bc6f1ddb5055cf9ab39c7111fbe4c5"And the last person who actually thought of me as anything more than that is deadem. /emAnd it's my fault./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="2a940265ff8b580f73bdab2efc6fab9a"emI guess that goes for everyone who thought that. Not just the last./em/p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="53fe0881d8553a8d801dfb95b88f4e40"•/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="92b205c16e791b620d3aefec8767f85d"emuSix children sit in an old attic-cold, dark, and terrifying. A twelve-year-old brunette girl, soon to be known Runner Forty-three, sits in the middle of the room with her ten-year-old sister. Three of her cousins are the the room, while the fourth and oldest is down with her mother and Great Aunt and Great Uncle./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="23325e28bf46ca7884630302d9816fb9"emuShe looks over at Wes, who's talking his /u/ememuto /u/ememuolder brother Joey. She doesn't understand why he was sent to keep watch over us. Elijah is only a few months young/u/ememuer/u/ememu than him so he could do a more than adequate job of doing so./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1c95093b85287f41f07bbfd5457b6d07"emu"Where's your parents and sisters?" Elijah asks lowly to the two brothers./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="15ae733efb20a8df714d948957021f19"emu"Downstairs in the kitchen, looking for any food," Joey answers as he crosses his arms and leans against the closed door. /u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="4a2cfc3eae6753a74c258c798d675cd5"emu"I think dad's looking for guns," Julia pipes up as she tightens her ponytail. The brunette cousin can't help but notice how filthy her second-cousin's beautiful hair has gotten over the past few days./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b67252ceb3c54b28a8b6b8ab8ef9b144"emu"Where will we even go after this?" Elijah asks. "We can't go home. We can't stay in this random house forever. And according to the news the disease or whatever it is is in other countries too."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="afc2340082a2ca9b6ecdd0ba5c5f17d9"emu"Why can't we go home? To our home?" Wes asks as he sits down besides Katelyn and her sister. "We don't know if they've reached Arkansas yet. We're several states away. My house is on a hill, maybe we can-"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1bcca99294b098fe63bb9970b917d257"emu"There's no way we can get from Virginia to Arkansas before the zombies do," Jeremiah interrupts, speaking for the first time since they all got here./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d14a159d432da846954e6624638cc024"emu"Zombies?" Katelyn repeats quietly, but her sister is to pull her close as her blonde cousin shakes her head./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9b6b572175a10ae569947be36eadb4a2"emu"No, there's no such thing as zombies," Julia says before the soon-to-be-runner can./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3bd5941a54859fadccde3462815afd02"emu"Don't lie," Jeremiah snaps./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5bef6b2bdc160e7957c0438f5a5c76d3"emu"You're the one that's lying. There's no such thing as zombies."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f08cfdaa79f5ddf1bdfe6b19c5b8bed0"emu"They die and come back as rotting flesh bags," He argues. "If that's not zombies than I don't know what is. It's not a lie, and neither is saying some of us are going to die."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="319bf0bcd9081c5a07e8e5774783269d"emu"Jeremiah!" Elijah scowls at his younger sibling, but he doesn't flinch. /u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1c92465190491e73121316f00af2bb8e"emu"What? There's fifteen of us total. What's the chances of us all making it out alive? We don't know where we can go, or who we can turn to."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="338e78c33617cba8b4a988b83cc9de29"emu"Meme and Pawpaw are still in Arkansas," Katelyn says, "And so is Dad-"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ffbadeb292113bf0801bee8586195c49"emu"Who might possibly be dead."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f9533341d58ab7c299985d57701c5434"emu"You need to stop that right now," Joey says. "No one is going to die."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7cde98195f86612299edf46ce74af311"emuJeremiah points at him and chuckles. "Now that is a lie."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="16894192d6cdd51ca3c96d2c3d6cc9c1"emu"What do you think, Singer?" Wes asks, eyeing the brunette girl beside him. She turns at the sound of her nickname and gives him a raised brow./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d0740186a8dda7af286a95bc8e41f5de"emu"What do I think about it?"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="37b593a192a56b1cae28afcc4577194d"emu"Usually you are very vocal on your opinions. What do you think?"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b891bcd85136c9f12063788860ddc6cf"emu"About the dead walking or my cousin's comment?" She asks, and Wes's silence tells her the answer./u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="428243c4d8e7591f2055f410f00425b7"emuThe girl known as 'Singer' sighs and looks down at her sister. "I think the dead are walking, and if they're defined as zombies then that's what this is: The zombie apocalypse. And I know that with this disease... some of us will die."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="88c029af846aee627c3486dc0b40d759"emuJulia stiffens. "That's not true-"/u/em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d27cf657ebaa3b89cb915b89cf80e180"emu"It is. You know it is. And it probably won't be some of us, it will be most of us. But guess what?" She spats, clenching her fist in determination. "Most of the people in this house are going to die, but I won't be one of them."/u/em/p
p style="text-align: center;" data-p-id="51cb9e245e02ff74880c0c1b0fb31e63"•/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3202404c89fe5c2ccd178c83bd8e3486"I was right. I stayed true to that my promise, although a part of me wishes I hadn't. A part of me wishes I'd died the first time death knocked on my door./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="2ad20e4eb54a4ec913a9c2e9648eb37d"emToo bad other people insisted on answering it for me./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="1ff8f3d367fc26ec64188d9a25209e53"I lean against the wooden wall and push my feet into my sleeping mat, trying to ground myself into reality. The memory of that day-the day the zombies came to Virginia-led to many more painful decisions and mistakes that I'll forever regret./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="84ee664e1d0ea1f5ce1a7d7b98382166"A blanket is draped over me, the soft fabric brushing against my skin and I bristle. I look up and Sam smiles sheepishly./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="ebe5bb5f810fdd4912ca32991e6c8783""You looked cold," Is all he says./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="da59c2a1b5ecbe70321478bc1290049d"I rub my arms, noticing the goosebumps that are all on my arms. I give him a small smile of appreciation as he sits down beside me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="977b82caa54e5fc4da493baece089570""Guess there's another thing we'll have to look into, yeah?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b32fc1b09400053417f0ad14d5f81070"I nod, shifting under the blanket to show my hands. 'But will we?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="10ec3c98f20f01110b4953dc735a6c6a""Hopefully, but we have other things we have to do, plus we still have the question about your helo-"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="866d225006fbda63c34c6b23ee9570c8"'Which we have no leads on.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7829cab84171a0142b761c136647e6ae""And the vaccine."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e979e9c10f61fe22ebba906e8d449cbb"'Which has been put on hold.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7d02649d665841556875450dc35581e8""And now this."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e03d291dd7563eecc4b1997ef29c8ec1"emLet's not forget about Project Greenshoot./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="14dd22d4551e1edc32e08615871bdfc6""But if Janine wants us to check it out anytime soon she'll be sure to tell us," He continues. "I know that much."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="9b4e37e103802c1ce01a72d9e18e2a30"'You think she'll tell both of us? She might think I ask too many questions after she questioned me.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d7904573fef3bc9c64a108948c11da17"Sam snorts. "I ask way more questions than you do, Five. If anyone annoys Janine by asking too many questions, it's me./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b55ebe7dcbb0b8d052bde111955223c6""And you know how Janine is-snappy, doesn't know how to really smile, slightly terrifying, could probably break your arm in two point five seconds." I giggle at that, and Sam grins. "See? You know I'm right."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3f39540f36832d31f9cb1b2c132c2649"'Yeah, yeah I do. I guess I've just never had so many questions swirling around my head since the start of the apocalypse.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="5c851b7a30699b26a072d93d80a57017"emAnd unfortunately some of them are emotional related./em/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8613c0b5ead1c39807238d4281c21c62""Yeah, I think the only questions I'd ask before you came was, 'how do I keep my runners alive today?' And 'how do I stay alive today?'"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="a8f754fa2870217669bb1b2f68e1d6fe"'And how many more questions do you have now?' I ask with a small smile./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="048cf946174c02369bc29c25b56f8490""About six," He answers. "Who shot down your helicopter? Is there really a chance of a vaccine? What's Van Ark hiding? Is Paula alive?" He opens his mouth to say more, but then hesitates, and after doing the quick math I see there's still two questions he hasn't said./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e34a4e5f856c72c91b8f327138493f20"Sam's eyes are turned away from me, but after nudging his arm with my elbow I gain his attention. 'And?'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="3e496ef3098391e543babb61d73b8cec"He sighs. "What's Runner Five's name, and why doesn't she want anyone to know it?"/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e58c2aa1a7fe17e8cc44caedeab14660"It takes everything ounce of restraint in my not to cringe./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="45bfef97dda0b0edde0beda5d689e632""I know you said you wanted to leave the past in the past and all that but there's this feeling like there's something more to it," He explains before quickly saying, "I-I'm not going to pester you about it or anything but I know some others talk a bit."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7a4386634629dc1baf505455dfb0122b"He snickers. "Someone said he thinks you were a criminal before the apocalypse, not that I think that of anything."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="6ca5be57b66a1d8fbd3c590c2204bdfa"I roll my eyes. 'Oh, I actually was a criminal. I was known for stealing juice boxes and tick-tacks from my local Walmart. The Township does know I'm only fifteen, right? I mean, I look like I'm twelve."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="c3d0ded2bd8aa6d2f157fb3a2ef4d9f0"Now it's Sam's turn to roll his eyes. "No, you don't. Not twelve anyway. And actually a lot of people think you're a lot older than you really are since you're such a good runner."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="b046b6259ba38cd521f6377dff04ded6"'I'm a runner, not a good runner.'/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="d24f453693ea569f2cbfc4aba695b96a""Stop being modest. You're a good runner."/p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="463df62a62729969e68235bc7eb2f20d"'I was considered average at Mullins,' I shrug./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="8a50b5929c4428fead882d36a77055d8""Well, you're definitely not considered average to Abel," Sam responds cheerfully, but I notice that the word 'Abel' seemed choked out, like he was going to say something else but then decided against it the last second./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="7f96aec64076271150a60d2321613362"Knowing I'm fighting a losing argument, I change the subject to something else, knowing Sam will see this as an acceptance of his praise and move on./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="33fa03cdc2c60b17b92b23e7f9aca492"But that night, when everyone's asleep, I give Sam back the blanket he gave up for me. There's never enough in an apocalypse, so sharing is something we all must do. But I give up the blanket not just to be of good character, but because I don't deserve it. I don't deserve anyone's kindness, even if it feels good to receive it./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="f8dd8f97a65805894f0f904f3e3dc882"Fifteen people. We started out as a group of fifteen people. Fast forward a month later twelve are dead; Another year thirteen; Skip to now quite possibly fourteen, but I like to think I'm not the only one in that group who's still alive./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="e8ed0bcb1d1a21f4b326affe857b248b"But thirteen people dead. Thirteen lives gone, and it's all my fault./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="97a6f8ad3b64940102de91160d678ecd"I killed every single one of them./p
p style="text-align: left;" data-p-id="0fd25aaba1d24a055bdf864a218ec00b"strongA/N: Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please be sure to vote and comment because I love hearing from you. Thanks and have a blessed day!/strongu/uspan style="text-decoration: line-through;"/span/p