August 5th, 2026, San Francisco, California.
"People among the streets are already rising in riots."
"The virus caused by the ALZ-113 drug have caused citizens to die within a few days. Take caution of the infected, follow all precautions in schools, work, everywhere."
"The CDC suggest that the cause of the breakout was from the escaped apes a week ago. It is known that the apes who inhaled the ALZ-113 drug are to be contagious as of carrying the virus. As proceeded to take caution, if in contact of an ape shoot on sight!"
"Those who aren't killed by the virus. Will probably die in the fighting. So, maybe this is it. Maybe this is how it ends. Pretty soon... There won't be anyone left."
There are people left. Upon the Colony, many are around in one place. New York, where Tom Ross' community resides.
Hell... everywhere actually. If one may even look of course.
"This is nice..." I whisper. Away from the city limits. Away from the crowded buildings amd everyone else. It's nice.
"We can't stay out here for too long" the forefront of my mind hears my brother's words, but faintly. This is the best part about the supply runs,. I'm able to go farther away from the Colony. Climb up on one of the houses to take in the fresh air and just... be grateful that I'm alive.
Is it selfish to be so grateful of being alive? Maybe. My heart aches for all the lost souls who died during the ten years. If I had, to be honest, I'm not afraid. Half of that is a lie. I'm afraid to live in this world.
I'm not afraid to die someday. I keep hope near my soul, but it can disappear like a speck of dust. The dust being so frail and could easily be wiped away. I'll continue to hang on; to hope, for everyone and most importantly, my family.
As Jess always said, 'Family is all.'
Someday I will die, there is always a reason. I know that once I do. That I'll be at peace. Away from the madness that struck into desolate wastelands. I hover my fingertips gently over the tattoo that is wrapped around my forearm. I'm not entirely sure as to why the minor chose this design.
Swirls of ink are closed in around my fingers, flowing above my wrist. The intricate designs are of flecks of feathers being ripped away. Five of the feathers remained to be in place of the black ink swirls. Untouched from the harm of the world, never sinned, never done wrong. To be fair the only thing I said to the minor who done my tattoo was "Go crazy." Bile had stung my throat throughout the whole process of the needle piercing my flesh. Tears threatened to appear in my eyes. God it was so many hours of whimpering and swearing softly under my breath. The sixth feather was.. well it connected with the swirls. Being apart of the chaos and madness. I dedicated that feather to Carrie.
Who would the other two be? The only four people that have been in my presence for ten years and taken care of me has been my father, George Grant. My brother, Tanner Grant, a dead girlfriend of my father's, and Hope Rodman. Despite Hope being the niece of the man who had caused the Outbreak. It was one hell of a convincing to actually like Hope in the beginning. I hated that my brother was dating the niece of a damned scientist. Let's just say It took three years to finally warm up to her.
"Yeah let's go" with that being said I climbed back down from the house. Supply runs haven't been doing great for awhile. Less food, which is more important now that fall is coming. Then it will be winter, more harsher and more harder to get any food at all.
"Wait-let's check one of the old pharmacies nearby. Hope mentioned the infirmary is low on medicine now." My head shifted back to the path of the Colony. He was right. Medicine is running lower now like the food. I nodded towards my brother for him to lead on. We did have to leave soon before nightfall. Mainly because of the wild animals that roam around at night.
Though we did good on other supplies- really good if I say so myself. With a lot of the material we've found I would be able to trade some of it in the merchandise market back home. I always kept an open mind when my brother and I come around these old neighborhoods. Signs for any animals such as rabbits, squirrels, hell even a deer if we're lucky enough. Our attention is mainly for those that are rogue survivors.
But most importantly... any signs of apes.
Part of my mind will want to shoot one on instinct, but the other part wants to show sympathy. I'm still cautious about the Simian Flu. Even after so many years it's probably gone. The apes might possess the drug in them. They're all gone as I know. There was a forest fire here in the San Francisco's Muir Woods when the Simian Flu was introduced in 2016. The firestorm was brutal from what Hope told me. There's no way that any ape survived in the Muir Woods. I noticed the glassy look in Hope's lightened gaze. Was she sad that those apes have died?
Everyone else back home still believes that the apes are still out here. One of the many reasons why there's security.
I clicked my tongue in annoyance as we searched through an old pharmacy. Seriously did people just swallow the pills and leave the bottle? I threw the little bottle to the side hearing it clatter and began to rummage through the shelves.
"Find anything, Tanner?" I waited for his response, but the store was utterly quiet "Tanner come on" I swear to god he better not sneak up on me...
"Miriam out here!" A wave of relief hit me as I heard his voice from outside. In truth I've been mostly doing supply runs for the last three years. Mainly with my friend, Julia Matthews. We both go willingly to look for any supplies; clothes, ammo, weapons, food, pretty much anything that is of use.
"Whoever the son of a bitch that was here before us left a lot of good supplies." My excitement excelled as I quickened my pace, "Wait do you mean some food?".
"More than food uh- some syringes full of anesthesia, penicillin, blankets, clothes, hell. A lot of good stuff. Look at this though." His hand stretched out with miniature cards. I automatically grabbed the cards as I recognized a symbol. The U.S. Army?
The U.S. Army were in charge of the quarantine camps when the Outbreak first hit. These cards were ration cards, shit, they never did much use for my family back in Utah. There were three of us and we only got one loaf of bread, and a few meal kits that didn't even last a week. Then... I don't know. The army just left and headed up north. Pretty much abandoning the last few survivors in the quarantine camps.
"So, what, the person before us was a soldier who kept an eye on supplies?"
"Looks like it. If there was someone here before us then yeah, maybe they were a soldier or another survivor. My guess was that the fool died from the looks of it."
I blinked and glanced towards the concrete sidewalk. Multiple old blood stains, my chest caved from the sight of it. Of course a graffiti symbol on the wall immediately caught my attention. Causing bile to sting my throat from the faded image.
Alpha-Omega.
"Miriam! Tanner! Hurry up we gotta go!"
"Hold on Preacher!" Turning back to my brother we gathered all that we could into our backpacks. Our shoes begin crunching above the gravel as we run off. Going past the old neighborhoods and little stores that came our way. One house caught my eye that I've been dying to check out.
Hope's home.
Her uncle's house actually, maybe find some of his old records and stuff about the drug that mutated into what it was years ago. As far as I know the house is probably ransacked of anything. Unless I'm lucky enough to find something of his research.
Every step that we've made finally reached Preacher. A guy whom I've been great friends with for a few years and is in security. Bad with the shooting range of a gun, but is excellent with a crossbow.
"What you got scared being alone out here?" Tanner joked as he punched Preacher in the arm who laughed along with him, "Shut up man you know how your guy's dad is when it gets late".
"We know, we know Preacher" I reply patting him on the back with a sly smile. I honestly couldn't wait to get back home. Finally can have more time to myself and put the paint I found a few weeks ago to good use. So awhile it rains tomorrow... boy it will be a peaceful and relaxing day for me.
Once we all enter the tunnels Preacher locks up the opening as we go down the path. The reason for even going through the old tunnels is to avoid any wild animals that could attack us on the way to the city. Which we learned quickly from a few incidents that happened with the minors. By the time we finally get home it was dusk, almost nightfall. Alright, I still have enough time to trade the material I found for something.
"Tanner do you mind unloading the stuff we found once you get to the Police Station? Gotta head to the merchandise market on the way home before it closes".
"Sure Miri, don't do anything reckless" Tanner replied, with a hint of humor in his voice.
"Since when am I reckless?" My smile grew as I ran outside and towards the unfinished mall. Lanterns were dimly lit on the streets, people riding bikes or walking home to eat with their families. Same thing everyday, makes me think of how far we've come. I made an effort to greet and wave at people awhile I hurried my pace. Today the merchandise market's items were on sale. So I would definitely be able to purchase some paintbrushes that were handmade by civilians that worked in the textile industry of the Colony.
"Excuse me! Coming through!" I yell excitedly as I slip past people who snapped at me in annoyance and grimaced as I rushed inside of the unfinished mall. It took me a few minutes to finally get to the stand that was luckily still opened. I approached the owner of the little stand she owned. A woman in her mid-thirties that sold both handcrafted jewelry and other materials. The woman gave me a gentle smile as she handed another civilian whatever they purchased and turned to me.
"So anything good from my best trader?".
"Totally!" I untied the small sack from my belt and handed it to the woman who narrowed her eyes at the materials I presented to her. As in materials it mostly meant berries, old copper, coins, and any little trinkets that could be used for the stuff she makes and sells.
"Perfect! I am sorry Miriam, but the paint brushes aren't quite completed yet. Though I did see an old one awhile I was cleaning out my storage today. So let me check in the back" I gave her a thankful smile as she headed through an old curtain. Old or new. A paintbrush was a paintbrush in my eyes. So I'm grateful for whatever I received from her. Out of the corner of my eye I see a young girl. Possibly around ten, pale blond hair and wow... her eyes are so beautiful and blue. More blue than my own families and Malcolm's.
"What's your name?" I asked, the little girl shyly looked away. I then glanced at the small basket that was next to her. One piece of jewelry caught my attention; a woven bracelet, handmade of dark tones. Brown, was the main color as it braided with small stones of fine colors that contained a midnight blue, red as dark as blood. The sight of the color made my own blood chill. I didn't pay much attention to the few red stones. Shifting my eyes to my personal favorite, yellow. I reached into the basket and rubbed my fingertips over the material, it was rope. But in the mid-center was a token that was silver, and even had a symbol carved into it. A clock and a judgement scale.
"Did you make this?" The little girl nodded as she looked up at me, "My mom helped me, do you like it?".
"It's beautiful" She quirked her head as her hand reached into the basket and took it out. "What's the sign for beautiful?".
In school there's a volunteer class to learn sign language. Since very few of the minor's here are either deaf or mute. Many have learned it for communication with those who remained silent or unaware of the sounds around them. I joined it last year and I finally can manage to form complete sentences now. I'm not in expert in it honestly.
"Alright, like this" I demonstrate as I made a gesture with my hand into a light fist as my finger's spread across my face, "Beautiful". The little girl repeated the sign a few times before her mother finally came out with the paintbrush.
"Sorry for the wait Miriam, I see that you met my daughter. She is usually quite shy" The woman added with a faint smile, "Mom, can I give this to Miriam?" Her daughter held up the bracelet, the woman lifted an eyebrow at her daughter, but nodded, "Of course".
"Wait-you're giving me this for free?" I questioned. It didn't seem quite fair that I'll be gifted this for free and that everyone else needed to pay for such a fine piece of work.
"Miriam it's fine, we always give something in return for when someone always does something for us. With you, I believe you do deserve it for trading materials and such for my work".
"Thank...thank you" I gap at the sudden kindness. I even tried to hide my surprise when her daughter automatically tied the bracelet on my inked wrist. A thought occurred to me when the woman handed the old paint brush to me, "Are you sure? I can always repay you back, I mean you spent so much time on this an-".
"It's fine, you're such a modest girl. No need to ever repay me".
My awe of surprise quickly was replaced with happiness as I thanked the woman and her daughter once again. I walked out of the stand to the apartment my family lived in. During the seven years when the Colony was first made. The unfinished mall is now used for homes and the merchandise market.
The sun had finally set as the inside of the Colony finally darkened and people retreated to their homes quickly. I stifled a groan as I stretched out my limbs awhile walking inside. I'm glad that I have the weekend off to finally spend some time to myself. I needed it after such a stressful week of going on supply runs and even school. Doing all of this keeps my mind off of the things that happened years ago.
"Hey kiddo, how you doing?" My dad said as he ruffled my hair and I responded with playfully swatting his hand away, "Fine, just tired".
"Miriam? Tired? Well that's surprising" Hope commented as she then eyed my wrist. Always having a smile plastered on her face. A smile that was actually broken deep down. Much like Julia she had never expressed the bleak and grim part of her to a world that was hell. I looked up to them both for that. Candles that have never burned out from such darkness "Oh, fancy where did you get that?".
"You know the woman I always trade with? She and her daughter gave it to me".
"Well that's thoughtful of them it looks beautiful. Anyways get cleaned up, dinner will be done in a few." The blood in my veins froze once again as I walked by my father's office. Strange, he never leaves it open. Due to my curiosity I begin to take light steps towards the door, but I stop. I sighed aggravated as I closed the entrance to his office.
I can't invade his privacy. My feet guides me down the hall as I open my own room. Simple, just a skinny mattress that is near the window. Decorated with a shelf and desk that is lined up against the wall. My closet was across from my bed. Lined up with multiple family photo's that I taped upon the wood.
My mom, she is in the center of all the photo's. I look like her, dark hair that is the tone of black wood, skin that was pale from lack of sunlight, same everything. In all truth the only difference is our eye tones. My mother's being such a warm brown. Awhile mine was a bitter grayish blue, faint with brown surrounding my pupils. I miss her so much...
So many what-ifs crossed my mind. Trying to remember her. For what she's like. I was too young when she died. Sometimes I... it felt as if she never existed. She always hit that certain spot in my heart that made me remember her. I bit down on my lip hard as I glanced away from the photo and turned to another.
One that I found in Hope's stuff that I thought was quite adorable. A chimpanzee wearing a red sweater? Why the hell is it a sweater that was red. Clearly he was apart of Hope's life. She only told me a little about him. His name was Caesar, and that something happened when Hope was around my age. I didn't question Hope any further that day. In the photo of Caesar and Hope stood Hope's twin brother, Taylor.
During the first few years of the Outbreak her brother left. So she figured that he was infected and didn't want her to see him die, or maybe he just... simply left.
I reach for one of the candles on my shelf and lit them. Mainly to give my room some light as I cupped my hands in a bowl of water and washed my face. In the process I changed my clothes as well and tied my hair in a loose braid. Just wanted to eat and get some sleep.
Spices filled my nostrils as I make my way towards the living room. I drowned the urge to not eat and go to sleep instead. Eating was important right now in these desperate times. In summary never let your only meal go to waste. A slight thunder rang from outside as I listened deeply to the quiet raindrops that began to tap the windows.
"I'm back!" The front door opened to Tanner soaked and wet as he shrugged off his jacket and went up to Hope. Both of them gladly pressed their lips together as Hope placed her hands on his chest and was held close by Tanner. I admit that they're a very cute couple. Ever since they got married Hope and Tanner have been trying so hard to have a baby. Maybe soon they'll be blessed. I would love to have a little niece or nephew running around.
Hope placed a chipped mug and bowl of soup in front of me as I thanked her. The soup had spices and bits of rabbit's meat, maybe a few carrots here and there. I finished my meal right away as my stomach ached for food. In the Colony people are always hungry. Which is the main reason why I even go on supply runs everyday after school. I took a long sip from my chipped mug as I examined the outside.
"What are your plans for tomorrow Miri?" My father's voice breaks me out of my thoughts and I quickly reply "Just going to hang around here. Why is there something going on?".
"Nope. Hope, Tanner, and I are heading to a council meeting tomorrow and wanted to know if you... might want some company?".
"I'm fine dad, really, I just need to relax and try to get rid of the stress from this week".
"I bet. Always stressful around this time of year with fall and winter coming".
I wanted to ask more about what they were going to discuss at the founder's council, but I silence my words before speaking about it. Too them I'm still a young kid. I'll be turning seventeen soon. Maybe this is the year where I'm lucky enough to finally sit in on council meetings. I hugged my family goodnight as I head down the hallway to my room.
Once I'm in my room I flop down on the mattress. Staring at nothing but the dark ceiling. I've always known this kind of life. Sleep, survive, and pray that you'll live for another day kind of deal. Ten goddamned years... shit... I'm still surprised that I survived for this long. Like I said before, I'm glad that my family and I are still together.
My finger's unknowingly tug on the woven bracelet that was given to me. The generosity that was shown to me was... it was... it didn't seem real. I wasn't shown that kind of generosity before my brother, father, and I finally made it to California. One time we were shown true hope and kindness with Tom's group in New York.
I regret it. I regret leaving Jess' home, the worst mistake I ever made. Followed by the first mistake that caused me to leave. I find it odd that my father and brother wanted to leave. Never protested of why I wanted to stay away from our safe haven that has kept us safe.
It all started with an old friend.
She was Carrie. I was unable to protect her and... god... so much blood. I couldn't bear thinking about it as I close my eyes forcefully. Finally drifting off into a dreamless sleep that isn't plagued by overwhelming nightmares.
I exhale a shaky breath as I try to stop thinking about Carrie. I won't ever stop thinking about her. She helped my family when we needed it and introduced us to Tom's home back east.
Carrie made our life better in the few years we stayed. The house is so silent that all I could hear is the rain. It actually does help me to sleep.