Evelyn

Present

It took awhile but I can see it in the distance. That red brick building looking strong and untouchable. It was impressive really. The closer I got the more intimidating it got. I had my bow in hand with an arrow ready to shoot if necessary. Who knew what I would find? I looked around and saw no one at all. Wouldn't there be people keeping watch? The thought crossed my mind when I was close enough to touch the building. There were a lot of gates to cross though.

A sign indicated to lower our weapons. I thought about it but decided not to follow the direction. I wasn't going to just walk in there hoping these people would invite me in so generously just like that. If I learned something during all of this, is that you shouldn't go hug every person you cross paths with. Things have changed. People can be cruel and dangerous. That's why I'm not expecting them to be so kind right off the bat. So who cares what I look like if I go in there with a weapon at the ready.

I continued to walk and all I could see was a silhouette in the distance. A woman, with ginger hair and a smile plastered on her face when she realised she was a visitor. She looked like a sweet lady with that smile, but you never know what a person is really thinking. I kept my bow ready, all I had to do was let go of the arrow. I found it odd how she didn't look frightened. She should be.

"Hi there! You don't need to be afraid now you're safe here. Welcome to Terminus! Now please, lower that dangerous item." She took a step forward.

I hesitated but finally put it down. She was just an old lady. But I still had to be convinced about my safety.

"Are you all alone? You look like you haven't eaten in days, let me get a plate ready for you." she walked back to the barbecue and took out a piece of meat all toasted and set it on a plate. My stomach grumbled. I was indeed very hungry. She placed the plate on a nearby plate and told me to sit.

I was tired, I was hungry and all I wanted was to feel safe again. To do that, I knew I couldn't always be the one with the weapon. I had to give them a chance. I placed the arrow back into my quiver and eyed her before sitting down and swallowing the food whole. I almost choked. I was so hungry, I couldn't wait to get it all in my stomach. It had a particular taste, but maybe it's because I haven't eaten in awhile.

"My name is Mary. What's your name?" she asked me while flipping food on the barbecue.

"Name's Evelyn Jones. Are you always so generous to newcomers or just me? Because from what I know, food is not something easy to find these days." I kept chewing.

"Who said it was easy? Here there's many people going out on runs and we also have people that go hunt in the woods too. We're lucky." She smiled and continued her job.

A lot of people? Where are these people? I didn't know what to say.

"I will be right back okay? I just have to go warn the others about your arrival, get you a nice place to stay? And don't worry, there's more on the barbecue go help yourself!" she smiled and left the surroundings.

This was my chance to get some answers. I get up and look around. It was well protected, the walls looked strong enough to keep an army out. In the distance I heard people talk and laugh. It was a weird sound now. Laughter. I feel like it shouldn't belong here anymore. Why would someone be so happy when the dead tried to eat you alive? How could someone be so happy? All I know is, I'd like to laugh again someday too.

I turned the corner and couldn't believe my eyes. I took out my bow again and aimed at one of the two men that had his back to me. His friend although saw me, and his smile dropped. I looked around and saw bodies. Not those of a freak but of someone who was healthy before his death, who didn't turn. They were killing people.

"Hey! Who the hell are you?!" said the guy who saw me.

The other one turned around and I made it clear for him to not move another muscle the minute he saw how close the tip of the arrow was close to his forehead. Then one movement, one detail made me hold my breath. A quick movement of the eyes to something behind me. Before I could react, I feel a hard object against my skull that makes me crumble to the ground before darkness invades my mind.

Thanks for reading! Penny for your thoughts!

-Caroline