Chapter 5: Bury It All

The mirror in front of me reflected the same fear in Trixie's eyes when I left her behind the booth. I turned on the faucet and let the cold water cascade over my skin. I tried so hard to scrub away the filth and blood that clung to me. Despite my efforts, I still couldn't get rid of the guilt that had settled deep within me.

thud-thud-thud

I honed in on the thumping sound from the girl's restroom.

I thought about Trixie, about how she had been mauled by a zombie. I thought about Shae, about how she had become one of them. Their desperate cries for help echoed in my mind. It was a haunting reminder of what I had done.

In my whole life, everyone has been waiting for me to slip up. This night was supposed to be me breaking free from their expectations. I can't believe I made another mistake. If only I had never suggested to escape the gathering, they would still be alive. But, now they're gone and I had to live with the fact that I'm the reason why they're dead.

Panic gripped me, squeezing the air out of my heart and lungs. It felt like drowning in a sea. It is too much to bear.

Suddenly, the lights flickered for a moment and then went out completely, plunging the bathroom into darkness. I fumbled back for the faucet, trying to find something to hold onto. After what seemed like an eternity, the lights flickered back on. I turned around, expecting to see the empty restroom once again, but instead, I saw Trixie and Shae standing behind me.

They are covered in gore and their eyes are lifeless and hollow. The two figures took a step closer, their movements slow and jerky. I tried to step backward, but I tripped over my own feet and fell to the ground.

I can't move, can't breathe, and can't stop crying. I curled up in a ball underneath the faucet, trying to hide from the horror that was unfolding before me.

As I lay there, trying to catch my breath, a gentle and steady drumbeat began to swell.

In twilight's hush, where the morning mist rise

Lies upon a delicate paradise

Among the ancient pines,

Where the roots of old and new intertwine

The figures disappeared and the restroom was once again empty. My curiosity got the best of me, so I followed the source of the music as if nothing malevolent just happened. The sound seemed to come from inside the convenience store. I cautiously stepped inside and scanned the area for any signs of danger.

From the ashes of our past, we rose

With every step, forging a bond so strong,

In Alatus, a new chapter we chose

To this evergreen home, our hearts belong

As I moved deeper into the store, the hymn grew louder. It had a pace that encouraged movement without feeling rushed, making its melody rise and fall in a way that felt like a celebration.

Finally, I came across a portable hologram projector sitting on the cashier's counter. The projector displays a holographic image of the district's logo.

When the hymn ended, my father pops up.

"Attention to all citizens of Alatus District! This is Vice Mayor Aroñes Fortalejo with an urgent announcement," he said. The sound of his voice filled the air. A sense of relief washed over me, knowing that he was safe. I'm glad nothing bad happened to him.

"Approximately half an hour ago, a series of explosions devastated the outskirts of our community. I regret to inform you that the rumors of a zombie outbreak in our region are, in fact, true. The undead have been spotted at the Night Cirque and the Alatus District Hospital, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake."

My brows scrunched in confusion as his words sank in. My thoughts immediately turned to the raging creatures I had encountered on my way here. Their blank eyes and tainted blood flashed in my mind.

Does that mean they are already spreading around the other regions of the Maharlikan Republic? Are they the reason why the communication servers are down?

"On behalf of the entire Alatus District administration, I offer our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones during this crisis." he momentarily paused. The camera pans to other officials who are all facing down.

"As we work tirelessly to contain this crisis, I urge all citizens within the district borders to exercise extreme caution. For your safety, please make your way to the Alatus District Hall as soon as possible. Here, you will find food, water, and a haven from the undead threat."

Then, the hologram flashed what was happening right now at the district hall. There were loads of volunteers and refugees outside the building. I spotted my mother as one of the volunteers which made me tick out another worry in my mind.

I'm really glad she's safe too.

"Our top priority is your safety and know that we are doing everything in our power to protect you and keep our community safe. Stay vigilant, stay strong, and may the gods protect us all."

The marching beat started to swell again and that sound may have irritated Shae because the light taps she's making earlier became harder.

And before I could react and check the door, she already bolted out of the restroom.

I cussed as soon as I saw her running towards me.

She already has blank eyes and a droopy mouth like the others. The only distinct feature from her is the bite mark on her left cheek. The exposed insides of her mouth leaked the familiar black substance all over her dress.

I immediately took the portable hologram and went out of the store in an attempt to run away from her.

Shae gripped my arms from behind, her cold fingers digging into my skin. I shouted her name, hoping to snap her out.

She released a guttural growl, her eyes devoid of the warmth I had cherished for years. I could barely recognize her; the girl who had once laughed beside me during family reunions—who had comforted me during my darkest days, was now a hollow shell, driven by insatiable hunger.

With a kick, I sent her sprawling to the ground. The sound of her body hitting the concrete echoed in my ears like a death knell.

“Please, Shae!” I pleaded, my voice trembling.

But now, as she struggled to rise, I felt my heart shatter at the sight of her twisted form.

In that moment, memories flooded back—our first get-together as children, where we discovered our shared love for stargazing. I could still hear our youthful voices whispering dreams under the night sky, feeling invincible together.

She stumbled forward again, and instinct took over. I fought back fiercely, dodging her attacks as flashes of our hiking adventures flickered through my mind—those carefree days spent exploring trails and sharing secrets amidst the trees.

With each strike I dodged, I remembered how she had always encouraged me to embrace my emotions instead of retreating into my mind. “You can’t hide forever,” she would say with that infectious smile of hers.

Just as I felt my strength waning against her relentless assault, three sharp gunshots rang out. Shae staggered back before she collapsed in a heap.

I stood frozen, breathless, staring at her still form. I fell to my knees beside her lifeless body. “Shae…” I choked out. The black blood pooling around her was a stark reminder of what had been lost.

Another figure appeared in front of me so I raised my head. She looked at me, full of concern.

My body went numb as another long-forgotten memories came rushing in to my mind. A mixture of joy and sadness prevailed in my heart.

I don't know how she ended up here after all those years of not showing up. I approached Caite and for the first time in a long time, I gave her a firm hug.