Restless

Is Safety Only a Mirage?

Charlie and Lydia woke up in the afternoon, stiff from sleeping in their car. They quickly got up and went to greet the people they had briefly met the night before. They were waived over by a large group of people at a table. Charlie and Lydia were quickly welcomed into the group of people. They seemed to be well cared for here. There was food set out like a picnic, with a blanket over the table with the food on top. There were burgers, corn, fruit, and drinks. There were kids running around, acting as kids should be able to. They should be free of worrying about life and death. It's not a life anyone would want to live. Kids running and joking, that is how life should be lived. Adults could learn a thing or two by being like a kid again. There was a dad at the grill smiling and watching his children. Charlie had to be shaken out of his trance, someone was asking a question. A lady was asking him about where they had come from and the route they took to find this outpost. Charlie answered, "We came from a town down south of here, near the reservoir. We didn't drink the water, and are glad of it. Some of our neighbors were not so lucky." Lydia elbowed his side and gave him a stern look. They didn't need to be reminded of the horrors outside the gates. And the children might overhear. The lady asked another question, "How was the road here?" Charlie sighed and said, "To tell you the truth, there were dead ones along the road. Who knows how many more roamed the woods? I hope that this outbreak is being at least isolated, if not dealt with. I didn't catch your name, what was it?" "My name is Elli. This outbreak swept faster than one would think. The entire nation has been shut down, until this is resolved," Elli solemnly said. Charlie sighed and said, "I'm glad we're here and not out there. It's a hell on earth, and no one can be a pacifist and survive. I only hope that the army can resolve this soon. If not, many good people will die before these dark days are done. I have faith in the army, if anyone has the rigor to combat the advancing virus, it's them." "Yes, I believe we are safer here too. I hope that this doesn't spread to other countries, the only thing worse than it being rampant here, is it being rampant everywhere. I wish that it never happened. We lost some of our family to the dead ones, our elders weren't living with us, and they were overrun before we even knew of the breakout," Elli said sadly. Lydia butted in, afraid that Charlie had brought up bad memories, "I'm sorry for what Charlie said, he didn't mean to bring up the virus in our small chat. We should be thinking about a brighter future, rather than a dark past." "Oh, no it was fine, he didn't mean anything by it. I was the one to bring up the trip here, and there was bound to be mention of the dead ones. They just are a part of life now, until they are eradicated. While I mourn for my elders, it is more important to concentrate on my safety. I could just imagine them scolding me for not protecting myself if I had stopped to mourn them. They would want me to keep on living, and not worry about them," Elli said. "They sounded very loving, I am sorry that you lost them. And what about the rest of your family? You seem kind of alone here," Lydia said sympathetically. "Well I was separated from my parents from the start, I was at my school while they were home. They called me to say that they had barely escaped, and were down the highway. When they explained it, they said for me not to follow them, the path they had taken was too dangerous, I should go to this blockade, right here. It was closer and safer to reach. I drive to school, so I was able to take the car up here. I hope they are still alright, I haven't gotten phone service since then," Elli explained. "You're still in school? I mistook you for older," Charlie said being blunt. Lydia glared at him, Charlie should know better than to mention age to a girl. Elli laughed a little, a small smile played on her lips. Elli replied, "Well, this outbreak seems to make everyone more mature. Innocence is lost to the children, they must grow up quicker than before. I am still sixteen, but I definitely feel older since the outbreak. It weighs on your heart, making you empathize with the fallen." "You know what, you should stay with us, you shouldn't be on your own, even in this community. You can stick with us," Lydia proposed. "Really? I would be glad to take you on your offer. You seem nice, and I haven't had the safe feeling of a family since I was separated from my parents and brother," Elli replies enthusiastically. "We will be glad to accompany you, you seem to need somebody. This outbreak and a lack of family will wear any poor soul down. Anyway, it seems like it is time to eat," Charlie said, eyeing the food. Both Elli and Lydia laughed at Charlie's antics and they began to eat. Charlie ate a bit messily, to the amusement of Lydia and Elli. "Life is too short to worry, let us be merry while we can," Charlie said after they had eaten, and had an enjoyable chat. "Yes it is, I'm glad that I'll be with you guys for now. I was among people, but I still felt lonely," Elli said. "Well, we are here now, and I know it's sudden asking you to join with us, but it is times like this people need to stick together. If there was anything remotely close to a bright side to this outbreak, I hope that it brings people together," Lydia says. "What do you spend most of your time doing here anyway?" Charlie asked. "Well, I usually play with the children, or spend my time drawing and reading. I brought a few books with me, and plan to study medicine. I suppose that it would be ironic with the breakout now, but maybe it will be helpful if someone gets hurt in these rough times," Elli replies. "I think it is a great idea, first aid is very important to know when you are traveling. Hopefully we won't need it within the confines of this camp," Lydia says. Just then a little boy ran up to Elli and pulled on her shirt to get her attention. "What do we have here? Gabriel, aren't you supposed to be with your parents right now? You wouldn't want to worry them, would you?" Elli says with a tender voice. "They can see me, and I told them I was coming here. I want you to come play," Gabriel says, tugging on Elli's shirt more. "I can't right now Gabe. I am talking to these nice folks right now," Elli replies. "I think it is a good idea actually. Why don't you go along with them Charlie? You should go run some energy out, you haven't been moving around all day. I know you don't like being cooped up for too long," Lydia tells Charlie. "Why not? Let's go Elli, the children are waiting. They have a ball, but they need more players," Charlie says, getting up from his seat. "I want you on my team! You look like you can throw a good distance," Gabriel. "Oh - hoh alright Gabe, I see how it is. I'll be on the opposing team, you just watch me win!" Elli said, teasing Gabe. "We'll see about that. Let's go, new guy!" Gabriel said waiving Charlie on to follow him to the field. Elli laughed as she saw Charlie take off, picking up the kid and carrying him like a football onto the field. Elli took off after them, making it a race to the field. Charlie really got into the game, he had always been a natural athlete. Gabriel's team easily won the first game with their new addition to the team. Lydia cheered for both sides, and she didn't play favorites. "That was just a practice game!" shouted a red faced Elli. She was panting and taking a breather after the first game. "Alright, how about we take a little break? We will each take a short rest, and then we can play another game," Charlie decides. "Oh alright then. We'll see who wins this time. It's going to be us!" Elli replied. After a minute, Elli grouped her team into a huddle. "Hey, do you think we should plan something?" Gabriel asked Charlie. "No, I think they need a miracle game to win. It shouldn't be tough to win, it was pretty easy last time," Charlie said confidently. Another minute passes before the players gather on the field again. Elli's team gathered into a different line of defense this time. While they didn't tackle each other, the kids were not big enough for it, they modified it so that when a kid got two hands on another, it counts as a tackle. Charlie kicks the football, and it goes deep into the other team's line of defense. One of the kids manage to catch it, and begins to sprint down the field. The other kids fall into a circle around him, and make a barricade around him. Gabriel and his team finally catch him, but he was deep into the field. After a few short catches, and some moments where it seemed that Charlie intercepted, but dropped the football, Elli's team made a touchdown. It was early into the game, and they already were winning. When Gabriel's team got the ball, they threw it, but it got blown off course from the high winds and Elli caught the ball. Gabriel's team was too clumped together, and without a plan, they didn't catch Elli. After that, Elli's team held onto their lead hard, and eventually won. "I guess you do win this time around," Charlie says, conceding defeat. "Hey, you weren't trying as hard as before!" Gabriel said accusingly. "Yeah, it was kind of noticeable," Elli said, still grinning from being able to win. "Hey, I was just tired alright? We'll get them tomorrow, in the rematch," Charlie said, getting Gabe to stop scowling. "Alright, but only if you try tomorrow," Gabe finally decides. "It's a deal, I promise I'll try harder tomorrow. No go get over to your parents, its nearing nightfall," Charlie said, getting Gabe to run over to his parents. "Did you have fun?" Charlie asked, as Elli came over. "It wasn't as fun to win when you weren't trying," Elli said, arms crossed. "I was trying, I was just tired out. It's been a little tough these past few days, but I was glad to have a chance at a game. It's the small things that we take for granted, but they become the most important when we loose the chance to do so," Charlie replied. "Yeah, it's true. But I still beat you. We should probably start packing up our things and head in to help with supper. They always need a helping hand," Elli said. After picking up the games, Charlie went over to help out with the grill. Lydia and Elli were left behind together. "Don't you have some things? You should move them nearer to our car, and I'll help you," Lydia suggested. "Ok, I don't have much, but I'd like your help. It'll only be a minute," Elli said. Elli led Lydia toward the the perimeter. The perimeter was lined with barbed wire, and no dead ones would get in one by one. It would take a large group to push it over. Elli and Lydia gathered the things, and were about to head back, when a man in uniform began to walk toward them with a menacing knife. He broke out into a run, and he seemed to be coming for them. Lydia and Elli dropped their things and began to back away. And then a dead one grabbed Elli by the hair and tried to drag her to her mouth. Lydia screamed and tried to hit the dead one. The dead one was rocked by the blow, but it was too soft to actually push it away. Elli struggled against the dead one, her eyes wide with fright as the gnashing jaws grew near. The dead one seemed to enjoy scaring her, it almost had a smile. Was it playing with its prey? How sick was that. Then the soldier, who ran up to them, stabbed it in between the eyes, splattering gory brains and stench everywhere. The dead one instantly released Elli, and fell to the ground. "What the hell were the two of you thinking? You shouldn't be by the perimeter, especially when we had a lockdown. We just announced for everyone to stay in the civilian sector, until it was resolved. Thank god I got here in time," the soldier said gruffly. "Thank you sir," Lydia stammered. "Now get on back to the civilian sector while we finish making rounds. And get washed up before people see you. No need to frighten them," he said, gesturing to Elli's clothes. Elli quickly got up and ran to the nearest restroom to wash up. Lydia went after her, to console her. Elli was already running the water, but she was crying. "Hey, it's alright. You're perfectly fine. We all are, nobody got hurt. Let's just get you washed up," Lydia said as she helped wipe away the blood away from Elli's face. "It's not that, it was how useless I was. I couldn't fight back, even though on the way here I fought off some of the dead ones. I couldn't save myself, and it was frightening," Elli choked out. "Don't worry about it, Charlie and I are here by your side. We won't let you get hurt while we are still breathing. That dead one just snuck up on us, it was just a fluke. We won't have to deal with them anymore. The soldiers will deal with them and protect us," Lydia said soothingly. Lydia got a new rag, and wiped away the tears from Elli's face. Her face was clean, but she still needed to wash, and get new clothes. Lydia stood by and waited for her to finish washing. When Elli was all cleaned and dressed, they walked out to see the belongings in a neat pile, with a note from the soldier. It said 'stay safe' and that was all. Elli and Lydia moved the belongings, glad to be away from the perimeter and away from potential danger. They deposited the things in the car trunk, their wasn't much to put in. Charlie was seen running towards them from the civilian area. When he reached them he grabbed Lydia into his arms and held her tight. "I just heard what had happened. Are you two alright? No bites, no scratches?" Charlie quickly asked. After hugging Lydia, he also gave Elli a hug also. "Yes we are both quite alright, you don't have to worry. Now let's talk about lighter things, is dinner ready?" Lydia asked. Elli awkwardly hugged Charlie back until he released her from his grip. "Yeah, we just finished when I was told about it from one of the soldiers. But nevermind that, this is more important. You were attacked by the dead ones. That means that this place has been breached, and it isn't safe," Charlie said with his hand on Lydia's shouldier. "I didn't think of it like that. That's true, but I think that the soldiers will handle it. It must have been a mistake," Lydia said. "A mistake that nearly cost you your lives. Both of you could have been attacked. Tonight we are going to stay in the car, and keep a watch of our own. It is too dangerous to have a lax attitude about this situation. But until nightfall, we should be fairly safe. They are easily visible in the day," Charlie warned Lydia and Elli. "Alright that's a plan. But let's go eat, I really don't want to dwell on the dead too much," Elli responded. Charlie nodded and led them back to the civilian section. They should be safe here, but Charlie wanted to make sure of it. They did not come all the way out here just to die in a mirage of safety. The only one who you can completely depend on is yourself. No one but you can make sure that you are safe from harm.

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