Good God, I didn’t think they would be coming so fast. I heard the outbreak had started out in Bethesda but I was sure we’d have at least 24 hours to escape before anything happened. I had just gotten my things packed when the sirens began. I ran out of the apartment with my girlfriend and we both looked to the sky and saw several fighter jets zip by. A few moments later a fleet of black hawks circled above us as a voice yelled over what had to be the most efficient radio system ever (having been able to speak over all those propellers was pretty impressive).
“Citizens of Washington, the city has been surrounded. The outbreak is imminent and we are fortifying the city to stop the spread. No one is allowed to enter or leave until further notified. Please stay indoors and board up.”
I noticed other neighbors had come out to hear the news. Like me, they all had either confused or terrified looks. Some sprinted right away to the Safeway down the street. Others shot straight back into their apartments, locked the doors and shut the blinds.
“Come on let’s go!” My girlfriend was yelling at me while tugging my arm. Did I want to run to the Safeway too? I’m sure there are plenty of things that we need if we’re going to be holed up for a while. I made a quick list in my head of what we had back at the apartment and knowing my girlfriend, it was all organic (so it’s bound to go bad real soon) and most of it would go to the dogs.
“You take the dogs back inside. I’ll be back.” I said.
“Where are you going??” She said in a panic.
“We need supplies. I’m going to raid the Safeway down the street."
“Be careful!” She yelled since I had already made a mad dash to the store. Another man was sprinting next to me and we both ran as if only one of us would get anything.
Out of breath I realized I should have run a bit faster. I knew the other guy was thinking the same exact thing, both of us looking at the store flooded with people ransacking the shelves for anything. I tried to push my way through, unsure what supplies, if any, were left. I felt bad pushing an elderly woman out of the way to get to the batteries and water. None. Of course.
The canned goods were already gone, the bathroom supplies, even the hand soap were gone as well. I somehow managed to wrangle a garden hose (what the hell was I going to do with that), a few wire hangers (my girlfriend would go nuts) and as much dried food I could carry. The man I had run in with was getting beaten up over a bag of rice which made me sort of happy that I had, in essence, pretty useless things.
The streets were now overflowing with people unsure of what was going on. It was clear that some people had no idea that a zombie outbreak occurred the day before and others were clearly not happy about being trapped. A man and his wife were kneeling on the sidewalk praying while their young daughter was crying over their shoulder. I couldn’t help but shake my head…I don’t think God ever imagined this…I’m not sure what he could do right now.
I get back to my apartment and quickly enter. I noticed my girlfriend on the couch crying and she wasn’t alone. I dropped my bags and hugged the other two who were there.
“How did you guys get here so soon?” I asked.
The female, a beautiful black woman with the voluptuous figure, wiped tears from her eyes as she spoke. “The soldiers were gathering out by my neighborhood before they made the announcement. We both knew to come here. It’s easier in numbers.”
“What’s going on over by where you are?” I asked again.
“Tanks. Lots of them.” My male friend said. A large afro sat on top of his head that moved ever so slightly as he walked over to the window to peak outside. “There’s a lot of commotion outside. We’re going to have to pack our things up and go.”
“Go where?” My girlfriend asked, still in tears. “The city's surrounded."
“That’s what they’re saying.” He said. “They don’t have enough people to surround it. We just have to find the chink in the armor and get ourselves out.”
“And where is this chink?” I asked.
“We’ve noticed their movement is coming from the Maryland side and the South from the military bases. I’m sure there’ll be a little chink in the armor towards the Southwest. There’s no real threat out there yet.”
“Then it’s settled. Towards Virginia we go.” I said picking up our supplies.
“What are you going to do with a hose and a few wire hangers?” My friend asked.
“You never know. But seriously we need to get out now.” I looked at all of them and they all agreed with a slight nod. My girlfriend ran to the bedroom to prepare the dogs for the travel. God forbid they don’t have their sweaters for the cold weather.
Within minutes we were ready to head out the door and I led the way. I opened the door expecting to see the long hallway that usually greeted me but instead I looked into the eyes of a strange man in a suit;
“Is your name Victor?” The strange man asked.
“What is this about?” I replied.
“I’m going to need you to come with me.”
“Ah, I don’t have to do that.” I said adamantly.
“I think you do.” The man said as he took out a gun and pointed it straight at me.
“What the fuck!” My friend yelled from behind.
“Kel, calm down…” I said, a lump in throat forming. “What is it that you want?”
“Oh, you’ll understand…but right now you just have to come with me.”
I turned around and gave my friends and girlfriend a look. “I’ll be all right. You guys go.” Kel nodded as he understood and the three of them ducked under the gun and left, the two dogs barking on the way out.
“Okay I’m coming with you.” I said. “Just tell me what you want.”
“I want you to tell me exactly what you know.” The man said. I wasn't planning on telling the truth ever.
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