Prologue: A Short Story september 19/08

Everything was quite, a beautiful night breeze which would give most comfort, only left though of fears. We were the last to leave, As my coach opened up the standard, yet slightly modified military looking bus, the only difference it was fitted with dim blue florescent lights, darkness made it resembled an old neon night club sign, so old that you wonder why? Is it they don't use a new one. I was the first one to board, choosing the seat at the very end, there was not many of us. So the first though that ran into my head is that I could easily stretch out and try to relax, especially since I was hoping Omar would sit with me. Lastly he chooses to sit with John, which I was very confused about, yet I was in no position to complain. As everyone settled down, there was minor relief that we were on the move, but it was obvious. Our exteriors composed as if nothing could affect us, inside we all knew. We were falling apart. In life we search for someone to share hardship with and often feel alone. Nothing in life could have prepared us for what was happening. With no understanding, no one to give us answers. Thoughts of where, when, what if, Where could they be? When can I see them? What if I would have stayed? Our families, friends, lost, now only thoughts and the hope that they are well wherever they might be. Running away, we were fugitives from something that was out of our power to control, a deadly pathogen nearly wiping the eastern coast moving westerly. They named it red death, a compound mixture, polantium bromide. The affect of it were devastating creating red patches and blisters on those affected, but the worst part of it was it neurological effects, would make you incoherent, mad, making you hallucinate, you begin to believe everyone around you is out to harm you. Then the murdering begins, as your hallucinations make you paranoid, destroying your own neighbor, brother, loved one.

As the last person finished boarding, I sat quietly only remembering times past, trying to make sense of when it all began. I knew, remembering. I was a part of it all. Michael... Michael... i hear called out to me.