The Last Dawn

The high school, once a hub of youthful energy and noise, now stood silent and empty, its hallways echoing with the ghostly remnants of its past. The group cautiously navigated through the basement, their flashlights cutting through the darkness, revealing old sports equipment and maintenance tools scattered about.

“Everyone take a look around but be careful.” Logan said.

They made their way up from the basement, carefully checking each corner and doorway. The school’s interior felt like a maze, with corridors branching off in multiple directions, lockers lining the walls, and classroom doors standing ajar.

“Its really weird in here. So quiet.” Sarah said.

The group’s footsteps echoed through the halls as they proceeded, their senses heightened for any sign of danger. They passed the school’s cafeteria, its tables and chairs upended in the chaos of a hurried evacuation.

“Never thought I’d be back here under these circumstances.” Cody said.

“Me neither.” Shannon joined.

Once settled in the classroom, Logan organized the group into pairs to search the high school for supplies.

“We need food, water, medical supplies, anything that can help us,” he instructed. Despite their fatigue, the group understood the necessity of Logan’s directive and readied themselves for the task.

Sarah paired up with Shannon, a teacher from the group of survivors they had encountered earlier. They headed towards the cafeteria, hoping to find non-perishable food items. The cafeteria was in disarray, with chairs overturned and trays scattered on the floor. Amid the chaos, Sarah and Shannon managed to find canned goods, energy bars, and bottled water in the storage room.

Meanwhile, Logan and Cody, the high school principal, checked the nurse’s office. The door was ajar, and inside, they found a treasure trove of medical supplies bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and even a couple of unopened first aid kits.

Tony and Ty ventured into the gymnasium and found sports bags, which they filled with useful items like flashlights, batteries, and a couple of sturdy ropes that could be useful for securing doors or creating makeshift escape routes.

As they regrouped in the classroom, each pair laid out the supplies they had gathered. Logan took stock of their findings, organizing the items into categories. “Good work, everyone. This should keep us going for a few days,” he said, a hint of relief in his voice.

The search also yielded a few unexpected but welcome finds. Shannon discovered a portable radio in the administrative office, and Cody grabbed a set of keys that included a master key to the school.

“With this, we can access any room in the school. It’ll be useful if we need to find more supplies or need a quick escape route.”

The group’s spirits lifted slightly with the success of their scavenging effort. For the moment, they had a sense of control in the midst of chaos. The school, with its newfound supplies, offered a brief sanctuary and a moment to breathe, plan, and prepare for the challenges that lay ahead.

As they settled down in the classroom, the reality of their situation hung over them while they were safe for now, the world outside the school walls remained a dangerous and unpredictable place.

Amidst the sorting of supplies, Logan noticed Tony wincing in discomfort, trying to hide an injury on his arm. The wound, concealed until now, appeared to be a deep gash, and it was showing signs of infection.

“Tony, you okay? Let me see?” Logan said.

Tony reluctantly revealed his arm, unveiling the wound he had downplayed as a minor scratch. The sight of the injury caused a stir among the group. Sarah, who had some basic first aid knowledge, stepped forward with the medical supplies they had just found.

“Let’s get that cleaned up.” Sara said pulling out the first aid kit.

As Sarah began to clean the wound, Tony grimaced but tried to remain stoic. He explained that he had gotten it during their escape from the subway but didn’t think it was serious at the time.

“Happened so fast I thought it was just a scratch.” Tony said.

Sarah carefully disinfected the wound and applied an antibiotic ointment. The group watched in silence, aware of the vulnerability of their situation where even a minor injury could have serious consequences.

“You should have told one of us.” Sarah said smiling. “Next time, I’m going to sick your wife Mary on you.” Looking at Mary.

“Thank you Sarah.” Mary responded.

“Let’s keep an eye on that wound. If it gets worse, we might need to find stronger medical supplies.” Logan suggested.

Tony nodded, grateful for the care but embarrassed by the attention. He settled back against the wall, looking pale but relieved.

As they finished tending to Tony, the group’s focus shifted to discussing their next move. Despite the day’s successes, they knew they couldn’t stay in the high school indefinitely. The outside world, with all its dangers and uncertainties, awaited them.

As the hours passed, Tony’s condition began to visibly deteriorate. Initially dismissed as exhaustion and stress, it soon became clear that his symptoms were more serious. He developed a fever, his skin grew clammy, and he became increasingly lethargic.

The group, focused on planning their next move, initially didn’t notice the subtle changes in Tony’s demeanor. It was Sarah who first voiced her concern after observing him shiver despite the room’s mild temperature.

“Logan, he doesn’t look good. He needs a doctor.” Sarah said looking at Tony.

Logan looked at Tony noticing his health.

Logan sighed, “Yeah we may need to take him to a hospital. See if there’s anyone that can help.”

“I’m fine.” Tony said trying to sit up.

Mary hovered anxiously by his side, her worry apparent. “He’s never been sick like this. Something is wrong,” she said, her voice tinged with fear.

As night approached, the group settled in for a restless sleep, taking turns to keep watch. Tony’s worsening condition added a layer of tension to the already strained atmosphere.

In the quiet of the night, Logan, who was on watch, observed Tony’s fitful sleep. He couldn’t shake the feeling that Tony’s condition was more serious than they had initially thought. If this is from BioCorp and its COVID-2193, there’s no telling how this virus is spreading. He thought. With all of the chaos, in brief moments to think, Logan looked back just days before at his life as an ordinary intern at an ordinary company. Everything has happened so fast if feels like a lifetime ago. He thought.

The nagging concern weighed heavily on him as he contemplated their situation a group of survivors in a desolate school, with an unknown path ahead and a potentially serious medical issue on their hands.

Tony’s condition still a major concern, Logan called the group together to discuss their next course of action. The high school, although a temporary haven, was not a sustainable long-term solution. They needed a plan to move forward, especially in light of the medical emergency.

Cody, the high school principal, spread out a map of the city on one of the classroom tables. The group gathered around, their faces reflecting the seriousness of their situation.

“Where’s the closet hospital?” Logan asked.

Sarah pointed to a marked area on the map. “Looks like Brinkley Medical City Hospital is not too far from here.”

“But how will we get there? The streets are too dangerous, especially with the infected roaming around.” Mary asked with worry.

Cody suggested using the school’s maintenance vehicle, a van usually used for supply runs, which was parked in the school’s underground garage.

“It would be a lot faster driving as long as we can get past all of the cars.”

The group weighed the risks. Driving through the city posed its dangers, but the urgent need for medical supplies and a safer location left them with few options.

“We can give it try.” Logan suggested.

“I say we leave in the morning.” Cody demanded.

They found an unused classroom on the second floor of the high school, one with a view of the surrounding area. It offered a strategic vantage point, allowing them to keep an eye on any activities outside while they rested.

“Let’s all just try to get some rest.” Logan said resting his head on the wall.

“I’m so ready for this to be over.” Ty said.

The classroom was empty, with rows of empty desks and chairs, and motivational posters that now seemed oddly out of place. Though probably days ago nobody would have notice.

They each found a spot to sit or lie down, using their backpacks as pillows. Despite the uncomfortable setting, the exhaustion soon took over, and one by one, they drifted into uneasy slumbers.

Sarah, sitting by a window, gazed out at the abandoned schoolyard, lost in thought. The surreal quietness of the scene outside was a stark contrast to the turmoil they had experienced in the last few days. She turned to look at Logan.

“Ya know, this isn’t how I imagined our first date.” She briefly smiled. “Why did you never ask me out?”

Logan took a brief pause, “I think I was just so focused on my internship and career it wouldn’t have been fair to you.”

“Yeah but I’ve seen some girls come in and out over the years.” Sarah said teasing.

Logan smiled, “True but they were just distractions. I don’t see you as that. I never have.” Logan looked at Sarah. “I think you’re much more than that.”

Sarah looked at Logan and leaned in for a kiss, her soft lips pressed against his. “Well after we get somewhere safe, you need to take me out on a proper date.” She smiled.

“Oh yeah?” Logan smiled back.

“Yeah, my parents live in Chicago. After we make it out maybe you can visit with me?”

“Oh I definitely could use the break. This week has been shit.” Logan looked at Sarah and started to think about the city and BioCorp.

“Do you think whatever this is has spread to other cities?” Sarah asked thinking about her parents.

“I don’t know. Hopefully not, if BioCorp is behind this then they must have had a fail safe plan for containment.” Logan replied.

Mary stayed close to Tony, monitoring his fever and ensuring he was as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. Her worry was evident, her gaze frequently returning to her husband’s pale face.

Cody quietly moved around the room, checking the barricades they had put up at the door and windows. The responsibility of hosting the group in his school weighed heavily on him, and he was determined to keep them safe as long as they were under its roof.

After their conversation, Sarah decided to go wash off some of dirt from her hands and use the restroom.

“I’ll be right back.” Sarah said looking at Logan.

Logan nodded.

Moving cautiously, Sarah navigated the dimly lit corridors, her flashlight casting a narrow beam ahead of her. Reaching the restroom, she entered and locked herself in a stall. The quiet was pervasive, broken only by the distant sound of her companions murmuring in the classroom.

As she was about to leave the stall, a sudden noise at the restroom entrance made her freeze. Footsteps, uneven and dragging, accompanied by a low, guttural moaning, echoed off the tiled walls. An infected had somehow wandered into the school.

Heart pounding, Sarah stayed perfectly still, barely breathing. The infected person shuffled around the restroom, their movements aimless and jerky. Sarah knew she had to get out without alerting it to her presence.

She carefully got down on the floor and slowly started to crawl under each stall. The infected started walking past her Sarah stopped and covered her mouth to muffle her breathing. The infected kept walking and Sarah slowly kept moving.

Reaching the restroom door, she cautiously stood up, keeping her eyes on the infected, which continued to roam aimlessly. With one last glance to ensure it hadn’t noticed her, Sarah slipped out of the restroom and quickly but quietly made her way back to the classroom.

Upon her return, she urgently whispered to the group about the infected in the restroom. The safety they had felt in the school was now compromised.

Sarah whispering, “Logan, there’s one in the restroom. We need to leave now!”

“We can’t stay here any longer. We need to leave, now. Gather your things, but only take what’s necessary.” Logan demanded standing up.

The group hastily packed their supplies, the tension thick in the air. Tony, despite his worsening condition, tried to assist, but Mary urged him to conserve his strength.

“Just rest, Tony. We’ll take care of this.” Mary said.

The sound of the infected in the distance served as a grim reminder of the ever-present danger. Logan and Cody took a moment to peer out the classroom windows, scanning for any signs of more infected in the area.

“Is there another exit?” Logan asked.

“Yeah just in the back.”Cody replied.

“We should go through there.”

Cody nodded in agreement. “There’s a maintenance door on the ground floor that leads to the back parking lot. It should be clear.”

The group moved quickly and quietly through the dimly lit hallways, their flashlights casting eerie shadows on the walls. The once-familiar corridors of the high school now felt like a maze, with danger potentially lurking around every corner.

As they reached the maintenance door, Logan paused, listening intently for any sounds of the infected. Satisfied that the coast was clear, he carefully opened the door, and the group slipped out into the cool night air.

The school loomed behind them, its darkened windows like vacant eyes watching their departure. The group moved swiftly across the parking lot, their footsteps echoing softly on the pavement.

Sarah whispering, “Where to now?”

“We probably should head to the hospital for Tony.” Logan replied.

The group, now outside, moved quickly away from the high school, keeping to the shadows to avoid drawing attention. They were a few blocks away when Mary, looking increasingly worried, urged the group to stop.

“Wait, we need to stop. Tony isn’t looking good. I think he needs to rest.” Mary said.

Logan halted the group and they gathered around Tony, who was slumped against a wall, his breathing ragged and labored. The concern was evident on everyone’s faces as they realized Tony’s condition had significantly worsened.

Sarah, knelt beside him to assess his state. She gently turned his head to check his pupils and that’s when she noticed it the bite mark on his neck.

“Hey Logan, look he didn’t just get cut on his arm it looks like he got bit. Maybe its an infection?” Sarah observed not sure what to do.

“Its definitely infected. Hey Tony, you okay?” Logan said slightly moving back grabbing Sarah. “Come here.” He whispered. Sarah followed.

“Mary, come here for a second” Cody said sharing the same thought as Logan.

Tony’s eyes snapped open, revealing a glazed, inhuman look. With a guttural growl, he lunged at Mary, who was closest to him. The group could only watch in horror as Tony, now turned into one of the infected, started biting and hitting Mary. The rage and aggression caught everyone by surprise. Tony was screaming and growling hitting and scratching. Mary screamed trying to fight back.

Logan, thinking quickly, grabbed a nearby piece of debris and managed to pull Tony away from Mary. But the damage was done. Mary was gravely injured, and Tony was no longer the person they knew.

“Fuck, run!” Logan yelled knowing they couldn’t do anything for Mary.

With heavy hearts and in a state of shock, Logan, Sarah, Cody, Ty, and Shannon grabbed their supplies and fled the scene, leaving behind the horrific scene and the remnants of the safety they had once felt.

In the wake of the tragic turn of events, Logan and the group fled in a state of shock and horror. The night air was chilly, but the adrenaline coursing through their veins kept them oblivious to the cold. The city streets, shrouded in darkness, seemed more menacing than ever.

“Keep moving! We can’t stop now!” Logan yelled.

Sarah, tears streaming down her face from the shock of what had just transpired, kept pace with Logan. Cody, Ty, and Shannon followed closely, each lost in their thoughts, processing the horrific scene they had just witnessed.

As they ran, the empty streets echoed with their footsteps, a haunting reminder of the desolation around them. The occasional distant growl of the infected spurred them on, fueling their fear and urgency.

Logan led them through back alleys and side streets, avoiding the main roads that were more likely to be infested with the infected. Despite the urgency, he was acutely aware of the need to be cautious one wrong turn could lead them into danger.

“Where are we going? We can’t just keep running like this.” Sarah said exhausted.

“There’s an emergency services station a few blocks from here. We might find shelter and supplies there.”

The group’s pace began to slow as exhaustion set in. The initial burst of adrenaline was wearing off, leaving them weary and breathless. But the danger was far from over, and they couldn’t afford to let their guard down.

Suddenly, a loud crash from a nearby street startled them. They froze, listening intently. Logan peered around the corner and saw a group of the infected rummaging through a destroyed storefront.

Logan whispering with his eyes wide opened, “Back, now. We need to find another way.”

They quickly backtracked and found an alternate route, their hearts pounding in their chests. The constant threat of the infected loomed over them, a relentless predator in the night.