The Vermilion Strain : Post-Apocalyptic Extinction

by S A Ison

  Brian never lied to himself. He knew why he was reluctant to leave. He’d be leaving his old life, all that he knew. He’d be leaving the home and the life that he and Christa had built. He’d be leaving Christa behind. That was difficult to even comprehend, leaving her, but for Coop’s sake and his own, he’d have to leave the old life behind.

  Once Cooper had gone to bed, Brian had set about packing all of his clothing. He’d load them up tonight. He’d seen a mattress store on the way home and thought it best that he swung by tomorrow to pick up a couple of mattresses. His own bed was bloody and in wretched shape. It also reminded him of Christa. Till now, he’d not thought of her, and he felt ashamed. His life was so consumed with moving out to Winter Park, that his wife had been set aside for the survival of he and Cooper.

  Feeling the sting of tears, he let them fall, knowing he needed to grieve. He missed Christa’s laughter and her touch. He missed having her near, puttering in the garden or cuddling up while they watched a movie. He leaned against the wall and held his face in his hands. His heart broke, over and over, like the waves crashing over jagged rocks. He pulled out suit cases from the closet. He wiped at his face and packed clothing into several of the suit cases. He went to the hall closet and pulled out his winter gear. He stopped by Cooper’s room; the child sound asleep. Tomorrow would be even busier. He’d be stopping by not only the mattress store, but Lowes again. He’d need all the seeds they could find as well as fertilizer, and the gas-powered tiller. He’d also add more lumber to his growing pile. Again, there was no telling what he’d need it, so he wanted as much as he could get. That large building would hold quite a bit. He’d also seen a sun oven, which he thought might be useful. The sun oven used the sun and magnified the heat to cook or bake foods. It was that powerful.

  He could use that during the sunny days, to cook their food. He’d not need the camp stove, nor the propane, saving that for when it was necessary. The videos he’d watched had mentioned having more than one option, one was good, two betters, three, the best. If one failed, the second would work, if not, then the third. He’d also swing by CVS and raid the pharmacy for medicines, antibiotics, bandages and all other items he’d need in case of an injury or illness. He wanted to pick up children’s vitamins and some for himself. He’d need to check expiration date on the too. He just hoped that he could handle whatever came. He had basic first aid skills as a firefighter. But he didn’t know how to suture open wounds, and he could maybe set a broken arm or leg, but if it were a compound fracture, he was helpless.

  The thought of Cooper getting hurt frightened him beyond measure. He could only do his best to keep the child safe. He’d finished packing and looked around. He went to his book shelves and pulled the books. There were some excellent reference books that he’d gotten years ago. Though basic for first aid, it was better than nothing. He could hope and find a book store, perhaps at one of the many strip malls. That would be something to think about.

  It was near midnight when he’d finished up everything. He wasn’t planning on coming back here, he was now sure of it more than ever. There was no need. When they left in the morning, it would be forever. His heart twisted once more at the thought of leaving Christa here, without him. His mind shied away from the painful thoughts.

  With everything at the park, his supplies, he really needed to be there to protect it. He was sure it was only a matter of time before someone thought to go to the park and try and survive there. If he left the food and supplies unprotected, they’d be gone or someone would take over and claim the Beach House as their own. He’d worked too hard and done too much to let that happen. Cooper depended on him.

  Going outside, he shut off the generator. The night was at once quiet. Not a sound. By now, the other generators had run out of fuel. He heard nothing in the dark night, but the crickets. He was about to go in when he saw headlights from a vehicle, it shown like a radiant beacon. The lights in the house were off, so Brian closed the door to the house and sat in the rocking chair on the porch. The overhang of the eaves ensured he was deep in the shadows. There was a thin moon out, but it played hide and seek with the clouds.

  He watched as the vehicle wove around slowly, it was about three hundred yards up the road. He waited patiently. His heart raced with the implications. There were others out there he knew, and he was sure some were good people and some were crazy, like the old woman he’d run into earlier today. There were also dangerous people as well. Those he did have to worry about. He doubted the vehicle would stop at his place specifically, especially now that the generator was off. He was glad now that he’d left it off while he’d been gone.

  He was sure there were enough homes out there, filled with food and supplies to keep others busy and away from his home. He sat still as stone as the car drew closer. He could see it was an SUV of some kind. His breath came in shallow pants, someone had a flashlight, that moved around the homes, searching. Searching for what? He watched as the light danced across the homes. Were they looking for a special home? A specific address? Was someone looking for a loved one? It was after midnight, and Brian wasn’t a fool, they were looking for trouble. If they stopped at his home, they’d find trouble there.

  His Glock lay in his lap, waiting for the SUV to draw near. As they passed, the flashlight played over him and the vehicle slowed down more. Brian waited; his mouth now dry. He didn’t raise his weapon yet. The SUV now stopped and Brian waited. The flashlight once more played over his body. He lifted the weapon and now aimed it at the SUV, which to his satisfaction, pulled away and resumed its course, though a little faster now. A long breath went out of Brian and his body slumped in the rocking chair. He watched the red tail lights blink out of sight as the SUV turned a corner.

  In the distance, perhaps a couple miles away, he heard rapid gunshots. Animals hunted at night, especially predators. These predators were no different. He remained on the porch, listening to the night. It was silent, but for the distant gunshots. They were intermittent and Brian soon found himself drowsy. It had been two hours since the SUV had driven past. Getting up, he looked up and down the street, but saw no lights, no headlights, nothing.

  Going back into the house, he closed the door and locked it. He went to the couch and laid down. He knew he should keep watch, but he also needed sleep. He leaned his Mossberg against the couch and held the holster with his Glock against his chest. They’d have to make noise getting into his house. He hoped it be enough time for him to wake and use his weapons.

  He heard a dog barking and woke suddenly, his heart racing. He could see by the light filtering through the windows that it was morning. He looked at his watch, 5:30am. He heard the dog once more and got up, looking outside his living room window. It was the Anderson’s German Shephard, Daisy. He slid his holster in the back of his pants and went outside. He kept the Glock in his hand. Three houses down was the SUV he’d seen the night before and two men were trying to catch Daisy.

  The dog was snarling and barking at the two men, who had a rope. They were trying to surround and corner her at the same time. She wasn’t having it. He looked inside the SUV, there were other dogs, barking and sticking their noses out of the cracked windows. Daisy was thin, and Brian suspected that she’d been on her own for a while now. Most pets were. If the dogs were let loose, they had a better chance of survival. In the homes, they starved to death or died the horrible death of dehydration.

  Bringing his weapon up, he walked quickly toward the two men. They didn’t hear him, since Daisy was making so much noise. He was within ten feet when he shot a round into the ground. Both men jerked as though the bullet had struck them, and they turned, looking shocked at Brian. The two men looked rough; their clothing dirty. Apparently, they’d spent the night rounding up dogs, for what, he didn’t know.

  “You two assholes leave that dog alone. She doesn’t want to go with you.”

  “Is she your dog?” One man snarled, but Brian could see he’d frightened the man.

&n
bsp; “She is now. Get the fuck out of my neighborhood. Go find your dogs someplace else. Daisy, come.” He called in a soft tone for her. She immediately ran to him. One hand hung down and when she reached him, he caressed her muzzle, which she rammed into his hand.

  The man looked like he wanted to say something, and the other man, a short stocky, bull of a man, nudged his arm and backed away. Both men kept their eyes glued to Brian and his weapon, still pointed at them and tracking their movement. Both men got into the SUV and he watched them shove back the dogs inside, who’d begun to bark even louder. The first man gave him a look and then pulled away in the SUV. Brian felt the tension leave his shoulders and he looked down at the dog, who’d also been watching the SUV.

  “I know a certain little boy that is going to be happy he has a new dog. Let’s go get you fed. I think I have enough eggs left. Then we’ll swing by and get some dog food on the way to our new home.” He grinned down at Daisy, who wagged her tail. He holstered his weapon and petted Daisy, who enjoyed with ecstasy and lots of tail wagging.

  He walked back toward the house, pleased that Daisy followed him. He remembered when Pat and Terry Anderson had gotten her, she was about two years old now. She’d been a rambunctious puppy and as happy to run around as any dog he’d known. Cooper had been two at the time, and Pat and Terry had been careful that their dog didn’t jump on the toddler. He was sure Cooper would be tickled to have a playmate. He was pretty sure those would be few and far between. Once more he felt the pang of sorrow for the child. Losing his parents and perhaps never seeing another child.

  Going around to the back of the house, Brian started the generator. He’d cook them some breakfast and take his very last shower. Bathing would be something on a smaller scale from now on. Though the Beach House, that sat in front of Halfway Lake, had bathrooms, to his knowledge, they did not have showers inside, and the outdoor showers needed power to work. With the lake sitting in front, he imagined that in the summer, he could manage baths. Winter, he’d be heating the water. Perhaps he could rig something and run a PVC pipe out to drain a tub. Perhaps he’d pick up a standalone bathtub. One more thing for the list. He’d also have to pick up a lifetime supply of soap, shampoos, toothpaste and tooth brushes, floss and anything else he could think of. Christ, more lists.

  Going into the kitchen, he pulled out the last of the eggs, a half dozen. He pulled sausages out from the freezer and he had half a loaf of bread. He found the last two potatoes and began to peel, then cut them up. Turning on the stove, he began to fry the potatoes up and then put the sausages on to heat. Within twenty minutes, he and Daisy had a hot breakfast. After eating, he went to wake Cooper and the boy came out and sat at the table, hair standing on end, blurry eyed. The boy’s eyes widened upon noticing Daisy, who laid her head in his lap. The boy giggled and gently petting the dog’s large head. Brian made some pancakes and used the last of the butter.

  Within an hour, Brian had the truck packed with the last of his belongings. He went to the back yard and turned off the generator. Then he walked over to the roses and his wife’s grave. He swatted down and felt the tears prick his eyes.

  “I’ve got to go honey. I’ll not be back this way again, but I’ve a feeling you’ll be with me always. I’m sorry I couldn’t join you so soon, but Coop needs me and I think I need him. I love you babe, and I miss you so damned much.” He choked out. He turned when he felt Coop’s small hand on his shoulder. He turned and picked the boy up and hugged him. He went to the truck and put Cooper in the car seat. He called Daisy and she easily jumped into the back of the truck cab.

  “Okay guys, we’re going to the mini-mall. I’m going to pick us up some clothes for you Coop, a bed for me and a bed for you and dog food for Daisy. How does that sound?” He grinned at the boy and dog.

  “Awesome!” Cooper cried and his feet began to waggle. Brian laughed and turned the key, he carefully backed the truck and U-Haul trailer out and left his neighborhood, he didn’t look back at his home, it was one of the hardest things he’d had to do in his life. He could not look back now, only forward.

  Ӝ

  Emma woke exhausted. She was also confused, when she opened her eyes, she saw a gossamer film above her. There was ornate molding around the ceiling. Then she remembered. She and Paadi had stopped at a bed and breakfast to spend the night. She’d chosen the McLaren Vale suite at the Australian Walkabout Inn. It had been a hard day, yesterday. Her new friend, Paadi, had shot and killed a man, because he was too stupid or too high to realize the danger, he presented by pointing a weapon at them.

  She could tell that the incident had upset Paadi, though she didn’t know the woman well. When she’d arrived at her parent’s home, she’d dreaded going in. When she’d walked in, she could detect the heavy scent of decay. Her heart had plunged into her stomach. It was real, her parents were dead and gone. Her eyes had scanned the living room, all the same, but for the heavy coating of dust. She’d walked into her once loved home, now empty but for the relics of a lost life. She knew her parents were there, but not how she’d remembered them.

  She went to the back of the house and her parent’s door was shut. On the door was an envelope, taped to the door, with her name on it. That had surprised her. She took the note off the door, but didn’t open her parent’s bedroom door. She didn’t want that grizzly scene to be the last memory of them. She walked back to the living room, Paadi was looking at the photos of her parents and her. Emma had smiled sadly.

  Reaching over to the night stand, Emma picked up her mother’s letter once more. She scooted up in the large bed and plumped the pillows. The sheets were crisp and clean and felt wonderful against her skin. It was a lovely room and the windows were wide open, letting the morning breeze in. She could hear mourning doves outside her window. There were several other birds singing, it was spring after all. It almost seemed normal. It was so weird. At least it didn’t stink as bad as Boston. There was a miasma of rot here in Lancaster, but not on the large scale of Boston.

  Paadi had chosen the Victoria suite, it was smaller, but Paadi had wanted to keep an eye on the truck, which she could see from the room. It also had a sliding glass door to the outside and let a lot of breeze and night air in. Her own room was large and spacious and the sheets had been clean. There had been no one at the bed and breakfast. The kitchen door had been open. Thankfully, there were no bodies at least, they’d searched each of the rooms.

  Pulling back her long hair, she tied it back with an elastic band. She reread the letter her mother had written to her, Dear Em, if you’re reading this, I’m afraid your father and I didn’t fare as well as we’d hoped. Please don’t open our door, I’d not have you remember us this way. If you’re reading this, it means that you’ve survived this horrible virus. I hope you can find a way to live. Know that your father and I love you so very much. Please be safe my love. I’ll see you in heaven, when it is your time. Don’t grieve for your father and I, we’ve lived a wonderful life, having you as our daughter. Love Mom.

  Emma sniffed and wiped at the tears. She’d loaded up on photographs of her family, she’d removed them from the frames and placed them in plastic bags and sealed them. She’d also taken most of the photo albums. They were her only link to her past. She’d looked around her home once more and then she and Paadi had emptied the pantry of every scrap of food. They’d also raided the linen closet for TP, towels, shampoos and toothpaste. You could never have too much TP, she was sure. They’d have to raid a store for feminine hygiene products as well. Couldn’t have too much of those either.

  She’d used the bed and breakfast bathrooms in other rooms. She’d save her bathroom for her final usage before they headed to R.B. Winter park. This morning, they’d empty out the hotel’s kitchen before leaving. They’d also take all the TP here as well. She snorted to herself, her thought process had changed in the last weeks. Small conveniences, such as a flushing toilet and toilet paper meant a lot.

  She sat up and shoved the covers away fro
m her. Looking around the room, she smiled sadly, it would be the last convenience she’d have. She was sure the cabins at the park weren’t this lavish. But they would be a shelter she didn’t have to build. She didn’t know if there were other people there. If there were, she hoped they’d be good people and not crazies or druggies like the man they ran into yesterday. At least she wasn’t alone, she had Paadi and that woman was good with a weapon. She also had Buddy, who, she was sure would protect them both. She looked around and found the dog on the other side of the bed. He was still asleep.

  “Get up lazy bones, we got a long day ahead of us. We’re going to find us a new home.” She bent and scratched his belly. He grinned up at her, his tail thumping on the hardwood floors.

  She got dressed and wandered into the kitchen. Paadi was there, grinning and lifted up a pot.

  “Coffee, the old fashion way.”

  “How did you manage that?” Emma grinned back taking a coffee cup from the counter.

  “This is a gas stove, so just added water and coffee grounds. Boiled them and just carefully pour it into the cup. There’s powered creamer and sugar, don’t even bother with the Sub-Zero, I’m sure it’s been long dead.”

  Emma carefully poured the coffee into the cup, careful of the coffee grounds. She added sugar, but left it black. Cautiously sipping, her eyes crinkled in appreciation. It had been a while since she’d had coffee. On the table were an assortment of prepackaged pastries. She picked up one and tore it open.