The Dead Lands Diary Vol. II)

by S. David Staggs

  Got no choice. Adapt or die, ya know? Only options you got. Wasn’t some simple thing like turning a switch, but you adapt. Just the way it goes.

  Do you go outside the walls?

  Oh, sure! I go on local supply runs, ya know...simple shit. Go through peoples houses and other buildings, you get the gist. It’s hard sometimes though...

  How so?

  Adapting or not...seeing things that...well, it’s not so easy to get used to seeing things. Bodies in the homes...being able to sometimes make out how shit went down. Seeing notes left behind.

  Believe me. I know. Too well.

  I’m sure you’ve seen more than I.

  Feel free to read it sometime. Tina is.

  Nah, I’m good. I’ve seen my own share...I’ll see more. Those haunts are mine...I don’t want those of yours.

  Good way of putting it. What was life like before this?

  For me my life was sports and my friends. I was the only girl on the male football team. I played basketball. I also enjoyed archery and shooting. Another reason they love having me along on runs.

  That’s impressive, I gotta say! You feel secure here? Mark doesn’t.

  I feel fine. I stay alert and on my toes...I ain’t an idiot. Shit could go down, naturally. Mark...he is just fucked up. I guess he just doesn’t care what happens. I don’t think he gives two shits about what we’ve built here...totally apathetic. Pathetic, too.

  Seems to be the case. I think that’s all for now. But we’ll follow up soon. I’ll be around and I’m just trying to get to know everyone.

  No problem. Have fun with Larry and shit. Save him and Todd for last [laughs]. Lily and Karen, too. Lily will be the least trouble!

  Mindy Brooks is a young woman in her thirties and pretty pleasant over all. There’s a touch of bitterness and sadness, but that comes from the loss of her husband roughly six months ago.

  Thanks for agreeing to sit with me and converse.

  Yeah...that’s fine. What else I got to do anyway?

  You’re a nurse I’m told?

  Was...hospitals quit hiring awhile ago. I’m sure you noticed.

  Of course. But if you still help people then I’d say you’re still a nurse. You’re a caregiver. That’s a very important craft to have these days.

  Yeah, everyone comes to me with their aches and pains and what not. I ain’t a doctor but I guess I pass for Haven’s physician.

  It’s honorable. You should take some pride in it.

  I do...just seems futile sometimes. I try to be optimistic...I used to be a lot more. Losing Doug though kinda killed that. I couldn’t save him and it makes me doubt being much of a help to anyone. I couldn’t save the most important person to me...why trust me with anything?

  I’m sure it wasn’t your fault. May I ask what happened? Only if you’re up to that.

  He was on a run with Kurt and Travis and Ray. They were in some trailer park. One of those things lurked up behind him from a door way and bit into his shoulder. The fever wasn’t long behind...I couldn’t even bring that fever down a few degrees...I’ve never seen a fever like that before...

  Well, that is definitely not your fault! There’s no cure for this. Nothing can stop the infection or even slow it down. You shouldn’t carry that weight around.

  I know it...but easier said than done.

  Were you in the hospital when this all began?

  Oh, yeah. It was horrid. The sick just kept coming and we got overwhelmed quickly. Once patients started dropping and changing, it was a massacre. When I started seeing some of them get up and attack, I just had that feeling...the feeling that the place was about to turn into a battlefield. So many stayed to try and restrain them...others attended to those wounded by the infected. I just backed away...watching, taking it all in. I fled. I felt a little guilty as a nurse, but I just knew nothing I did was going to help anyone. I’d have just died with them. I made it out and to my car. My nerves were shot, I couldn’t drive...just sat there. Shortly, people were running from the hospital. Living and dead. Police had arrived and tried to tackle patients...that only got them bitten and exposed. Eventually, they just started shooting them. I’d had enough at that point and I got the hell out. I got home as fast as I could. Doug was waiting in the yard when I got there...he was close to heading to the hospital...luckily he didn’t. In the chaos I had never heard my cell phone ringing. He was blowing it up but I was in shock I think. We stayed locked in and isolated. Month or so later we ran into Ray and Travis in our neighborhood. The rest is history. I sometimes wonder...if Doug and I never came to Haven, where would we be? Trying to scavenge our neighborhood? Would he be alive? We’d probably both just be dead. Damn infected...wrong damn trailer at the wrong damn time. Sons of bitches. I wonder if any of my co-workers made it out alive? I didn’t stick around long enough to find out. I left before it was too late. [sigh] if you don’t mind, I’d like to end this.

  Absolutely! And I’m so sorry for your husband.

  Thank you.

  Lily was as described. Standoffish but not rude. Although it was right there under the surface for sure. I felt things were probably extremely uncertain for her being the mother of two young boys. She had the most at stake and really depended on these walls.

  Hi. How are you?

  I’m okay. Today anyway, each day at a time with all this stuff.

  Right. So tell me, before the plague what did you do?

  I was a waitress at a small town diner. Nothing special.

  You do that a lot? Waiting work?

  Is there something wrong with that job? Not good enough or something?

  No, no! That’s not what I meant at all…I simply meant to ask if that’s the only work you did or liked?

  Well, I sure as hell didn’t enjoy it. I got canned from a decent factory job I had. Well, not canned but let go. Place wasn’t doing well. Closed down not long after. Sucked, too, cause I was starting to move up the ladder. I had started a line leader position and had my sights set higher. After that, I had to quickly find something since I got two kids. Found the diner and it was enough for now..or was..whatever…that was only two months before the shit hit the fan.

  Having two kids in this kinda environment must be scary…I don’t mean in here of course, but beyond the walls.

  You have no idea, mister. The thought of one of those “people” getting their hands on one of them is my worst nightmare. I heard what you guys encountered…that giant group of them. That didn’t make things much better. How would this place stand up to that? Not to mention people.

  Like the two that got in early on?

  Heard about that, did ya? Yeah…like that but worse. Like a large group. I don’t sleep easy. Haven’t since this all began.

  I don’t hear your kids..are they here?

  No, Tina is watching them for a few. They like her and she’s good with them. Heather is, too…I just worry about her influence sometimes.

  [laughs] she’s a wild spirit that’s for sure. How are your boys holding up?

  They sleep just fine. William didn’t for a long time though. I’d have to lay next to him until he fell asleep. He was scared “the monsters” would find him.

  How old are they?

  William is nine. Danny eleven. They’ve adjusted rather well, though. They have their days. Sometimes Danny I find in a fog. Like lost in space, deep thought. I know he thinks about things, but he won’t talk about it. I worry about them becoming too comfortable. I don’t want them to forget what’s outside these walls. I always remind them of that and to always be watchful and careful.

  Smart.

  Yeah. Then, when things got crazy and some looting started I said hell with that…I quit my job and kept my kids indoors. We lived about five miles outside of here. Things went from bad to worse and from worse to even worse. Once things settled slightly I got the kids in our van and headed further into the country. Thought I’d head toward West Branch…my friend always had a camper there. I was hoping to find him
still there. Long story short we ran into Haven first and were quickly welcomed when it was seen I had kids.

  We went to West Branch looking for supplies.

  You did?? Was anyone there?

  No, I’m sorry. This was awhile after everything. The place was empty with the exception of a few Roamers wandering around. We didn’t find much supply, either.

  What a shame. Wonder what happened to her…

  I wonder what happened to a lot of people I once knew. I’d like to hope they’re all alive, but I know that’s unrealistic. I’ve taken up enough time, thank you! By any chance would you allow me to interview the kids sometime?

  I’ll think about it. But yeah, you’re welcome. Was kinda nice to vent. Been awhile.

  Larry Berns was just a real pleasure. That’s absolute sarcasm. He was exactly how I expected him to be. Similar to Mark but add in alcohol and a beer gut. He’s not the most personable individual.

  Hey…good to meet you.

  If you say so, pal. You’re the first to say it in awhile.

  Well, I’d like to get to know everyone and take everything in. You like it here?

  It’ll do. I’m sure it’s better than anything out there in the cluster fuck of a world we got. It’s alright.

  How’d you end up here?

  Lived nearby…so did Todd. We were spotted early on and Alan invited us. I thought, fuck it…why not.

  How long have you and Todd been friends?

  You ask a lot of question right from the damn start, don’t you? We’ve been friends as long as this place started up. We both lived near by but didn’t know each other. Seen him around. Who’d have thought such a tragedy could cause such a perfect asshole friendship. Disasters really do bring folks together! Haaaa.

  How about everyone else here?

  They’re okay, I guess. Most of them look at me like I’m white trash. Not that I give a rats ass. Alan acts like he’s better than me and everyone else.

  I didn’t pick that up about him.

  Did I ask for your damn opinion?

  Just saying. So can you tell me about the incident that occurred when two guys tried to rob this place?

  What the fuck is there to tell? They got in…one’s now dead and the other probably is by now, too.

  I was told that despite you seeming to stay isolated that you really stepped up that day for the good of Haven. Todd as well.

  Someone actually said that? Well….damn! Who’d have thought it? Who said that?

  I want to keep everyone’s interviews confidential.

  That’s cute reporter boy. Maybe you’ll get some kind of reward. Wait…no, guess not. Well, hot damn…it’s still nice to think someone actually said that about me and Todd. He’ll appreciate that. More than me.

  Because of the killing?

  Obviously, dumbass.

  Will he speak of it?

  Who knows. Go find the hell out. I ain’t his secretary. He either will open up or he’ll tell you to fuck off and get the hell out of his home. We done here, reporter boy?

  Uh, yeah…that’s fine. Thank you!

  Weird ass bastard…

  Todd Hicks, to my surprise, was far more receptive to speaking to me. He didn’t seem even half as bad as some made him out to be. Maybe I just caught him on a good day.

  I appreciate you sitting down with me.

  No problem. Might as well get to kinda know the newcomers here.

  So what did you do before?

  Just warehouse work. Some mechanic work on the side. How about yourself?

  Me? I was a mall security guard.

  [laughs] I’m sorry. Just didn’t picture you in that line of work.

  Yeah, what would you have guessed?

  I donno…maybe a teacher or something.

  [laughs] no, not me. I didn’t even go to college for that matter.

  Yeah, me neither. I always thought it was kind of a waste of time…something I didn’t support. You probably think I sound like a moron.

  No…but I am curious now.

  Well, back in the day, it seemed college was something serious. Important. Somewhere along the way, it wasn’t about education anymore. It just became a business for the colleges. Became less about learning and earning degrees and more about how much the schools could charge and make. How long they could keep you there to pay more. For instance…someone decides they want to go to school for whatever…and they end up taking classes totally irrelevant to what they wanna do. Another way of keeping people there and draining their bank accounts. Yeah, no thanks. I wasn’t going to let those leeches bleed my wallet dry. They can get bent. I stuck to old school work.

  I must say…I never thought about it that way. Some damn good valid points.

  Sure as hell are. Now, I don’t think you wanted to talk about college. What else you got?

  I’m happy to hear whatever you wish to share. How’s Haven for you?

  It’s fine by me.

  You get along well with people?

  Overall. I think a lot of people think of me as kind of a dick. I think that’s only for two reasons. One being that I’ve always been kinda private. I didn’t hangout with a lot of people before…some close friends and that was about it. I’m sure they’re all dead. But, since I kinda like to keep to my own space sometimes, they, I think, find me to be antisocial or something.

  And the other reason?

  The other is just guilty by association. They see me spending time with Larry and just assume “well, he must be an asshole, too.” For whatever reason, Larry just clicked with me. Just seemed to get along. I felt…this is...what’s it called? Off the record?

  I’m not a reporter, just documenting…but yes, everything stays with me. You have my word.

  Okay…well, I kinda felt bad for him. He snapped at everyone. I talked to him and he was an asshole but I just kept him talking. Thought I could break him out of his hard shell. Eventually, he offered me a beer. I think he’d end up more that way with everyone if anyone took the time to work on him. Hell, if it wasn’t for me, he wouldn’t talk to anyone. I’m his only friend. I tried to tell him to be a little more open to shit, but he just grumbles. He’s a miserable old prick.

  Have you taken anytime to venture yourself? Talk to the others more?

  Eh, a little. Not a lot. I tell myself I will more but still haven’t much. I’ve spoken to everyone at some point or another. The kids around here are alright, but they stay away from me. For reasons I’ve stated, I’m sure. I’ve had plenty of conversations with Alan and Ray. We’ve had some tense conversations at times, but we’re okay. They’re good guys. I’m just not always personable.

  How about Mark?

  Oh, he can just fuck off. People are hesitant of me…more so of Larry…but everyone knows Mark is the biggest sack of shit in here. You talk to him at all? Or try to?

  Yeah. Wasn’t a very long talk, though.

  I’d imagine not. Damn recluse. If I was in charge here, I’d tell him to contribute something or get the hell out. Lucky to be in here and can’t even help. I get why Alan could never do such a thing, though. I know Alan gets pissed. I’ve seen him leave Mark’s place all kinds of pissed off and red in the face.

  What do you do around here?

  Well, I help on the walls when they need me. Or want me. When any of the vehicles have issues I work on them. Give them a once over at the end of every month to make sure everything looks good before they continue going outside.

  You seem to appreciate it here more than Larry and Mark.

  I think Larry is more appreciative than he lets on. I quite frankly love being here…but I know Larry can stand up when it counts.

  I assume you’re speaking of the incident that happened early on…

  Yeah…he stepped up that day. Only time he has, so like I said…when it counts.

  I won’t ask you about that day.

  I’ll just make a comment. I did what I had to do. It sucked, I think about it, but it’s what I had to do. If I had to do
it again I would. They were threatening us and what we were making for our safety. It was also self defense. Is what it is. That’s all I have to say on that matter.

  Were you okay with letting the other go?

  I won’t lie…I had my concerns. Obvious concerns. Part of me thought maybe we should have just killed him. Part of me was glad we didn’t. Even though he probably ended up with a worse death out there. Least here it’d have been a fast execution. Hey, who knows…maybe the dick is alive.