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The Bolachek Journals - Part 1

Page 14

by Thad Phetteplace

edge of sorrow to what should have been a celebration. We held a brief memorial service, and several people spoke about Peter's kindness and bravery. I wish I could remember what was said so I could write it all down here, but I found my mind wandering, remembering Decker during those early days at the bus depot. He drafted me into helping with barricades almost as soon as I arrived. I now wonder if he really needed the help, or if he was just keeping me occupied because he knew I needed the distraction. That would be like him. He was a man of few words but usually used just the right ones when he spoke. He had a calm confidence that lowered the anxiety in a room the moment he stepped in. He was exactly the type of person we need right now, and it is unfair that he is gone.

  For a little while, things were really looking up. We had pulled off an amazing rescue. Yes, it had cost Decker his life, but his sacrifice had purchased a future for nearly a hundred other souls. Our community had nearly doubled overnight, and suddenly we were all a bit more hopeful about the future. We had beaten them. We had gone up against death itself and won. When a small group of undead stumbled up to the factory, the gunners nearly tripped over each other for the chance to dispatch them, for another demonstration of life's supremacy over death.

  And then a few more showed up. And a few more. We climbed up to the roof and looked east. A steady stream of dead stumbled down highway 11 and through the fields on either side. As they approached the factory, they steered right for it, attracted by the moans and howls of those already clawing at the walls.

  Death has followed us back from Blackwell.

  END OF PART 1

  Thank you for reading this early release of Part 1 of The Bolachek Journals. I am currently hard at work completing the full book, and you can help. Please visit TheBolachekJournals.com to provide feedback on what you've read so far and read updates on my progress.

  Thank you.

  Thad D. Phetteplace

  https://TheBolachekJournals.com

 


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