Dec. 15, 2022

Why do all the places we end up have to be so much work getting to and from them? Up and down trees. Up and down that valley. What a walk. Still clueless about where we are going. There is just forest. Only good thing is that we have been zombie free so far.

Dec. 11, 2022

Up the other side of the valley we go. Hopefully this valley puts some distance between us and them. So lost. Need to find somewhere on the map so we can head in the right direction. What direction that is.

Dec. 10, 2022

Uncharted territory for zombs no more. So weird. At first they were all kind of standing at the edge cliff looking down here. I’m not sure why we didn’t run, but we also stood and watched them. Then one decided to try to come down, but it just fell and rolled. Then others waited. Like they knew what was going to happen. Finally another tried unsuccessfully. And another. We laughed. And laughed. Until one got up. Sort of. It tried to stand then fell time after time. Then others started crawling. God do I hate zombies. We had to go over there and put an end to them. Funny how some of them lost body parts on the way down. Good thing we went down slowly. Can’t afford to lose any body parts.

Dec. 7, 2022

Fuck is it cold in this valley. Colder than sitting up in those trees. Air just flowing right down here. Took clothes off the dead to wrap up in. Smells but whatever. Everything smells. Bad. 

Dec. 6, 2022

We have checked this place over and didn’t get much from it. I tried to figure out where we are, but I’m not sure. Hidden town I guess. We just have to go away from the direction we came, and keep going. Boys are tired. Their advantage of youth has about expired with the limits of our resources. 

Dec. 4, 2022

Had a dream. A wave came down and flooded us right out of the valley. The water dropped us right at the feet of zombs. I think one actually said it didn’t like its food soggy. Then my mom appeared and said not to worry. We would dry out soon enough, and make a good meal. I turned around and realized I wasn’t the only one that washed up there. There were hundreds of others behind me. When some decided to run, the water just brought them back. I think when I got splashed again I woke up. I think I’m thirsty now.

Dec. 3, 2022

On our last legs we made it to a valley that was hard to get down into. We decided to go down here cause we saw homes. Just a few but all we needed was one. When we got down here there were bodies. Untouched. Just dead. Most died of hunger. Probably afraid to leave. There couldn’t be zombs here cause they would have eaten these bodies. That is a relief. However, it also told us we probably wouldn’t find any food. There are no cars cause you can’t drive down here. Not really sure how these people lived down here. This will give us some safe rest, but we can’t stay here either.

Nov. 27, 2022

Quick had the idea to break off as many branches as we could. Then we would jump down on the attack. Didn’t really like the jump down part. James added the idea to throw a few off in another direction to distract them. Smart kids. So we did it. Could have picked better branches, but worked well enough. Then it was marathon time again. 

Nov. 24

These zombs are determined not to let any survivors escape. We tried to go down and they were right there waiting. They seem to be more patient then we are.

Nov 23, 2022

If there was only a way to easily go tree to tree.

Nov. 20, 2022

Exhausted. Still on the run. They keep chasing. Boys now wish they stayed in tree house. Me too.

Nov. 14, 2022

We are out. A true run for our lives. Kind of a limping run for me. I hated to do it and James didn’t want any part of it but it had to be done. I killed the 2 people, and used them as bait. Threw them downstairs so the zombies would have something to chew on. Not much but something. We then jumped down, took out the zombs that we had to, and then ran. There were still plenty outside. We just had to keep moving. Didn’t know if there were zombs in other homes. Didn’t know what happened to those people we saw. Just ran. Had to fight some off. Some were really fast. We made it down this hill, and then up another. Found this sort of small cliff. Again with the theme of a place they can’t climb. I could barely do it. Don’t see them anymore but that doesn’t mean they aren’t close. And we probably have to go back the way we came.

Nov. 11, 2022

Night of hell. That is what that was. James woke us up when he noticed people out in the field. Running back to one of the homes. Just as we were ready to go check it out we saw more out there. Zombs. Were following them. Right up to the house, and were trying to get in. The kids wanted to help. I said no. Did they listen? ? ? Damn kids never listen. Went running right outside. I watched. I watched as more zombs came behind them, and trapped them between themselves and the ones trying to get in the house. They opened fire killing most of them. Big mistake. More came out of the woods. I yelled for them to run. Mistake for me. They ran right back inside and then we had zombs at our door. Did the people in the other house come to save us? I tried to warn them. There is no reward for bravery out here. First thought was hide where the survivors were hiding but that didn’t appear to work for them. The boys looked around and found an attic. Can’t believe we missed that before. Also can’t believe we found two people. Barely alive. Couldn’t even speak. Just laying there barely moving. All we could do was make sure that they were not zombies.

We had to make sure the zombies couldn’t get up here. I knew they would find us, and they did. We hear them banging against walls. Moaning and groaning. This is different from being in a tree. From a tree you could see what they were doing. From here we can’t see anything. There is a small window, which is only good for giving us the outside light. Morning has come and none of us have slept. Just sat here all night listening. Once more light came into the room it was a horrifying site. The two people were practically bones. How they were alive I have no idea. Quick kept checking to make sure they were alive. He couldn’t believe it either. There was food and water up here at one time. Of course not now. I just realized. I don’t want to end up like these people. We are out of here.

Nov. 9, 2022

They returned.

Nov. 6, 2022

Food. Food. Food. Nothing like disgustingly old rotten food. With worms, and all kinds of nasty little creatures on it. Near dead bodies too. I don’t care. I ate everything I could. The boys weren’t as eager, but that is their choice. Farms seem to always have food hidden somewhere. I don’t think this was a fruit and vegatable farm, but they had some trees which is where I’m guessing they got it from. None with anything on them now. I was disappointed. Still happy to eat. Happy to deal with stomach pain later. No different than any day.

Nov. 5, 2022

James isn’t handling seeing all the death very well. I don’t think you ever get fully used to seeing death, but it doesn’t bother me as much now. What bothers me more is going through homes, and putting the pieces of the people’s lives together. Pictures are the worse. Seeing all the joyous moments. Meaningful moments. Loved ones together. All gone now. Kids rooms with toys. Baby rooms with cribs. Painted themed walls. Teddybears. Princesses. I found James more than once standing in front of a baby room. Just staring inside. I don’t think he went inside. He must have lost a baby brother or sister. I feel for him, but said nothing. I can’t take his pain away. No one can. There is no one

Nov 2, 2022

Found some farms. Now we know why there are so many zombies. Fresh dead bodies. Or body parts. Must have been some survivors here. Until the zombies found them. They ate well. Wonder if any one is left. Escaped? So far haven’t seen anyone. Debating what to do. Stay. Go. Kind of thinking zombies finished here and moved on. Did we accidentally cross paths with them, or were they chasing survivors? Must do is find food. Zombies ate. What about me?  

Oct. 22, 2022

Our conversation while walking through the forest- What animals live or hide in trees? Monkeys. Squirrels. Cats. Birds. And now us. Q said he wishes he was a bird. Just fly away at the sight of a zombie. How nice. My thoughts were actually how I could eat any of those creatures now. Disgusting but fuck am I hungry. 

Oct. 20, 2022

I don’t know what we walked into. Zombie here. Zombie there. So far we have been able to handle it because the numbers are low. Not sure where they are coming from. Why there are so many around here. We are all exhausted. Walking, fighting, and no food is wearing us down. Hopefully we will come up on shelter, help, or food soon. 

Oct. 17, 2022

Told them not to bring any zombies back with them. Couldn’t find any gas, but plenty of zombies. Not long after returning here come a bunch of them. Did a number on the car before we could get out and run for it. Found some trees to climb up, and waited them out. Killed some of them but told them not to waste bullets unless they had to. Looks like we are on foot again.

Oct. 11, 2022

Where are these kids? Lost? Eaten? I know they haven’t experienced being in the woods for a long time. Maybe ever. I know I didn’t want to baby sit, but I definitely feel responsible for bringing them out here. Maybe I should have went with them. Just don’t have the same strength these days. Not getting any easier to survive. 

Oct. 10, 2022

It doesn’t matter how many times I sleep out in the middle of nowhere, it never gets easier. Scary not knowing whats out there. Actually chances are it’s a zombie but still. At least shelter of car would give me notice that they are here. I remember sleeping in the car when mom used to take us places. A lot on the way to and from school. Always on road trips. A much safer environment. Especially at the speeds she drove. Nothing like speed demon dad. To take a drive with them now would be nice. 

Oct. 9, 2022

Boys insisted on heading off to look for supplies gas. Whatever. Told them to make sure they know how to get back. Car is only shelter we have right now. And that doesn’t mean it is safe, so hopefully nothing follows them back here. If they make it back. 

Oct. 8, 2022

All right. Back to the usual shit. Drove the car as far as we could, and now stuck in the middle of nowhere. Doesn’t get more exciting than this.

Oct. 5, 2022

2 days on the road. Kids can’t believe some of the things they have seen. They haven’t been away from that tree house in a long time. I tried to tell them that this was no joke out here. Nothing pretty to see!

Oct 3, 2022

Surprise surprise. The kids have a car too! They said they had another one that one of their friends tried to drive, but crashed it. I guess they didn’t play too many car games. We got the car, and went back to the house for more stuff. Filled the trunk, and off we went. Gave me my map back. Knew they had no use for it. I’m not sure how far we can get, but I’m going as far as this car will take us. 

Oct. 1, 2022

Never made it back up the tree house. Don’t want to know. Just told them to get what they think we would need if we are going, and lets get out of here. If not, spare me some stuff and I’m off. They waited to the last minute, but finally left. If they eventually tell me what happened fine. If not, fine. Told them zombies must die no matter who they were. So if one of them turns, I’m not babysitting them.

Sept. 29, 2022

Slept in the house last night. Dangerous move, but the kids didn’t come down yesterday and I didn’t want to pressure them. Found a safe place in the mess. I think. About to go see what is going on. Hopefully they are alive, and made the right decision

Crazy kids! Slept up there with that thing. Said they took turns watching it. Insane. That never works. I hope they haven’t decided to go back to staying here. Friend is gone. Not human any more. We can’t stay here. I’m not staying here. Will give them a little more time. Then I’m going.

Sept. 28, 2022

Made it to the tree house. Something wrong did happen here. Blood. Some body parts. Poor kids. It couldn’t have been easy that day. Neither is it easy being here now. I can see it on their faces. Shockingly, their friend that was sick is still here. Very weak. Barely moved, but a zomb. Never saw one that couldn’t get up and attack. At least one with 2 legs. Like it knew it wanted to attack, but resisted some how. He just moaned.  Could swear it wanted to talk, but it must have been my imagination. Weird. Boys were unsure what to do with it. I knew what I wanted to do, but left it up to them. Gave them a chance to deal with it, and went back down to get a closer look at the carnage. Quick definitely got in a few shots. Bullets to the head in some zombs. I went into the house. Very curious about it. All kinds of junk here. Like the kids collected everything from the neighborhood and threw it in this house. Big storage unit. Not a bad idea. You never know what you are going to need. Stuff you never thought could be a weapon could suddenly become one. It is a shame we will leave this stuff behind. If only we had a moving van. Ha Moving van!  

Sept. 25, 2022

James said the best way they knew how to survive would be to treat this like a video game. Most of them played games every day. Made them good at things like shooting. Quick was always the best at that. He just had to get used to the weight of the gun. And the power. Others were good at strategy. Like hiding these supplies, and the tree house. If I only knew it was that easy. Everyone that has survived to this point has a way that works for them. Otherwise, we would all be dead by now, and the zombs would rule.

Sept. 24, 2022

I got a lesson on what quick means. In more ways than one. We were attacked. Kids. Kid zombies. Fast kid zombies. So much for me protecting the boys. They did more protecting of me. Quick is quick. Quick with the gun. Took several down in a hurry with no wasted shots. James had his back as he shot. They have done this before. I killed a few too. I think. They were gone before we knew. James hurried us off into another home. In the basement. Said there would be more not far behind those. I knew there was more than I originally thought. They have supplies here. Food. Water. Few weapons. James said there were certain houses they kept stuff because they had good hiding places. Hiding the stuff from people like me that come through here. Said we were close. Now we just have to wait until zombies move away. 

Sept. 20, 2022

Being around them reminds me of being around Violet. Not that I have done much taking care of them. Just being around kids again. There is something about it that brings out your better side. Wiser side. Protective side. Although I haven’t done any of that either. Mostly following their lead, and listening to them. But I have a sense of responsibility again. I’m not sure I like it. Could get me killed. Or them. Like the last kids I was around. That didn’t end the way I would have hoped. But that wasn’t me that hurt the most on that day. 

Sept. 19, 2022

So now I know why I can’t remember this boys name. Never said his real name. James just calls him Q. Yea Q. Short for quick. Not that quick is a long word. Long nickname. Don’t understand these kids. James said if we are unlucky, I will see just how quick he is. Wonder if he is a fast runner. I’m good at running away. He’s not a quick talker. Doesn’t say much to me. James talks to me some. Said to follow him. We are taking the long, but safer way there. Hopefully. 

Sept. 18, 2022

The boys feel a need to move from house to house slowly. That worries me. They know something I don’t. I think there were more of those kids then I saw. They did agree to move go back to the house. Collect what we can take, and move on. They clearly don’t want to stay here anymore. That worries me as well. 

Sept. 16, 2022

Moving out in hour. Boys said good to go. Go where is another story. I mentioned my plan, and neither was happy. Looked at me funny. Thought they were going to attack me for a second. Then one called me out. Said I wanted their stuff. Yes and no. Need the stuff. But so do they. They might be thinking about staying. I’m not staying. Going with some of their stuff or not. Just need to know cause I need get moving again. It is up to them. Not going to fight them. One last check now before going. 

Sept. 13, 2022

Woke up to the boys arguing. Think one is ready to move on, and the other isn’t. Sure neither is, but one is living in reality more than the other. Maybe hunger is setting in. They probably got use to having something to eat. Drink. Nothing for the last few days. Hopefully they figure it out soon. Was thinking about sneaking off, but don’t want them finding me. They won’t be happy. 

September 11, 2022

These kids need to snap out of it. I would have moved on by now. No food. They didn’t bring any with them. They probably had food before me. Seriously thinking about going to the house where their tree house was. Probably be to hard for them to go. Might not be happy if I mention it to them. Need them to lead me back though. I’m sure I would find it. Eventually. Can’t be roaming the streets with zombies out there. Kid zombies. Fast zombies. Have to think about how to get them going. 

September 9, 2022

I feel bad for them, but had to remind them that we were in danger. At least that is what I think. That is what they led me to think. They still didn’t say much. One whispered that they knew. I think. Been on the look out. Window to window. Haven’t seen anything. Thinking about this house. The kids might be right. Seems like one of the safer ones. Still. Never can be safe enough. 

Sept 8, 2022

Boys are upset. Stopped talking. In shock maybe. Each in their own spots in the house. They take turns crying. I watch from a distance. I don’t know them. Not sure what to say. Not much to say. It happens to everyone in Zombieville. Friends die. You have to kill friends. When Ethan died I just wanted to be alone. Thoughts were racing. Did that really happen? Why him? Why me? Why not me? Still not over it. Getting into situations like this is a constant reminder. 

September 7, 2022

Just when I was trying to relax. Can you believe it journal? Am the babysitter now?

James and what is his name. I keep forgetting. Came to me in a panic. I knew they knew where I was. Said their friend turned. Sort of. Still not sure what that means, but they are short on answering questions now. So apparently he bit another one of them, who didn’t say anything. He turned, and it got out of control quickly. It happens. They are still pretty upset. I think they had to kill some of their friends. Name had blood on him. Right now we are hiding in one of the houses they say is the safest. Apparently they didn’t kill all of their friends. Not sure why they came running to me. Or was I just in the right place. Maybe wrong place.

Aug. 29, 2022

I didn’t realize it, but I think the kids marked each house. Differently. Maybe that they have been there. They took everything. If it was a safe house. Dangerous one. There was a check mark in one. An x in another. One had holes in the wall in some kind of pattern. Didn’t pay attention to it. Maybe it wasn’t them or just nothing. Mystery. 

Aug. 27, 2022

Wow this right here is the best bed I have slept in yet. Where did they get a bed so big? It is more than enough for two people. Normal size people. Tons of pillows. I just rolled around. Relaxed for once. Shortly but relaxed. All the time it is stress stress stress. There isn’t much time to let your guard down. You know with the killer kids on the loose. Amazing to think they actually killed. Kids. I remember seeing kids on the news killing people, but never really paid much attention. But sitting here thinking. Envisioning them killing zombies. Crazy. Well never envisioned myself killing either. I guess it is different with zombies. Kind of like animals. Hunting. I don’t know. Maybe they have done more running like I tried to. Running works. So does sleeping. Time to nap again.

Aug. 26, 2022

I was thinking about some of the stuff I did as a kid. Riding bike. Playing sports. Video games. Computer. Always messing with the computer. Having fun with little sister. Making friends. I’m sure these kids did some of the same things. Now look. All those things taken from them. They had to grow up in a hurry. No playing games out here.    

Aug. 25, 2022

This must have been another good place to live. It is a shame all these places have gone to waste. If these kids are from here, they must have been living good. Lucky. Were lucky. Or maybe still are lucky? In a way.

Where are their parents? I can’t believe the parents would leave them behind. Mom and dad wouldn’t have left us. Did they sacrifice themselves for the kids? That is something mom and dad would do.

So bored here. Go from one window to the next. Hoping to see something. Anything different. New. I can’t help but think the kids know I’m here. I never see them. These kids are good at hide and seek. 

Aug. 22, 2022

Bastards took my pens. Good thing most homes come with pens. Not high on the list of things to take with you. I don’t know why, but I couldn’t go to far. These kids intrigue me. How have they survived? Where did they come from? Most of all where are the adults? I know they warned me, but still. I’ll keep my distance for now. See what happens. Maybe they let me stay. Probably not. Not in their age group. Going move a little further away. Just have a feeling. 

Aug. 20, 2022

Little bastards were more prepared than I thought. Kind of took the decision out of my hands. Caught me looking around another house. They had guns. Couldn’t tell from that far away. They took my gun. Water. Map. Why map? They aren’t going anywhere. Lucky none of them wanted to write. Threw you right back at me journal. And my now almost completely empty bag. Asked me if I was a doctor. Ha. I would have to be a lot smarter, and older. Do I really look old enough to be a doctor? I got to visit the tree house. That is where they keep all of the important things. Looking in the window of the house it appears they have some other stuff in there. One of them is sick. I think he might be on the way to being a zomb. It is weird it is taking so long. They said he has been like that for days. Maybe it is something else. If he is just sick I hope I don’t get it. If he is a zomb I hope I don’t get that either. I’m not sure if they would have killed me, but I’m not taking any chances. To survive this long, I know they have killed at some point. Told me what I figured. I won’t find much around here. Suggested I leave. If I brought zombs with me, they would be sure to get rid of us all. Thinking about leaving. Also thinking if their friend becomes a zomb and kills them first, I could get all their stuff. But if they become zombs, then I would have to kill them, and I’m still not sure how many of them are around. I bet they know where I am now. 

Aug 16, 2022

Yes, I’m back journal. Needed a break. Did you see what I saw? Amazing. Kids. Apparently living by themselves. I haven’t seen an adult around. You didn’t see them? These homes are big. Bigger than the other ones. This house has one of the better views of the neighborhood. They are hold up in a tree house. I wonder if it belongs to one of them, or they found it. I bet that turned out to be a good place to live. Zombs aren’t the best climbers. Easier to defend than a house. They have cleaned out the neighborhood. Can’t find anything of much use. What do you think journal? Talk to them or move on? I mean, they are kids. Maybe teens. Can’t really tell. Maybe there are not adults around for a reason. I’m going have to think about this one. Your no help as usual.