Tice Jenkins
English 2
Draft 1

A New Beginning

I woke up suddenly wide awake. The cold brisk air blew against my face like a whipping sensation. I wasn’t sure where I was or how I got here. I gazed around the area, noticing that I was in the middle of the forest. I don’t remember what has happened in the past. To my knowledge no one was around, but what I did have was a USP pistol and a 15 round magazine on me. As well as a curious human mind and fit body to explore this mysterious place.
As I started jogging around I realized I wasn’t exactly a track star, but could get around easily with walking breaks here and there. “My goodness how much longer until I get a hint of life around here.” I gasped for a deep breathe, “I’d be nice to know if anyone else is lost like me.” I continued to walk with a lack of motivation wondering if it’s worth continuing this journey to find success in what I search for. Beginning to walk slower and slower with my head down, I feel my feet walking on a different kind of surface. “Cement!” I murmured with excitement. “If I follow this hopefully it leads me to civilization.”
My stomach echoed fiercely, but I continued to ignore. My feeling of civilization was near I felt. I knew I couldn’t give up persevering this far. Finally conquering the forever continuous hill I glared at the out skirt of a town with pride. “It’s about time,” I said with a sigh of relief. “Hopefully there is someone I can talk to or a place that I can rest because I am exhausted.” Jogging with excitement down the hill watching my step as my legs were very wobbly due to the lack of food. *BANG*
I stumbled for cover as a bullet whisked past my body. I began to panic breathing very intensely, repeating to myself in a whisper, “I don’t wanna die. I don’t wanna die. I don’t wanna die.”
A deep voice man shouted out, “I know where you are fellow. Toss your gun out in the middle of the road and slowly show yourself with your hands where I can see them.” My heart raced in panic debating whether or not if I should trust this guy. I barely knew this place and I assumed that this man knew this place inside and out. “Hurry up!” The man yelled sternly. I tossed my USP out in the middle of the road, indicating to the man that I surrender. “At least some people around here have some common sense,” the man continued to speak. “Now slowly come out.” I proceeded to his command like a dog to his master. The man slowly crept toward my USP to grab it to take away any advantage I could get a hold of to get away. He picked up the gun and put it in what looked like his large military pants.
“I don’t mean to bring any harm. All I want is some food and a place to rest, I’ve been traveling to find some kind of sign of life. Of c-co-course, you have brought the answer to my question. All I ask is that you show mercy to me please,” I said stuttering with fear.
“Don’t worry I won’t hurt you. You were one of the smarter ones, many others decide that the answer is survival of the fittest,” the man stated.
“You mean there are more people?” I questioned.
“Of course there are, but the conclusion of each day there becomes less of us.”
“What do you mean?” My curious mind continued to wonder.
“Aren’t you a kid with a lot of questions.. How about we continue our conversation somewhere safe.” I slowly brought my exhausted arms down to my sides, which he seemed to be okay with. My muscles relaxed noticing he wasn’t as intense from before. “Come on, catch up.” I quickly caught up to the man clueless where he was leading me, all I wanted was food, water, shelter, and information.
The man prepared some food and a glass of water for the both of us. I broke the silence commenting as I stared at the ground scratching the back of my head, “Sorry for disturbing you and engaging in on this area. I seriously didn’t mean any harm and I’m glad that no harm was dealt.”
“Seriously bud, you need to stop being so sorry. If you continue this, your future will be a disaster,” he replied handing me food and water. “Let’s just start fresh, hello my name is Clinton, but my friends called me CB,” he continued holding his hand out for a handshake. My hand met his hand giving a firm handshake to show our trust with each other.
“I’m Sandro, nice to meet you,” I replied with confidence.
“I like your name, so what brings you out here? Don’t you know it’s dangerous to travel alone,” Clinton stated with a little bit of concern.
“I’m not sure to be honest. I just kind of woke up, but it didn’t feel like I was sleeping,” I replied being puzzled.
“Hm, well I’m glad that you’ve come by. It’s very common for people to take the violent action instead of being peaceful. I feel like we can make a great team and survive for decades!” Clinton said with emotion.
“Well, I’m very confused of the reason for all this chaos. Why is everyone so hostile and wanting to kill each other?”
“I’m not totally sure, but what I’ve heard is that a virus broke out. From there on, people have gone crazy going ‘survival of the fittest,’ resources a scarce. I haven’t seen the virus yet, but I hope it stays away from this area-.” Clinton went on talking as my eyes got heavier. “Looks like you need some sleep. We can continue this conversation in the morning, it’s kind of getting late and you look exhausted.” Clinton added.
“That sounds outstanding, thanks.” I said, finishing up my food and water. Clinton stood up from his chair and lead the way to the area he was offering to me to sleep.
“Here you are, blankets, pillows, and a bed. Sleep as long as you’d like, I’ll wake you up in the morning for breakfast. Let me know if you need anything,” Clinton said closing the door.
“Thanks CB, you’re the best,” I said feeling important. Right when I turned my body to a comfortable position, my eyes closed and I was sound asleep.

(Work In Progress)

I plan to add an action event, Add more description of the town “I am in and Clinton”, Traveling to other areas to get resources, finding someone with the virus, and continuing to develop the scenario. Of course this is not in the best condition, but still looking to add more.