Tice Jenkins
English 2
Draft 2

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.” 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.
The sweet smell of eggs and bacon filled the air of the area I was staying. My eyes slowly opening, but closed quickly once they came in contact with light. I slowly rise from my bed, rubbing my eyes and stretching to wake up from the deep sleep I had. I walked out of the room and saw Clinton making food and my USP on the table.
“Morning CB, you seriously don’t have to do all this stuff for me,” I admitted.
“Don’t worry about it, it’s an act of kindness, but take advantage of it. You probably won’t see this from anywhere around. The reason I decided to be kind to you is that I saw something about you that I didn’t see about anyone else. You seem like you may have potential and we could make a great team,” Clinton embraced.
“Uh, yeah sure!” I replied.
“Well, we’re running low on materials such as weapons and food. We may need to go on an adventure,” Clinton explained.
“Sounds great, do you have some weapons at least to help us survive?”
“Like I’ve said, resources are scarce, but I’ll show you where the guns are after we get done eating.” We got done eating and Clinton lead the way to this back room that wasn’t noticeable until he brought attention to the area. My eyes roamed in curiosity wondering what else Clinton has. “I don’t have high military gear, but what I do have is a Mosin Nagant and a Support 22. Go ahead, make your choice.” I slowly reached my hand toward the Support 22 since I knew that had a 10 round magazine.
“Where is the ammo for the gun?” Clinton used gestures toward the direction of where the ammo was as he cocked his gun read to shoot. I grasped for a few magazines.
“Here, take these clothes and accessories, we need to hide our identity,” Clinton demanded. Clinton gave me plenty of gear to be ready for this journey, I had military camouflage combat pants, camouflage shirt, black ballistic helmet, blue hiking backpack, and a black bandanna.
“Now I’m ready,” I smirked. We began to head out, I had no idea where we were going and what we were going to get ourselves into.
We journeyed through many different scenarios, country roads, other towns, camp grounds, factories, and more. We looted those areas dry, but not much loot was collected. We’ve traveled for almost five hours, my legs felt like I couldn’t walk anymore.
“Alright Sandro, I found this map. It says if we continue walking this way for a mile, we’ll encounter a Military Airfield. This means military gear, but also there might be some people.”
Butterflies filled my stomach, I didn’t know what to expect. My fear overcame my whole body. Clinton saw the fear in my eyes, but he didn’t say anything. I thought to myself, I bet Clinton is use to this and it doesn’t bother him anymore. We continued to walk for another mile, but the sky began to dim.
“Looks like it’s about to rain, how much longer until we get to the Military Airfield?” I questioned.
“Looks like it’s coming up pretty soon, but we better hustle, it’s getting dark as well,” Clinton replied. “We’ll have to loot in the night time drizzle. It’ll keep us hidden and hopefully we don’t get in trouble with others.”
We shuffled quicker then usual trying to beat the darkness and rain. We needed to stay as dry as possible so we don’t die from hypothermia. Clinton and I finally encountered the Military Airfield. Clinton gestured different hand signals that I was clueless about, but I just kind of played a long. The rain proceeded to drizzle as we took a step into the airfield. The drops repeatedly fell against the pavement taking over the sounds of our footsteps.
“Stay close, keep an eye out Sandro,” Clinton commanded.
I followed closely when suddenly, I saw a body like structure in the distance. I wasn’t sure if I was seeing things or if it was reality. We hugged the walls as I grabbed Clinton’s attention pointing him to look the direction the structure was moving. Clinton was puzzled at what I was pointing at because the object was gone. I whispered to Clinton, “CB, I think I saw something over there, but I can’t say for sure.”
“Keep an eye out, lets loot these barracks,” Clinton replied. The rain proceeded to fall at a rate that was quicker then a jaguar. Clinton and I knew we weren’t in a good situation, darkness and rain wasn’t a good mix. We quickly ran into the barracks and we hit the jackpot. In front of us was military vests, combat boots, clothes, and the best part military weapons. I reached for the M4A1 as Clinton reached for the Mk17. We were decked beyond of what we expected.
Clinton’s actions changed suddenly, his breathing intensified.
He must obtain the virus he was talking about I thought to myself. It continued to enrage making it noticeable that he was hungry for blood.
“Are you okay?” I questioned. Clinton began to shake intensely.
“Yeah I’m fine, lets keep going,” thunder struck the ground making a loud boom. I took a step out of the barracks cautiously knowing that Clinton may strike at any moment: the virus has gotten to him.
Clinton suddenly spoke, “Sandro, I’m sorry it’s either me or you.” Clinton raised the gun and pulled the trigger. It happened so suddenly I finally turned after the trigger was pulled. The gun shot echoed through the Military Airfield. Clinton was on the ground motionless.
“He took a bullet for me when he could have simply killed me,” I murmured. “Why though? Why didn’t he just kill me?” I sat there hopeless not sure what to do for Clinton was his guide. I wept, mourning the loss of the only friend I had. Not knowing what to do next in this chaotic world.
I’m done with my main plot finally. I just need to re read it and make sure that the sentence fluency is good and it all makes sense. As well as grammar errors, other things that could be in more detailed, and etc. Overall though, I am done with the plot of the story.