Fate of Humanity

Write a short story based on 'Community'. I chose an zombie apocalyptic situation.

The fate of humanity; this subject has been discussed with atheists, environmentalists and politicians. But no-one could have prepared for the vermin that we would become: malodorous cannibals that masticate on the innards of former loved ones.  For so long, we have built a façade of civilization by projecting false mutual love with others and seamlessly caring about those around us. But when major catastrophes occur - like the apocalypse, we fend for ourselves. All trust, affection and faith lost amid the mindless abominations and the innate savagery within us all.

Before all this, the world was evolving, gradually getting better, but we had such difficulty regaining our grip on reality as our minds were cluttered with the materialistic concepts that had been fed into us by societal expectations. That was probably why we were disastrous when I came to retaliating against the possessed shells that swarmed across the Western world. Many people hung back �" deserting family and friends - when the evacuations took place, worried about their property, vehicles and possessions. I often wonder if I should feel compassionate towards them, they had no idea they were going to turn into gruesome creatures.

The first time I saw one my stomach churned. I couldn't divert my eyesight from the ghastly form that lumbered towards me. The stench hit me immediately. The putrid effluvial of rotting carcasses choked the air. I attempted to breathe shallowly. The unwieldy figure loomed closer; I could see its decaying translucent skin that was falling away at its cheek, revealing its mangled teeth with hordes of flesh protruding from its cavities. Congealed blood oozed out of its mouth. Its eye sockets were sunken; turning an abnormal shade of violet and its eyes has been glassed over. I was appalled to think that this….thing, had once been a human. Someone that I would have �" without a second’s thought �" opened a door for or given my bus seat to.

So much for ‘community spirit’. This community will never thrive or prosper together. We have never felt a sense of belonging or connection. As soon as the panic erupted, we were pushed aside as the intimidating few cleared out the supermarkets in trolley loads, leaving nothing for those that were physically or mentally vulnerable. Now that we are gradually being ‘turned’, we are losing faith in ourselves and others. The undead are extinguishing the tiny spark we held in our hearts. They are devouring the bonds that were formed long ago between each and every one of us. But, humanity will get through this, like we have with everything else.