Chapter 2

As we made it to the end of the city, we stopped for a short time to catch our breath.

"We shouldn't have left brother, there's no honor in running. We should have stayed and helped defend our home." Panted Ivan.

"Ivan, if we would have stayed, there's a good chance all of us would have died. Mom and dad told me it's my job to look out for both of you, and i'm going to do exactly that. You're the only family I have and I cannot lose you." I said. Ivan stares at me carefully and stares at the ground.

"What do we do now?" I look over and see Vera and Alina looking at rocks on the ground.

"We have to find somewhere to sleep.. somewhere to get help. I don't think we will last long out here on our own." I point to a small barn. "There. Come on, stop playing in the dirt and lets sleep there for the night. We'll think about our plans in the morning."

As we approached the barn, I slide the rifle over my shoulder and point it at the barn.

"Ivan, On the count of three, I want you to slide open the door and step back quickly. Okay?"

"Dah."

"One... two... three... Now!" He slides the door open quickly and trips backwards.

I stare cautiously at the dark doorway.. and hear a low growl.

"Is it a viral" Ivan whispers.

"Just one.. I think. I'm going to go inside, stay outside and keep Vera and Alina safe." I open my backpack and pull out a miniature yellow flashlight. The little light glistens the barn revealing a pale bloodied corpse trapped beneath a three hay bale's . The viral stares at me angrily growling louder and louder. I take my aim at the viral.. the sound of the gun fills the room.

"It's safe, come on in." Alina plugs her nose.

"Smells like something died in here.. and then died again." The children laugh.

"Let's get some rest." I slide the door of the barn shut and lay down on a pile of hay. I glance over at Vera and Alina who decided to poke our deceased friend with a piece of wood... I turn to Ivan and see him staring inside of his backpack. My eyes close. Darkness.

"Yakov, Ivan, Vera, the school bus is here!"

"Okay Mama" The kids exclaim! The three quickly run down to the living room and grab their schoolbags and breakfast. Each of the kids line up to the door and kiss their mother goodbye.

"Have fun at school! Don't cause any trouble and bring your homework home!" She exclaims... the television broadcasts a loud noise over and over.. louder and louder.

"Brother! Wake up!" I see Ivan standing above me.