Story Time

Deeper Meanings

It's been 5 years since the outbreak, and I haven't seen another sane human since.

As of now, I’m outside, safe, with my plants underneath my high-tech DOOM fence. DOOM because everyone meets the same fate when they touch it. It has DNA recognition, so if you're not infected you won't die. There are a few more tweaks I made due to the thieves that come and go. The recognition matches pure intentions and DNA. If you're infected, well, doom and if you wish to steal, well, semi doom because the angel denies death to other humans. Oh, I should explain the angel - I've only seen it once but what a sight it was! I was surviving only on my last few cans of food when it showed up. I was contemplating going outside. Eventually, I gave in and swung the door open, and there it was in all of its glory. It looked at me and offered, “I'll bless you with everything you need, but you must bless others with the things you receive.” I nodded eagerly thinking, "Like anyone would show up; it's only thieves and zombies out there."

I woke up the next morning in an actual bed, with sheets and a comfy blanket. Rushing downstairs it looked like the whole building was repaired and refurbished. The cabinets were stocked with canned food and dry produce. The backyard had a fence over it and dogs were patrolling. The fence protected a variety of plants and vegetables. There was a wooden table in the middle surrounded by all of the greens. It was honestly lovely. I also received two loving dogs that couldn't be any prettier. I took the offer because I had no choice, and I never thought much of it until recently. What the angle said was constantly replaying in the back of my head. Maybe it meant something but, at the time, I couldn't care less and brushed it off. No longer than a week later after this someone was under my 3080 DOOM fence.

I headed downstairs because it was starting to rain, and I don't enjoy wet dogs. I looked out the doors and there, sitting at the wooden table eating a bell pepper, another human. I wasn’t angry at all. I was more confused and dumbfounded than anything else due to believing that I was the only other person out there. I opened the door to let the dogs in.

“I’ll let you in, but let me grab you some dry clothes first.”

Their neck snapped to look in the direction I was in. Her eyes were soft and filled with relief. She nodded and smiled kindly. I walked back up to my room to grab some clean clothes. I grabbed a set of pajamas since it was getting late and I was sure she was exhausted. I saw the clouds open up and it started to pour. I grabbed a towel from the closet then rushed back downstairs and opened the doors. “Sorry for taking so long. Here.” I handed the towel and the fresh pair of pjs off to her.

“Everything that was mine is ours now. If you need to take a shower, the bathroom is upstairs to your left. We have plenty of food so don't be shy to fill up. The one thing I ask is that you refrain from leaving.” Her face fell slightly. “That won’t be possible and I apologize. I had already notified the others that there was a safe house and they...”

“This isn't a safe house. This is my house. I don't mind satisfying your needs but...”

“There's only four of us and, including you, it would be five. We would have safety in numbers, and I know you are the one the Angel told us about.”

I stared at her eyes, wide and dumbfounded. “I...fine...but if your four cause problems you're responsible, okay?”

“That's fine with me, but I must leave to retrieve them. I appreciate the hospitality. I’ll be back.”

With that said she smiled, ran upstairs, changed, then left.

She never came back. I mean I’m still waiting for her arrival, but it’s already been six months. I have nothing left to keep me occupied except for the number of days passing. I hope they're okay.