The Creatures

I sat atop the door steps, allowing the last of the sunlight to wash over my face as the sky filled with dark, beautiful pinks, purples and oranges. 

A deep sigh escaped my chest before I stood up and entered the battered house, sliding a chair in front of the door right after. 

“Ey, Dotty. You’re on first watch.” Rayna said, laying on the couch with her little hunting knife on her chest and her curly, black hair dangling off the side of the couch's arm.

“Yeh, alright. You coming, then?” I said, gesturing towards the stairs.

“I just got comfy… But I guess.” She said, stretching a bit before following me up the stairs. 

The steps creaked under each foot print, threatening to break down in protest with every other part of this house. 

It wasn’t ideal but it’s the house we decided to camp in after the creatures showed up. 

Whatever they were they tended to be kind enough to show up only at night. There were a few times where we’d run into them during the day. Like during food runs or scouting for other survivors. 

Rayna and I got up the stairs, turning towards the ‘Adults’ Bedroom. 

Atop the bed sat Nyx, fiddling with a small wind-up chicken that they must’ve found in the child's bedroom. 

They looked up, smiling at us for a moment before speaking.

“I think we have to go on a food run tomorrow.” They said. 

“Definitely. But for now we need rest.” Rayna responded.

“Yeah, for sure. I’m on first watch, who wants to go next?” I asked.

Rayna and Nyx exchanged glances, having a silent conversation.

“I’ll be on the next watch.” Nyx replied before grabbing the handgun out of the nightstand and handing it to me.

“But for now I sleep.” They continued, getting back under the covers. 

Rayna nodded before getting on the other side of the bed, keeping her hand loosely over the hilt of her knife. 

I sat on the ground, leaning against the end of the bed, gun in hand. 

I sat there, thinking about if I had time tomorrow I’d try to get a shower in. I could definitely use it. 

Maybe I’d try to find some new clothes, too. 

For now I just sat there, pulling out my phone and headphones to listen to music. 

I had gotten lucky enough to keep my phone but there was no one to call for help anyways. 

We were pretty sure the military had evacuated and locked down the whole province. Those who were unlucky enough to not get out were either dead, scavenging or worse. 

As much as I wanted to ignore the scraping at the door I couldn’t. 

We’d been referring to these things as creatures, despite them being more like zombies. But Nyx, Rayna and I didn’t like the idea that something that monstrous could have ever been human. They had never been human, not the first of them anyways. 

The originals had the ability to turn a person into a shell of themselves, losing free will and intelligence but still knowing rage. 

The idea of being able to lose our sense of self scared us more than the monsters themselves. 

The thought of getting murked by a creature wasn’t ideal either, though. 

Eventually the banging on the door subsided. I plugged my phone in before gently pushing Nyx awake. 

“Hmm, what’s up?” They asked.

“Sorry, buddy. It’s your shift.” I whispered.

Nyx groaned, standing up and taking the gun from me.

“Ok… wait what time is it?” They asked.

“Like 4am-ish? The sun will be up soon.” I replied.

“You stood guard longer than you’re supposed to. Don’t wear yourself out.” 

I chuckled.

“Don’t worry about me. It gave me time to think and you needed the extra rest.” I said, rolling under the covers and closing my eyes. 

I felt Nyx touch my shoulder for a moment.

“Goodnight, Dotty.” They spoke.

“Night, Nyx.” I replied before drifting off. 

The next thing I knew I was being shaken awake by Rayna. 

“The sun’s up.” she said, leaning over me. I pushed her away before standing up.

“Already? That felt like a blink.” I replied. 

“Yeah. Sorry, Dots. time to get moving.” She said, exchanging her dirty yellow shirt for a slightly less dirty red one. 

We had a washing machine but when you’re running from creatures you can expect to get a few rough stains. 

“Are you guys going to change?” She asked Nyx and I. 

“Nah. I figured I could find a new shirt when we go for the supply run.” I replied. 

Nyx nodded in agreement. 

“That sounds good. I’m going to do that, too.” They said;

Rayna shrugged before grabbing her backpack. 

“Alright. We should eat first then go out for more supplies.” she said, heading out of the room and down the stairs. 

Nyx and I followed. 

“I’ll put on the kettle.” I said, trudging down the steps and into the kitchen. 

The sun shone through the bars on the kitchen window, Illuminating the steam of the kettle and washing away the uneasiness of last night's visitors. 

Rayna and Nyx were already sitting around the table. 

Nyx was making PB&J sandwiches as Rayna cut up cucumbers. 

I walked over, placing the mugs of tea on the table. 

“How many scoops of sugar do you guys want?” I asked.

Rayna held up a peace sign and Nyx held up 4 fingers. 

I dumped the corresponding scoops of sugar in and let them pour their own milk into it before sitting down. 

Nyx handed me a sandwich and Rayna slid over a handful of cucumber slices. 

“Thank you.” I said, stirring my tea. 

They both nodded in affirmation. 

“So, gameplan?” Nyx asked, their eyes darting between Rayna and I for an answer. We looked at each other for a moment before answering.

“We’re going to the Walmart down the street. Get everything you think is essential. Nyx can carry the gun.” Rayna said, clearly having planned this out beforehand.

“Yeah, that works.” I replied. Nyx nodded in agreement. 

We went on to eat in silence for another few moments. 

Rayna got up first, rinsing her mug and adjusting her backpack.

Nyx and I did the same before heading out. 

It was awfully quiet except for the buzzing of electricity around us. 

I concentrated on the buzzing noise to keep my mind off of the shredded corpses littering the ground. 

The only other sounds were of our footsteps, Nyx fidgeting with the safety on their gun and very distant wailing of God knows what. 

We continued down the street until we made it to the local Walmart, avoiding the glass from the broken streetlights on the ground. 

We’d figured they were breaking light sources because they see better in the dark which was ideal for us. 

We had gotten into the store, tossing oatmeal, bread and any other snacks we could carry in our backpacks. 

While Rayna and Nyx were occupied with that, I walked down the clothing isles, looking for anything that was my size and not covered in blood, dirt or holes. 

I guess no one in the apocalypse had decided clean clothing was a necessity. I threw a few tight t-shirts into my backpack along with a couple sports-bras. Trust me; with Creatures trying to kill you, you don’t want to wear anything they can easily pull you back by. 

My body froze as the sound of footsteps got closer to me. 

I looked over, noticing the creature about 20 feet away from me. 

I started sprinting towards where Rayna and Nyx were, yelling

“We have to get outside.” as it followed behind me, knocking into shelves and clothing racks. 

Rayna and Nyx looked at me, quickly assessing the situation before Nyx pointed the gun and gestured for me to duck. 

I slid on my stomach as the creature's head exploded behind me. 

“Thank you.” I said before standing up.

“Get whatever else we need quickly. Even with a silencer that shot would’ve alerted every creature in our area.” Rayna said, adjusting my backpack for me. 

I nodded, sprinting to grab a baseball bat and sanitary pads before meeting back up with them. 

About twelve creatures were gathered around the direction we needed to go to get home. 

“Gameplan?” Nyx asked.

“Stay quiet and duck behind cars if needed. They’re almost completely blind at this time of day.” Rayna explained. 

We proceeded to walk silently, only stopping to pick up rocks to toss if the creatures got too close. 

We were doing so well before noticing they were starting to swarm around an overturned car on an intersecting street. 

Deep wails came from the car, alerting us there was someone inside. 

“They’re distracted. We can keep going without getting caught.” Rayna whispered. Nyx and I both glared at her before she restated 

“Or, I guess, we could go help them.” We all nodded.

“What’s the plan? There's too many to fight and they’ll be eaten soon.” Nyx said.

“You and Rayna will drag whoever in that car is out and get them to the house.” I said.

“Whatever you’re going to do. Don’t.” Rayna said, but it was too late.

I winked at her before running into the street, screaming to get the creatures attention before sprinting away in the opposite direction of my friends. Before turning around the block I looked back and sure enough they were already kicking the car window in to drag the person out. 

The creatures followed me loosely, bumping into car hoods and street lamps. 

I got them as far away as I could before returning to silence and circling back to the group. 

Luckily I had the stones and bat with me because those dudes were definitely sick of animal meat. 

Hoping that the others made it home I stepped through the door. 

“ Hello?” I called out. Surely if they didn’t make it I would’ve seen them along the way. 

I was greeted by Nyx wrapping their arms around me. 

“I’m so glad you’re ok!” They said before Rayna walked up to us.

Nyx released me as Rayna cupped my face in her hands.

“Don’t ever do that again.” She said, shaking my head like an 8-ball before letting go and introducing our new guest. 

“This is Luke.” The man smiled and gave a little wave.

“Nice to meet you.” I said.

“Thank you so much.” He said, firmly grabbing my hand to shake it.

His entire body was covered in dirt except for the tear streaks that were burned into his face. 

“No problem. There’s a shower upstairs and a man lived here before us so there’s probably some clothes that fit you.” I said, knowing he must’ve felt awful. 

He nodded. 

“May I?” He asked, gesturing up the stairs.

“Of course. Bathroom is the first door to the right and the bedroom is to the left.” We watched as he walked up the stairs before dumping out our backpacks on the floor. 

“Nyx, You want to put the groceries away?” I asked. 

Nyx nodded before gathering the food in the pile and walking into the kitchen. 

“Do we trust this guy?” Rayna asked, glancing up the steps.

“We kind of have to. There’s not many people left… it’d be rude to kick him out.” I replied. 

Rayna nodded solemnly, knowing Nyx and I wouldn’t let her kick him out. 

I tossed a third of the pads to her.

“You’re going to need these at some point.” I said awkwardly. 

She smiled for a moment before putting them in her pack. 

She took out peanut butter cups from a small compartment in the pack.

“I got these for you. I know they’re your favourite.” 

I thumbs-upped in appreciation. 

Luke peaked down the stairs to ask 

“Do y’all happen to have a spare towel?” I stood up before grabbing a third of the pads and walking towards him.

“Yeah, let me grab it for you.” I led him to the child's bedroom. 

“We keep stuff we don’t really use in here.” I said, grabbing the towel.

“Thanks. Hey, is it ok if I spend the night here? I swear I’ll be gone in the morning.” He said, looming over me. 

I handed him the towel before answering, 

“Of course. You can stay as long as you need.” Now that he wasn’t covered in dirt his brown puppy-dog eyes and Dark, soft mahogany hair stood out compared to his fair complexion. 

“Thank you. It’s been a while since I’ve been around people I can trust.” He said, shakily. 

“Right. By the way I was wondering if you needed pads?” I asked, holding out a few.

His face turned bright red.

“How did you- yes. I’ll make it up to you.” He said, shoving the pads in his pockets.

“Are you ok with sleeping in here alone tonight?” I asked, knowing the others wouldn’t want a stranger sleeping in the same room as them. 

He nodded, already looking exhausted. 

“If you want you can take a nap. It’s probably been a long day for you.” I said, walking out of the room.

He smiled softly, pulling me in for a hug. As a tear dripped onto my shoulder I felt as if I’ve known him for years, like I could trust him with my life.

“You’re too nice.” He said, releasing me and walking over to the bed. I shut the door before heading back downstairs. 

A few hours passed before I asked

“Can I make dinner?” Rayna and Nyx looked at me before Rayna asked 

“What do you plan on making?” 

“Mac ‘n’ Cheese?” I answered. Nyx’s eyes widened.

“Absolutely you can.” They said.

“Yeah, go for it.” Reyna said, gesturing for me to go into the kitchen. 

I dumped 2 boxes into the pot before glancing back at Rayna.

She was sitting on the floor, organizing her survival pack for nightfall. She was always prepared in case the creatures got in and we had to leave quickly. 

I quickly turned back to what I was doing when the pot started bubbling. I hadn’t even realized I’d been looking at her for that long. 

I strained the noodles before stirring the cheese, milk and butter in. 

“It’s ready!” I said, putting out a ladle and some bowls for the other.

Nyx ran in first, their stomach growling. 

Rayna walked in, grabbing my shoulder for a moment before getting a bowl.

“I’m going to see if Luke wants any. Salt and pepper is on the counter.” I said before walking up the stairs.

I gently knocked on the door before walking in. 

“Hey. We’re having Mac’n’Cheese. Do you want some?” I asked. Luke turned around and stood up. 

“Yes, please. I kind of forgot to eat for a day or so.” He said, sheepishly running his fingers through his hair. 

We got down for dinner. Nyx had already drowned their food in ketchup. 

Rayna had placed her chair close to mine, staring daggers at Luke throughout the entire meal. 

“So, I’ll be on first watch. Who’s next?” She asked. 

“I got it.” I said, finishing and rinsing my bowl before going to watch the sunset. 

My eyes closed as I took in the nice breeze. 

Luke walked out and sat beside me.

“I hope you don’t mind. Rayna just seemed so tired so I decided to take her shift.” He said.

I chuckled, leaning into his touch.

“If you keep that up she’ll be sure to trust you soon.”  He smiled before saying 

“I don’t think either of them will be as caring as you, though.” he said, staring at the ground. Deciding that may be true, I changed the subject. 

“So. How’d you survive alone this long?” He looked back up at me with a little smirk.

“Oh. I’m not alone.” He said, sticking some type of needle in my thigh. I tried pushing him away but whatever was in that shot made my body feel like ice. 

“I’m sorry, darlin’. But like I said, You're too nice.” Before my vision blurred completely I noticed them, the creatures.