Dalton's Wild Run

It was a high school auditorium. The stage was set, and a large projector screen was down. There was a podium in the middle, with "Z.V" etched in the middle. The polished leather seats gave way to some very high ranking scientists. The wood floor was accented with strokes of wood, and everything was all high quality, set up for the very best. They were all gathered here for a presentation, and the one presenting was a zombie. The camera started rolling, and the presentation was on.

"The apocalypse was not our fault. Are we green? Yes. Are we ugly? Yes. Are prejudiced against because we are green and ugly? Yes. Did we cause worldwide destruction? Absolutely not. It was a simple coincidence" (totally.)

The zombie started his monologue with a snarky comment. "Normally, we undead sleep in our coffins, waiting to be let out by some stupid human (or smart enough to raise the undead, I guess) While we undead have no appetite for brains (although we like veggies better than most humans) we certainly do want our freedom. After all, it can get a bit boring stuck in the dirt for a couple hundred years. Who doesn't want some fresh air now and then? Of course, our flesh has rotted. I mean, we have no oxygen, no food, and no water. What did you expect? But wait! How are you speaking to you, you may ask. Well, that's a story for another time. It may or may not involve some time machines and mutant vegetables. Anyway, I'm a representative hired by ZomVeg Inc, here to convince you zombies did not start the apocalypse that wiped out almost the entire race of humans. Oh, and by the way, I was a lawyer in my past life. Dalton Croston, pleased to meet you."

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While the commercial was playing, the scientists were all mumbling to themselves, and occasionally, to each other. What does this guy take us for? Fools with elementary school education? However, they all quieted down and became, once again, an obedient audience.

"You brought this upon yourself. You should be ashamed. Yes, yes, say all you want. Zombies are not some new breed, like dogs or cats. We are simply humans who have passed away, but you know, still very much alive. Humans have been killing the earth for centuries, you know. Oh, I can hear complaints from the crowd already. What's that?" "I didn't do anything!" "Can it, bucko. We all know you've drank from that plastic water bottle at least once in your lifetime. The more plastic bottles, the closer the apocalypse, I say. That's my motto. Hmm? What did you say?" "I recycle all the time!" "Most of that is going to waste, and only like 20 or 30 percent of that stuff is recycled." "Aren't cow farts causing global warming?" "HAHAHA! That's a good one. Aren't you supposed to be smart? Yeah...no. They only cause like, five percent? It's pretty low compared to factories." "Excuse me, I'm an environmental scientist." "Oooohhh, fancy! Why don't you try to prove me wrong, smartypants?" "Uh... I mean... you're not exactly gaining popularity by doing this, you know." He scanned the crowd, only to find scowls jeering back at him. He tilted his head back and said in a low voice "I don't give a BLEEP! Oh...sorry. I forgot this was being broadcasted onto family-friendly TV channels. Whoops! Anyway, that's all for today! Tune in tomorrow for my new reality show, A Day in the Life of A Zombie!" The scientists mumbled to themselves again and slowly shuffled out of the auditorium. Dalton sighed and left through the backstage door. He wished he had someone that cheered for him.

Dalton rose on Saturday morning with the feeling he always got before he filmed something. A mix of excitement, nervousness, and self-confidence. He got dressed in a quick manner, showering and eating a quick breakfast of vegetables. He left for the studio right away, where he was greeted with hellos, some sleepy, some peppy. He briskly walked to Studio 6, where he was planned to film. When he got there, he was immediately whisked away for preparation. When the makeup and lighting was done, the director stood and held up his clapperboard, and the livestream began."Yawn. Good morning, Texas! Dalton said enthusiastically. Today is the day. If someone you know isn't watching this, tell them right now! Also, if you haven't subscribed to ZombieTV, be sure to do so right now! We have a 50 percent discount, available for a limited time. Okay, let's check how many people are watching this...Hey, hey, hey! We've got 2.4 million right off the bat. That made Dalton feel better. Let's go! Alright, let me get dressed..." "Cut!"

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"Sorry 'bout that, folks. Just a commercial break. Now, I understand many of you want to know what I eat for breakfast every day. Well...dun dun dun! Umm...not sure that music cue is supposed to play, but I'll go along. I eat plenty of veggies to stay healthy, like broccoli, spinach, and brussel sprouts! Now, I understand many of you are sticking your tongues out at me right now. It's fine! I mean, for zombies, veggies are like the pizza and hamburgers for you. Me personally, I don't see the appeal. It's just so bland. Anyway, I need to chow down real quick..." The director thought this was another great time for commercials.

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"

Okay, we're back! Now, usually after I eat breakfast, I prepare for work and catch up on the news! Alright, here's my bag, here's my key's, here's my..."The director decided to be a psycho and cut to yet another commercial break. "Hey, stop! Don't cut to commercial br..."

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Meanwhile, Dalton was ranting to the director, but hadn't realized the commercial was about to end. "I really wish you would stop cutting me o...Whoops! I mean...welcome back! Sorry if the commercial breaks are a bit excessive, but..."Dalton touches his earpiece. "My life is...boring? Hey!" Dalton turns to look at director, who appears on the screen. The director shrugs and says "How about you see what my life looks like? I never get any screen time." "Hey!" Dalton yanks the headphones. "I was just about to go to work and...DON'T PRESS THE COMMERCIAL BUTTON!"

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"Oh, my god. I didn't expect today to go so badly, or my own director to betray me." Dalton glares at his director and the director shrugs again. "Anyway..." the director grabs the headphones back. "Let's go to my house and I'll show you what a day in the life of a famous director is." "Wait! I thought this was supposed to my TV..."The director snatches his computer and types something. "Alright, let's ask the crowd. Would you rather look at my MEGA-MANSION and see all my fancy gadgets or go through with the boring, pedestrian life of some random wacko? Let me put up a poll...and would you look at that!" The director gives self-satisfied smirk to Dalton. "98% of the people voted in favor of me. Let's go, cameraman!" "Wait, wait, please! I haven't gotten to finish my...."Dalton is on the verge of crying, but the director gives him a glare that could cut through steel. "You can get lost, or come with me and be a commentator." Dalton perks up. "I can!? Yippee! Lead the way, Director! "Okay, then let's go!"

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At first, Dalton couldn't believe the private plane. He could order anything he wanted! The director was sipping on a margarita, while Dalton is ordering random stuff from the menu. "All right, I'll have the caviar, the shellfish, the European Platter, the salmon soup, the..."The director glares at him again. "Uh...sorry. I'll have the...dry bread." Satisfied, the director turned to the camera and said "Alright folks, we will be at the mansion soon. In the meantime, why don't I give you a tour of my luxury airplane suite? First, you have the bathroom in the back, complete with a full hot tub and shower. Next, you have the living/game room. There are comfortable sofas and tables here. Nothing like those (shudders) commercial flights. "

"Next, you have the dining table, which has exquisite menu options, some of which someone has been abusing. Cough, cough, Dalton." An outraged sound came from the back. The director laughs and says "Yeah, that's it! I think we're almost there, so if you need a water or bathroom break, this is your time!"

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The plane finally touched down and landed. Dalton was sad that the ride was over, but now he got to go to a mega mansion! Plus, he still wanted to fume at the director, but he would let it go for now. The director turned to the camera and said "I already called my limo, so don't worry about that. It will be here any minute now."

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"Ah, here comes the limo." said the director. They quickly got in went off. "The angle from the camera could only show part of the limo, so I'll just show you the drink bar and sofas." He pans around to see Dalton chugging a Sprite. "What are you doing!?" He yelled. Dalton set the drink down and replied calmly, "I'm drinking a soda." "More like emptying my entire drink bar." muttered the director. "Sorry, it's just that zombies really like to eat and drink." "I can really see that." said the director under his breath.

Finally, they pulled up to the mega mansion that was supposedly gigantic. When Dalton stepped out of the limo, nothing could have prepared for what he saw next.

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The camera didn't do it justice. Suddenly, the number of views popped up from 100 million to 900 million. It was plucked straight out of a fairytale, a castle in its own right. Inside, though, was where the real impressiveness truly was.

It was a wonderland. When you stepped in, it greeted you with flashing futuristic LED'S that led to a tunnel, which led into the living room. It was a complete change of scenery, from insanely futuristic to something out of Tarzan. A waterfall flowed from the right, and the whole had birds fluttering around, and many butterflies soaring through the sky. The cameraman almost dropped his camera. The director smiled." Nice, isn't it?" Dalton and the cameraman could only nod in awe. "Well, since you're shell-shocked, let me give you a surprise. It might be a gift to you, it might not." Dalton narrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean?" The director beckoned with his finger to an interior room. Dalton trailed behind, still entranced. The interior room had nothing but a window, and through the window was...a studio, much like the one he worked at. At the time, he hadn't comprehended it, but it would change everything.

The director beckoned again. He led them out of the interior room, and out into the large, gray, cold studio. Outside was a life sized town covered with a large blue tarp for a sky. "Woah..." Dalton gasped. "It's amazing. But...what does it have to do with me?" The director shook his head and laughed. "You poor fool...here, let me show you." He led Dalton into the makeshift town that eventually led...straight to his house.

"Wha...what!? I was in a studio the entire time!? Are you serious? No...that would mean...my life is a lie. Literally." The cameraman had fainted and was being dragged out of the studio by ER. The director nodded. "Everything in your life was planned, from your fake zombie mask to your house and parents. Dalton latched on to the fake zombie part. "Wait...you mean...." "Yeah. Sorry to break it to you, but zombies don't exist. Try taking off your face."

Dalton didn't believe it when he wrapped his hands around his face and tore off a layer of green skin to reveal human skin underneath. "I'm...a human..."

With that, his world shattered.