As I was trying to be calm and reasonable for Jamie Robinson--lying and saying that I didn’t think it was zombies--I had forgotten that she was also reading my blog, not just e-mailing me. I was so relieved to finally hear from her this morning. She finally e-mailed to tell us how she’s doing. She wasn’t mad that I lied, just a bit confused. I will post her e-mail later.
Things are getting a little hairy in Bromley. The hospital, which only has thirty beds, is still completely full and they recommend you stay away unless you have an emergency. Grocery stores, hardware stores and gas stations are almost the only stores open. There are some stubborn store owners that did not listen to the Provincial Health warnings and are still open. The little flower shop on the corner of Main Street is still open (I guess they figure with so many people sick, they’ll do good business with “get well” arrangements). Most of the little confectionaries in Bromley are open too, as well as a few other stores. The small mall on the edge of town is closed.
Something worrying me is that when Joel was out for his walk last night, on his way past the Martin residence, their small poodle-like dog ran up and bit him on the calf. He didn’t see the dog until it was latched on, and he had to actually punch the dog to get it to let go.
It’s very red and painful today, but he doesn’t want to go to the hospital where that damn infection is. We’ll just keep an eye on it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Poll #2 Results
In your opinion, what is the cause of the outbreak?
1) Mutated flu virus;
2) Evil forces—this is a real zombie apocalypse!
3) Biological warfare virus leaked into the public;
4) What outbreak? Things are just getting exaggerated.
Results:
1) 0%
2) 0%
3) 100%
4) 0%
So you all think it's a government conspiracy us, huh? I kind of wonder that too. How could this just come out of nowhere? I am completely convinced (100%) that this is not some illness, but is the "return of the living dead". I’ll tell you why in my next post.
1) Mutated flu virus;
2) Evil forces—this is a real zombie apocalypse!
3) Biological warfare virus leaked into the public;
4) What outbreak? Things are just getting exaggerated.
Results:
1) 0%
2) 0%
3) 100%
4) 0%
So you all think it's a government conspiracy us, huh? I kind of wonder that too. How could this just come out of nowhere? I am completely convinced (100%) that this is not some illness, but is the "return of the living dead". I’ll tell you why in my next post.
Monday, September 28, 2009
In-Laws
Joel's parents live in Regina, which is about three hours southwest of where we live. His mother, Rita, called last night to say that his father, Stan, has been under the weather for a couple of days. He's had a fever, a headache, a sore throat and he's exhausted. Stan never went to the doctor yet because Sask Health advises everyone with flus and bad colds to stay home and rest, drink plenty of fluids, etc. If you're having breathing problems or serious symptoms, then you can of course go to the hospital.
This news does not sit well with me. I'm glad they live far away and we won't be around them. That sounds so selfish, but as much as I love my father-in-law, I'm terrified of what this could be. I'll let you all know how it goes.
This news does not sit well with me. I'm glad they live far away and we won't be around them. That sounds so selfish, but as much as I love my father-in-law, I'm terrified of what this could be. I'll let you all know how it goes.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Denial
Joel works one month on, one month off. So now he’s home for at least a month, or maybe longer. I’m relieved. I couldn’t bear to be alone right now. During lunch yesterday, I suggested that we make a trip uptown and stock up more on canned food, bottled water, first aid supplies, beef jerky, ammo for our handguns (we both have permits to own hand guns), etc.
He gave me a look like I was crazy and said, “ammo? What for?”
Before my temper could make me say something I’d regret, I grabbed a beer out of the fridge and stepped outside for some fresh air. I cooled off while I sat out on the back deck, sipping and stewing. Why the hell was Joel being so, so... Grrrrr! I thought we needed supplies one way or the other, and the ammo was just in case. It certainly couldn’t hurt to be prepared; lots of other people were getting ready for the pandemic (outbreak?). What Grace told me about the Martin family was worrying me. Were Mr. Martin and his daughter still sick and stuck at home? Did they leave?
Remembering the haunting red eyes peering at me from my flower bed made my skin crawl. Be damned if I was going to let Joel’s denial and ignorance humiliate me into not being prepared. I was going to the store that afternoon whether he came with me or not. I was going to believe what I was hearing from Edward and Jamie, and what I saw with my own eyes.
He gave me a look like I was crazy and said, “ammo? What for?”
Before my temper could make me say something I’d regret, I grabbed a beer out of the fridge and stepped outside for some fresh air. I cooled off while I sat out on the back deck, sipping and stewing. Why the hell was Joel being so, so... Grrrrr! I thought we needed supplies one way or the other, and the ammo was just in case. It certainly couldn’t hurt to be prepared; lots of other people were getting ready for the pandemic (outbreak?). What Grace told me about the Martin family was worrying me. Were Mr. Martin and his daughter still sick and stuck at home? Did they leave?
Remembering the haunting red eyes peering at me from my flower bed made my skin crawl. Be damned if I was going to let Joel’s denial and ignorance humiliate me into not being prepared. I was going to the store that afternoon whether he came with me or not. I was going to believe what I was hearing from Edward and Jamie, and what I saw with my own eyes.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Poll #1 Results
If a zombie virus outbreak happened in your community, you would:
1) Barricade yourself at home with supplies and weapons;
2) Fuel up your vehicle, get supplies and head for the hills;
3) Run for the nearest “zombie proof” government shelter;
4) Just give up and do nothing. There’s nowhere on the planet to hide anyway.
Results are:
1) 80%
2) 20%
3) 0%
4) 0%
Remember this is all theoretical. If anyone has any other suggestions, please put them in the comments below this post.
1) Barricade yourself at home with supplies and weapons;
2) Fuel up your vehicle, get supplies and head for the hills;
3) Run for the nearest “zombie proof” government shelter;
4) Just give up and do nothing. There’s nowhere on the planet to hide anyway.
Results are:
1) 80%
2) 20%
3) 0%
4) 0%
Remember this is all theoretical. If anyone has any other suggestions, please put them in the comments below this post.
Martin Family Mystery
Thank you for the update, Edward. You sound like a true survivor. Thank you also for clarifying the Jman username confusion. Toronto is in very bad shape. As far as I’ve heard, the infection is only in the western world. I can’t pinpoint the first infection, though.
Grace came over for a visit after work yesterday. We discussed the coffee shop gossip that she’d overheard, over French Vanilla coffees and some cinnamon buns that she brought home from work. According to her, the first family that had the virus/infection in Bromley (the Martins--a wife, husband and two teenage daughters) had been vacationing in Mexico (a little over a month ago?). They’d been home for about a week before all of them started having a fever, severe headache and stiff and painful muscles and joints. The hospital tested them for H1N1, but the results for the test take a few days. They were told to stay home and stay away from other people until they were completely feeling better. Instead of picking up stuff at the stores, they were to order groceries and medications over the phone and have them delivered to their doorstep. In other words, they were unofficially quarantined.
A couple of days after the Martins holed up at home, the youngest daughter started having a seizure so an ambulance was called, and took her to the hospital (her mother went with her). The father and other daughter stayed home. The next day a caring neighbour called the Martin’s house to see how everyone was, and there was no answer. Other family and neighbours have tried to check up on the family, both at home and in the hospital, and they are told that the mother and daughter are quarantined and no visitors are allowed. The hospital does not know the status of Mr. Martin and his oldest daughter. At the Martin residence, no one answers the door or phone. There are no lights, no movement and no noises. The car is still parked in the driveway.
What has happened to the Martin family? If they were properly quarantined, why has this begun to spread around the community?
Grace came over for a visit after work yesterday. We discussed the coffee shop gossip that she’d overheard, over French Vanilla coffees and some cinnamon buns that she brought home from work. According to her, the first family that had the virus/infection in Bromley (the Martins--a wife, husband and two teenage daughters) had been vacationing in Mexico (a little over a month ago?). They’d been home for about a week before all of them started having a fever, severe headache and stiff and painful muscles and joints. The hospital tested them for H1N1, but the results for the test take a few days. They were told to stay home and stay away from other people until they were completely feeling better. Instead of picking up stuff at the stores, they were to order groceries and medications over the phone and have them delivered to their doorstep. In other words, they were unofficially quarantined.
A couple of days after the Martins holed up at home, the youngest daughter started having a seizure so an ambulance was called, and took her to the hospital (her mother went with her). The father and other daughter stayed home. The next day a caring neighbour called the Martin’s house to see how everyone was, and there was no answer. Other family and neighbours have tried to check up on the family, both at home and in the hospital, and they are told that the mother and daughter are quarantined and no visitors are allowed. The hospital does not know the status of Mr. Martin and his oldest daughter. At the Martin residence, no one answers the door or phone. There are no lights, no movement and no noises. The car is still parked in the driveway.
What has happened to the Martin family? If they were properly quarantined, why has this begun to spread around the community?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Purgatory Update I
Hello Katherine,
While searching for refuge in the Greater Toronto Area, I stumbled across a student dorm off of Young Street that I found suitable to live in. It provides great shelter, is advantageous because it is the high ground, and it gives a great view of the surrounding area. While sweeping the building, I found this computer, a generator in the basement, a small cache of supplies (food, water, etc.), and a plethora of the infected creatures that your husband denies are damned. I cleaned up, and now I have my wonderful little sanctuary with the exception of the corpses I had to dispose of.
This weekend, I was removing said corpses by throwing them from the window and a group of six survivors called to me from the street. I let them in, like anyone would do in my situation. What a stupid idea. Each survivor was equipped with exceptional weaponry, they wanted my supplies, and then I had a small fight on my hands. I dashed towards a set of fire doors that were unpenetrable by the beads of lead that they sprayed. I snuck out the back door, and came back later that night while all but one were sleeping. I'm not proud of what I did, Katherine, but I had to do it.
All is well in this part of purgatory, keep in touch,
Edward Kingston.
While searching for refuge in the Greater Toronto Area, I stumbled across a student dorm off of Young Street that I found suitable to live in. It provides great shelter, is advantageous because it is the high ground, and it gives a great view of the surrounding area. While sweeping the building, I found this computer, a generator in the basement, a small cache of supplies (food, water, etc.), and a plethora of the infected creatures that your husband denies are damned. I cleaned up, and now I have my wonderful little sanctuary with the exception of the corpses I had to dispose of.
This weekend, I was removing said corpses by throwing them from the window and a group of six survivors called to me from the street. I let them in, like anyone would do in my situation. What a stupid idea. Each survivor was equipped with exceptional weaponry, they wanted my supplies, and then I had a small fight on my hands. I dashed towards a set of fire doors that were unpenetrable by the beads of lead that they sprayed. I snuck out the back door, and came back later that night while all but one were sleeping. I'm not proud of what I did, Katherine, but I had to do it.
All is well in this part of purgatory, keep in touch,
Edward Kingston.
Paranoia
I'm having mixed feelings today. Joel always does that to me. I get my mind set on believing or having an opinion about something, and once he and I discuss it, I change my mind or second-guess myself. I was very set in thinking that Paul Mennings was a walking corpse, then Joel reasoned with me that just because I saw Paul with the red eyes, etc., that it didn't mean he was undead. Joel thinks that it's just symptoms of the virus. He's seen guys at the mine with eye injuries and eye infections, and sometimes the blood vessels/capillaries in the white of the eye do that.
According to my next-door neighbour, Grace, who works at the Tim Horton's, gossip is that the hospital is right full of patients with "flu-like" symptoms but it seems different than H1N1. The symptoms aren't severe only in the very young and very old. Anyone who's in there with it is very, very sick. Grace would've told me more, but she was just on her way to work this morning (I was outside trying to clean up the mess in the flower bed) and didn't have time. I'll try to catch her when she gets home and get her over for coffee.
So Joel's conclusion is that Paul Mennings contracted the virus at the nursing home then somehow escaped, delirious with fever and wandering the block, looking for his house. Now I don't know what to think. According to the September 17th comment from Edward Kingston (a.k.a. Jman H?), Toronto is loaded with the infected. Edward, please explain further what's happening there! I'm positive the news isn't giving us the whole picture.
According to my next-door neighbour, Grace, who works at the Tim Horton's, gossip is that the hospital is right full of patients with "flu-like" symptoms but it seems different than H1N1. The symptoms aren't severe only in the very young and very old. Anyone who's in there with it is very, very sick. Grace would've told me more, but she was just on her way to work this morning (I was outside trying to clean up the mess in the flower bed) and didn't have time. I'll try to catch her when she gets home and get her over for coffee.
So Joel's conclusion is that Paul Mennings contracted the virus at the nursing home then somehow escaped, delirious with fever and wandering the block, looking for his house. Now I don't know what to think. According to the September 17th comment from Edward Kingston (a.k.a. Jman H?), Toronto is loaded with the infected. Edward, please explain further what's happening there! I'm positive the news isn't giving us the whole picture.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Message 2 from Jamie R.
I received another e-mail from Jamie Robinson:
Hi, Katherine! Thank you for e-mailing me back. Me and Bill are STILL waiting inside the store. I finally got a hold of my mom at about 10:30 last night. They just had their cells off because they were in the movie. Right before I talked to mom, army trucks started driving all over the place and telling people to “stay inside! Only come out if you need medical assistance!” They also picked up the people that were fighting and stuff, and took them away in these big vans. So for now, I’m just keeping in touch with my parents by phone and e-mail—they know I’m safe—and we’re all obeying the law so far (by staying inside).
Bill has a computer in his little office and he’s been following the news and a TON of blogs since this stuff all started. He’s told me so much! I never really listened to the current events at school because it wasn’t happening in my town yet, so it’s all new to me! I wonder if the school will get closed for a while?
If it wasn’t for Bill showing me his list of sites, I would have never contacted you. Bill told me just to stay inside, but I wanted another opinion. I don’t even have any other close family that lives around here, or I coulda called them, I guess. I have my cell for backup in case Bill’s phone or computer stop working.
So you really think that this is a zombie outbreak like in the movies? That’s what Bill thinks. He also said that I should pay attention to how the government is trying to make it look like a flu outbreak instead. He said it’s so the public doesn’t panic.
Jamie
To which I replied:
Glad to hear you guys are still okay. Have you seen other dangerous-looking people out there since the army trucks were by? I think it’s a good idea to just remain in contact with your parents, but stay in where it’s safe.The outbreak is dangerous no matter what. It’s definitely something contagious that’s making people act that way, so it’s best to avoid it. You’re doing the right thing—be patient! It shouldn’t be long until things are under control and you can go home or your parents can pick you up.
Do you and Bill have LOTS of food and drinks in the store?
Katherine
I chose to not say, “hell YEAH, it’s zombies!” because she might freak out and run home. Not a good idea.
Hi, Katherine! Thank you for e-mailing me back. Me and Bill are STILL waiting inside the store. I finally got a hold of my mom at about 10:30 last night. They just had their cells off because they were in the movie. Right before I talked to mom, army trucks started driving all over the place and telling people to “stay inside! Only come out if you need medical assistance!” They also picked up the people that were fighting and stuff, and took them away in these big vans. So for now, I’m just keeping in touch with my parents by phone and e-mail—they know I’m safe—and we’re all obeying the law so far (by staying inside).
Bill has a computer in his little office and he’s been following the news and a TON of blogs since this stuff all started. He’s told me so much! I never really listened to the current events at school because it wasn’t happening in my town yet, so it’s all new to me! I wonder if the school will get closed for a while?
If it wasn’t for Bill showing me his list of sites, I would have never contacted you. Bill told me just to stay inside, but I wanted another opinion. I don’t even have any other close family that lives around here, or I coulda called them, I guess. I have my cell for backup in case Bill’s phone or computer stop working.
So you really think that this is a zombie outbreak like in the movies? That’s what Bill thinks. He also said that I should pay attention to how the government is trying to make it look like a flu outbreak instead. He said it’s so the public doesn’t panic.
Jamie
To which I replied:
Glad to hear you guys are still okay. Have you seen other dangerous-looking people out there since the army trucks were by? I think it’s a good idea to just remain in contact with your parents, but stay in where it’s safe.The outbreak is dangerous no matter what. It’s definitely something contagious that’s making people act that way, so it’s best to avoid it. You’re doing the right thing—be patient! It shouldn’t be long until things are under control and you can go home or your parents can pick you up.
Do you and Bill have LOTS of food and drinks in the store?
Katherine
I chose to not say, “hell YEAH, it’s zombies!” because she might freak out and run home. Not a good idea.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Post #5: Reality Check
The first thing I did this morning was check to see if the yard was empty. I grabbed a baseball bat from the closet and ran out and quickly locked the back gate. I also checked the gate on the side of the house that leads to the front yard. Lucky for Joel and I that the people we bought the house from had a Great Dane, and they had built a sturdy wooden six foot fence.
So Joel never got home by 2:00 yesterday afternoon. It was almost 11:00 last night, and if he hadn’t called me from the road on his cell, I would’ve had a heart attack with worry. He always travels home through Saskatoon because it’s the most direct route from the mine.
There was a road block set up on the north side of the city that had incoming traffic backed up for about two miles. The police stopped every single vehicle and questioned everyone about whether they’d been having flu symptoms, if they’d been in contact with any of the infected, or if they were wounded. Parked on the side of the highway was a semi with a huge trailer. People in HazMat suits were stationed outside the trailer. All cops and the HazMat people carried guns. The car in front of Joel got pulled right off into the ditch and the people were forced into the trailer. One of them had to be dragged and was kicking and trying to bite one of the HazMat guy’s hands. The biter ended up with a heavy cloth-like bag over his head.
This morning when I told Joel about Mr. Mennings being in our yard, he asked me something that made me feel like an idiot. “Why didn’t you call the cops?” Joel said, after he pulled me close and was assured I was really okay. “What if he would’ve tried to get into the house? I wonder where he went. Hopefully he never attacked anyone!”
I hadn’t thought about old Paul Mennings wandering off into someone else’s yard. Crap! It hadn’t even crossed my mind. I think that even though I believe what I’ve been seeing on the news and hearing from other people (that the dead are actually returning), my brain’s really been in denial. I really hoped that this is nothing more than an extreme flu pandemic and that it’s the high fever that makes people go crazy (or something like that).
Of course I was surprised when old Paul was eating the rose bush, but when he stopped to look around, I saw that the whites of his eyes were completely red. His expression was really what made my stomach clench. He looked furious and tortured at the same time. I’ve never seen that expression before. It was that moment where I finally realized that this is really happening. It really IS zombies. It is.
So Joel never got home by 2:00 yesterday afternoon. It was almost 11:00 last night, and if he hadn’t called me from the road on his cell, I would’ve had a heart attack with worry. He always travels home through Saskatoon because it’s the most direct route from the mine.
There was a road block set up on the north side of the city that had incoming traffic backed up for about two miles. The police stopped every single vehicle and questioned everyone about whether they’d been having flu symptoms, if they’d been in contact with any of the infected, or if they were wounded. Parked on the side of the highway was a semi with a huge trailer. People in HazMat suits were stationed outside the trailer. All cops and the HazMat people carried guns. The car in front of Joel got pulled right off into the ditch and the people were forced into the trailer. One of them had to be dragged and was kicking and trying to bite one of the HazMat guy’s hands. The biter ended up with a heavy cloth-like bag over his head.
This morning when I told Joel about Mr. Mennings being in our yard, he asked me something that made me feel like an idiot. “Why didn’t you call the cops?” Joel said, after he pulled me close and was assured I was really okay. “What if he would’ve tried to get into the house? I wonder where he went. Hopefully he never attacked anyone!”
I hadn’t thought about old Paul Mennings wandering off into someone else’s yard. Crap! It hadn’t even crossed my mind. I think that even though I believe what I’ve been seeing on the news and hearing from other people (that the dead are actually returning), my brain’s really been in denial. I really hoped that this is nothing more than an extreme flu pandemic and that it’s the high fever that makes people go crazy (or something like that).
Of course I was surprised when old Paul was eating the rose bush, but when he stopped to look around, I saw that the whites of his eyes were completely red. His expression was really what made my stomach clench. He looked furious and tortured at the same time. I’ve never seen that expression before. It was that moment where I finally realized that this is really happening. It really IS zombies. It is.
Friday, September 18, 2009
911 E-Mail
I just received this sad little e-mail from a girl who’s somehow found this blog and is in a bad situation:
My name is Jamie Robinson and I am 14. I live in Bimble Creek, California. I am hiding in a convenience store with the owner, who probably saved my life today. I went to the store to rent a movie for my girl’s night in that I was going to have with a couple of friends of mine, and the store owner (his name is Bill) locked the door and shut the lights off right when I walked in! I was so scared! He told me to stay quiet, and pointed out the gang of people that were all standing around a car parked in the middle of the street, about ½ a block away. They were banging all over the car and the people inside the car were screaming. The people attacking the car all looked banged up, like they’d been in an accident or something. They had bloody clothes and one had no shirt on and he had a huge bloody wound on his back. Yuck! Bill shoved the store shelves up against the windows and we stayed back, quietly waiting for the people to leave. And I can’t get a hold of my parents! They went out for dinner and a movie tonight, and they’re not answering their cell phones! I’m so scared, and I’ve been here for over four hours! What should I do?
Jamie Robinson
P.S. Please write back!
I answered with:
Hello, Jamie. Good to hear you’re safe for now. Did the people finally wander off and leave the other people in the car alone? You should not leave the convenience store until you have either talked to your parents or are 100% positive that the street is safe. I don’t mean to alarm you, but there have been a lot of crazy people around these last few weeks. Please let me know how you make out!
Katherine Murphy
My name is Jamie Robinson and I am 14. I live in Bimble Creek, California. I am hiding in a convenience store with the owner, who probably saved my life today. I went to the store to rent a movie for my girl’s night in that I was going to have with a couple of friends of mine, and the store owner (his name is Bill) locked the door and shut the lights off right when I walked in! I was so scared! He told me to stay quiet, and pointed out the gang of people that were all standing around a car parked in the middle of the street, about ½ a block away. They were banging all over the car and the people inside the car were screaming. The people attacking the car all looked banged up, like they’d been in an accident or something. They had bloody clothes and one had no shirt on and he had a huge bloody wound on his back. Yuck! Bill shoved the store shelves up against the windows and we stayed back, quietly waiting for the people to leave. And I can’t get a hold of my parents! They went out for dinner and a movie tonight, and they’re not answering their cell phones! I’m so scared, and I’ve been here for over four hours! What should I do?
Jamie Robinson
P.S. Please write back!
I answered with:
Hello, Jamie. Good to hear you’re safe for now. Did the people finally wander off and leave the other people in the car alone? You should not leave the convenience store until you have either talked to your parents or are 100% positive that the street is safe. I don’t mean to alarm you, but there have been a lot of crazy people around these last few weeks. Please let me know how you make out!
Katherine Murphy
Neighbours
I wanted so badly last night to go online and document the noises outside my house. I couldn’t though, because I feared that whatever it was would hear me clicking and typing, or see the light from my computer screen through the blinds. It was about 2:30 a.m. and I was having the deepest sleep--the first good sleep I’d had in over two weeks. I started dreaming there was an infestation of giant rats living in the walls and the attic, but eventually real banging and scratching noises woke me up. In panic I instantly reached for my husband, then remembered he was still on his way home from the uranium mine up north.
It’s a 15 hour drive to the mine, and Joel stopped for the night and still has about five more hours of driving today. He should be home by 2:00 p.m. if all goes well. I’m relieved, because all of this zombie crap is making me nervous.
After I got over my initial shock of being startled from sleep, I quietly padded around the house listening, trying to identify the noise. As I was just going to carefully part the curtains in my kitchen to look out into the side of our lot, there was a sudden crash from the back yard. It made me jump really hard, and I had to slap my hand over my mouth to cover a shriek. I rushed to the back door and peeked through the slats in the blind. In the security light that had blinked on, I saw a figure standing in the flower bed, staring at the bird bath it had knocked over onto the stone walk (damn, I forgot to lock the back gate). The unsteady man then stomped around on the peonies and roses. He was the first infected I’d ever seen in real life.
I watched him tear a rose bush from the ground and shove the roses--thorny stems and all--into his mouth. The corners of his mouth were torn, but no blood dripped from them, just a pale watery substance. After about five minutes, he staggered back out of the yard into the back alley. I made sure all the doors and windows were locked, then shakily drank a glass of water and crawled back into bed.
After lying under the covers for a few minutes shivering, I realized I knew who had been in our yard. It was poor old Mr. Mennings, who used to live just down the block. He’d been living in the nursing home for the last few months. I’d heard the H1N1 flu had hit the home hard, and quite a few of the residents hadn’t made it. It’s one thing to see the undead on the news, not being anyone you know, but it’s another thing to see your neighbour’s reanimated corpse stumble around your yard. It took me a long time to get back to sleep last night.
It’s a 15 hour drive to the mine, and Joel stopped for the night and still has about five more hours of driving today. He should be home by 2:00 p.m. if all goes well. I’m relieved, because all of this zombie crap is making me nervous.
After I got over my initial shock of being startled from sleep, I quietly padded around the house listening, trying to identify the noise. As I was just going to carefully part the curtains in my kitchen to look out into the side of our lot, there was a sudden crash from the back yard. It made me jump really hard, and I had to slap my hand over my mouth to cover a shriek. I rushed to the back door and peeked through the slats in the blind. In the security light that had blinked on, I saw a figure standing in the flower bed, staring at the bird bath it had knocked over onto the stone walk (damn, I forgot to lock the back gate). The unsteady man then stomped around on the peonies and roses. He was the first infected I’d ever seen in real life.
I watched him tear a rose bush from the ground and shove the roses--thorny stems and all--into his mouth. The corners of his mouth were torn, but no blood dripped from them, just a pale watery substance. After about five minutes, he staggered back out of the yard into the back alley. I made sure all the doors and windows were locked, then shakily drank a glass of water and crawled back into bed.
After lying under the covers for a few minutes shivering, I realized I knew who had been in our yard. It was poor old Mr. Mennings, who used to live just down the block. He’d been living in the nursing home for the last few months. I’d heard the H1N1 flu had hit the home hard, and quite a few of the residents hadn’t made it. It’s one thing to see the undead on the news, not being anyone you know, but it’s another thing to see your neighbour’s reanimated corpse stumble around your yard. It took me a long time to get back to sleep last night.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse, Post 2
I should tell you more about my community, the Town of Bromley. I mentioned yesterday that I’ve been unemployed for about a week. This was due to the Matton Health Region declaring that this outbreak of “illness” (which they’re suspecting is somehow caused by a mutated H1N1 flu virus) is serious enough for schools and most local businesses to close temporarily. Grocery stores and gas stations are still open, but everyone is wearing face masks. It’s SARS all over again.
I hope this isn’t airborne. I’ve seen pictures of victims of brutal attacks, and they had bites, then a couple of days later they became infected. Hopefully the virus can only be spread through contact—blood, saliva. This has been going on for weeks in other towns and cities, but we finally had enough cases in Bromley that they now want people to stay locked up safe at home (unless there’s an emergency or you absolutely need supplies, then you may venture out).
Keep safe out there, fellow survivors. There are a lot of us, especially in smaller communities. Don't give up hope!
I hope this isn’t airborne. I’ve seen pictures of victims of brutal attacks, and they had bites, then a couple of days later they became infected. Hopefully the virus can only be spread through contact—blood, saliva. This has been going on for weeks in other towns and cities, but we finally had enough cases in Bromley that they now want people to stay locked up safe at home (unless there’s an emergency or you absolutely need supplies, then you may venture out).
Keep safe out there, fellow survivors. There are a lot of us, especially in smaller communities. Don't give up hope!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
It Starts...
People are born. They co-exist for a short or long while, important or parasitic, kind or cruel, and then people die. This is the natural way the world works. It is not natural for the dead to get up and wander the Earth. If you've been listening to the radio, watching TV or go online, you'll know exactly what I mean. As long as the internet holds up (and I can power my laptop), I'll be posting the outbreak happenings from my part of the world. Should we use the word "zombie"? That's exactly what they are, so let's not pretend these are living humans with “rage” issues, or that they’re a cannibalistic cult with world-wide followers.
My name is Katherine Murphy. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada, on the outskirts of a small eastern town. I'm a regular office assistant (temporarily unemployed since the outbreak one week ago) with regular hobbies like video games, TV, hiking and reading. I’m not a professional writer but I want to share my situation. I’ve just set up this blog today and will be posting at least once a week, and hopefully can put stories from around the globe on here.
I wonder if the world will manage the outbreak successfully. Will the undead be contained and destroyed to end the spread of the… virus? Or is this how the living world will end?
My name is Katherine Murphy. I live in Saskatchewan, Canada, on the outskirts of a small eastern town. I'm a regular office assistant (temporarily unemployed since the outbreak one week ago) with regular hobbies like video games, TV, hiking and reading. I’m not a professional writer but I want to share my situation. I’ve just set up this blog today and will be posting at least once a week, and hopefully can put stories from around the globe on here.
I wonder if the world will manage the outbreak successfully. Will the undead be contained and destroyed to end the spread of the… virus? Or is this how the living world will end?
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