The Collapse - Beginning (2 page)

The rest of the first day went by without any major mishaps. Just to be safe, they made a crude barricade against the living room door, consisting of a bookshelf positioned on top of Justin’s study desk. A couple of times, they heard screams in the floors above theirs; but other than that, the rest of the day remained eerily silent.

The TV stations were all down. Only one obscure radio station was still on the air, but the DJ sounded like he’d gone mad, mumbling about extinction and the dawn of a new species. He then went on a relentless tirade against the president and the government.

“Did you know that the government spent billions of dollars preparing a massive, underground bunker specifically for this purpose? They knew this was coming. And how did they know? They were the ones who funded the research on this experimental virus! A perfect biological weapon, designed to wipe out an enemy nation within days. But what if this deadly weapon fell into the wrong hands? What then?” The DJ’s voice grew ominously soft. “Well, we know now, don’t we? And as we, the people, suffer at the hands of their work, the government is hidden somewhere out in the desert, comfortable and safe as they try to make a vaccine for their monstrous creation. While our elderly are bitten and torn into pieces, and our children are devoured by the Runners –”

Justin reached out and turned the radio off. “I think we’ve heard enough of his ramblings,” he said, a little forcefully. He made his way to the kitchen. “It’s time for dinner, anyway. Anyone care to join me?”

Of course they did. The group milled around the kitchen as Justin stirred canned minestrone in a large pot and Mrs. Park sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, celery, and avocado for a salad. Amy spread ketchup and melted cheese over slices of bread to make mini pizzas. Once done, all of them sat around the island counter quietly eating their meals, eyeing one another surreptitiously in the thickening silence. Below the counter, Walter slurped the soup and then whined for a mini pizza. Justin tossed him half a slice, and the grateful dog gobbled it up in seconds, wagging its tail.

“I know the DJ was raving, but do you think he might be right?” Patrick suddenly asked. When all eyes were on him, he put his pizza back on the plate. “It sounds like a plausible explanation to me. This infection couldn’t have just come out of nowhere. Some crazed lunatic must have stolen this experimental virus and unleashed it on us.”

“Do you think the whole country is infected?” Mr. Park asked. He and his wife, both of whom were Koreans, had come to the United States a year ago to study English. They were two weeks shy from graduation. But now, they were stuck here like the rest of them, unable to return to their families.

“Maybe the entire world is infected,” Ms. Wentworth said in an ominous tone. She stood up and put her empty plate in the sink. “We don’t know how this virus spreads. Does it spread through the air, saliva, or another method? If it’s an airborne disease, then I would say that there is a high chance other countries are affected as well.”

Extinction. Dawn of a new species. Maybe the DJ wasn’t that crazy, after all.

Having finished his meal, Benson kneeled down to play with his dog. “It doesn’t spread through the air,” he piped in as he rubbed Walter’s furry chest. “The Runners bite you, and then you become a Runner, too.”

Everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at the boy. “Are you sure?” Justin asked. “Did you actually see this happen?”

Benson nodded. “Uh huh. I was standing on the balcony, watching the Runners go after the people. One of them took a bite out of a woman. I thought she was dead, but then she got up and started running.” His eyes twitched. “She was moving kind of funny.”

No one had anything to say after that. It was a lot to process, and everything had happened so fast. Just this morning, Amy had been thinking about going to the beach. And now, she was stuck in this apartment with five strangers, while terror reigned just beyond that wooden door.

I miss you, Mom
.

She had never gotten on well with her mom, especially after she had remarried three years ago. Amy loathed her stepfather, whose elitist attitude always managed to sour her day. “Why didn’t you go to a better college?” “Why did you major in English literature?” And the one that really peeved her off: “I’m not surprised it didn’t work out between you and Justin. He’s a bit out of your league, isn’t he?”

The man was an insensitive bastard. So Amy had left home after college and rented a cramped, cockroach-infested apartment with a college friend. She hadn’t visited or called her mom since.

I’m sorry, Mom. And I hope you’re okay
.
Please, please be okay
.

The sky was darkening outside. To their relief, the electricity was still working. Five minutes after they turned on the lights, however, the banging started outside the door, furious body slams over and over again. Startled, Walter started barking, spittle spraying from its snout. As the slams worsened, the bookshelf toppled over and fell onto the floor. Justin and Mr. Park rushed over to push the shelf back against the door, striving to be as quiet as they could manage. Moving quickly, Mrs. Park wrapped her fingers around the dog’s snout and carried its writhing body into Justin’s study room.

“Ms. Wentworth, could you turn off the lights?” Amy whispered. Nodding, the elderly woman did so, and instant darkness fell across the room. Seconds later, the banging abruptly stopped, and the shuffling noises went farther down the hallway.

They stood there in the dark, breathing heavily. Once Amy felt calm enough, she went to the window and pulled apart the curtains. Moonlight filtered in through the ceiling-to-floor glass, giving them sufficient light to see. The rest of the group joined her and stared up at the full moon, finding comfort in its familiarity.

“What do we do now?” Patrick asked. “We can hardly see a thing in here without light.”

“I have some candles,” Justin replied, but he looked worried. “They won’t last very long, though.”

Ms. Wentworth waved her hand in a “don’t worry” gesture. “We’ll worry about that when the time comes. Let’s just get an early night, and we’ll think about what to do tomorrow.”

That sounded like a good idea. Everyone was mentally and emotionally exhausted from the day’s horrific events. Their minds hadn’t even had time to process the gruesome realities they had seen with their eyes.

Mrs. Park came out of the study, with Walter looking awfully comfortable in her arms. “He’s quiet now,” she said softly. “With some training, he will be a good, obedient dog.”

“He
is
a good dog,” Benson protested. “I trained him myself.”

“Let’s sort out the sleeping quarters. Ms. Wentworth, Mrs. Park, and Benson can sleep in my room. As for the rest, I think it’s best if we sleep out here. We’ll need to figure out how to strengthen our barricade.” Justin’s shoulders slumped. “That was too close just now. If that thing had smashed its way in, we would all be dead by now.”

“Or we might have turned into Runners,” Benson reminded him as he followed Mrs. Park into the room.

Death had always seemed to be the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone. But now, there was something worse. A mindless, cannibalistic entity that ran at a freakish speed, that fed on the human body with frenzied savagery.

Amy would welcome Death any day over
that
.

They had been in the apartment for only four days, but Amy sensed a shifting change taking place. Unlike the first day, Patrick was no longer as friendly as he had seemed. Also, he had started to hoard food. He took the bigger portions and sometimes snuck candies and chocolate bars into his pocket when he thought no one was looking.

Ms. Wentworth was another unpleasant surprise. At first, Amy had appreciated the calming effect she’d had on the group. But now, she complained a lot about her health, and she’d even kicked Benson off Justin’s bed, saying that she couldn’t sleep because of him. Mrs. Park had gently led the boy back to the living room, trying to conceal her anger.

It had only been less than a week, but already, cordiality and human relationships were starting to crack.

Food was running out fast. When Amy had suggested lessening their food intake, Patrick had scoffed at the idea. “Don’t worry so much! We’ll figure it out later.” It was funny. That was the same thing Ms. Wentworth had said on the first day regarding the candles. Both of them weren’t saying that now.

Amy stood in the kitchen and stared at the trash can. Torn ramen packets, and empty cans of beef stew, spaghetti, and peaches filled the can to the brim. On the floor lay a banana peel. She picked it up. There was still half a banana left inside. Fuming, Amy took it to the group, who were hanging around the living room.

She held up the banana peel and shook it. “Who threw this?”

The group looked up at her. When Ms. Wentworth saw it, she smiled.

“I did, dear. It was too bruised and soft for my liking.”

“But it is still edible!” Amy shouted. “We’re not in a position to throw edible food away!”

Ms. Wentworth’s face turned red. “How dare you speak to me in that tone. I don’t know what kind of upbringing you had, but civilized people don’t address the elderly that way.” She closed her eyes and placed a hand over her heart. “I must go and lie down. This is enough excitement for my poor heart today.” And she rose up and headed to Justin’s room.

Patrick threw a dirty look at Amy and went to join Ms. Wentworth. Amy could hear them whispering behind the bedroom door, no doubt saying terrible things about her subpar upbringing. Try as she might, she couldn’t stop the tears seeping from her eyes. She whirled around and stomped back to the kitchen.

“I’m sorry,” Justin said behind her, and Amy felt his hands on her shoulders. He leaned in. “It was a mistake bringing so many people here. But it’s done, so we have to try to get along.”

“We have to go out and get supplies,” she said, and Justin turned her around, his face incredulous.

“Are you serious?”

“Very,” she answered. “I can die in here, or die out there. The outcome’s the same.”

The others had heard what she’d said. Mr. Park came over, looking scared.

“You will turn into a Runner. No, you cannot go out.”

“Someone has to,” Amy argued. “We’re running out of food and water. We need medicine. And” – she cast a quick glance at Mrs. Park – “we’ll need feminine products.”

Justin took a step back, an awkward expression on his face. With a smile, Mrs. Park came to join them.

“Our apartment has all of that. I also have morning pills. They should help.”

That was an idea. Instead of going outside, they could try to enter the neighboring apartments to get what they needed. Amy felt a surge of hope.

“Where do you live? Which floor and number?” she asked.

“The fourth floor, two doors to the left,” Mr. Park answered. “It is close, but . . .” He shook his head. “There are Runners in the hallway. It is impossible to go out.”

Amy raised her brows. “Who says I’m going out into the hallway?”

Justin stared at her, then looked horrified as realization dawned on him. “You are
not
going out on the balcony. That’s a stupid plan. That only works in dreams.”

“I’m not climbing up or down. I’m going across.”

Looking fascinated by their discussion, Benson came up to them, Walter faithfully by his side. “What if there’s a Runner waiting for you in their apartment?”

Mrs. Park shook her head. “I locked the door when we came out to speak to Justin. Our place will be empty.”

Amy rubbed her hands. “Then let’s do it.”

“You’re not going alone,” Justin said, looking grim. “I’m going with you.”

“No, it is best if I do.” Mr. Park smiled at Justin. “After all, I know where everything is.”

Their plan was simple: Mr. Park would climb across first, since he had longer limbs. He would help Amy across. Rinse and repeat.

“What if there’s a Runner in the next apartment?” Benson asked again, unwilling to let go of this subject.

Justin thought for a second. “Troy Robinson lives next door, and I know he leaves for work around six-thirty every weekday. So his place should be locked.” He nodded at Amy and Mr. Park. “You guys don’t have to worry about that.”

They went out into the balcony. Mr. Park took off his shoes and socks, then climbed up and squatted on the railing. Balancing himself against the brick wall, he stretched his left leg slowly. Once it touched the adjacent railing, he hugged the wall and shifted his weight onto his left leg. He hopped off the railing and landed inside the neighbor’s balcony. Turning, he waved Amy over with a grin on his face. He made it look so easy.

But Amy had no time for that. She took off her slippers and positioned herself on the railing. “Catch me,” she called out, and before Mr. Park could understand what she was saying, she jumped.

It was a good thing that Mr. Park had fast reflexes. As soon as she jumped, he jerked forward and caught her around the waist. Amy winced as her foot banged against the neighbor’s railing, but otherwise, she was fine. Mr. Park staggered back, but managed to balance himself before they both fell.

“Good catch,” she breathed. “Do you have a first name, Mr. Park?”

He smiled. “My English name is Daniel.”

“And your wife’s name?”

“She is Marie.”

“Awesome. Mind if I call you guys by your first names?”

His smile broadened. “We would like it very much.”

They decided to check out the apartment. Daniel pushed the sliding door open and went in first. Amy immediately followed behind him, feeling a slight trepidation. She prayed that they were the only ones inside.

She could smell rotten food and see flies buzzing around empty Chinese food cartons. “I wonder if there’s food we can take with us,” she whispered as she padded to the kitchen. Surely the previous tenant had some cans in his pantry.

She was in luck. Boxes of soup packets lined the cupboard: chicken noodle, French onion, creamy mushroom, and spring vegetable. There were unopened boxes of cereal as well. Amy pulled them all out and stuffed them into a large plastic bag she found near the sink.

Daniel came out of the bedroom, holding rappelling rope in his hands. “I found this,” he said. “I remember my wife told me that Troy likes rock climbing.”

“How did she know that?” Amy asked as she opened the fridge.

Daniel gave a rueful smile. “I think he told her because he liked how she looks. Maybe he wanted to impress her.”

The fridge was mostly empty except for a carton of milk way past its expiration date. Amy opened the freezer door and found nothing there, either. With a sound of annoyance, she slammed the door shut.

“We’ll look at his medicine cabinet, and also take all the toilet paper we can find,” she said. So far, the faucets were still working, but that would stop soon. They would need to take all the empty bottles and basins they could find and fill them with water. She mentioned this to Daniel.

He looked at her, puzzled. “Why do we need to take them with us? Why can’t we leave them here?”

Briefly, Amy wondered if he was dense. She explained, using easier words.

He was not amused. “My English is fine, Amy. I understood you. I think
you
misunderstood me.”

When she stared at him blankly, he sighed. “There are too many people in Justin’s apartment. This apartment is empty. My apartment is empty. Why don’t we stay here, or at my place? I am sure my wife would like to sleep in her own bed.”

Amy slapped a hand on her forehead. “You are a freaking genius, you know that? That makes perfect sense.” Also, she would do anything to get away from Patrick and Ms. Wentworth. 

Daniel unraveled the rope. “We can tie this across the balconies. Use them for balance.”

“Why don’t we break up some furniture and form some kind of bridge between the balconies?” Amy paused to think, then suggested, “What about a bookshelf? The wooden boards are nice and flat.”

They were ideas worth trying. They hurried back out into the balcony and told Justin their plans.

He seemed tentatively hopeful. “That’s great, guys. We could try to connect the apartments that way. We could even try to make a rope ladder. That way, we can climb down to the third and second floors and see if the people there are okay.”

For the first time since Monday, they had something to do. Something to move them forward. Amy looked at the cereal boxes and soup packets, deciding to leave them where they were. Knowing Patrick and Ms. Wentworth, they would finish them in days. They had to save the non-perishables for as long as they could.