The Dead Lands Diary Vol. II) Read online

  You help on that?

  Me? No. I’m not very useful with construction...I’d just get in the way. The letter art that says Haven though on the outside...that was me! I was happy to help out with that.

  I should have known that was you. I remember being impressed with how well it was painted.

  Thanks! It was the only time my art skills have been of use...but it was good enough for me.

  So how did you adjust to all this? How did you process it?

  Hell...how does anyone process such a thing as this? The dead attacking the living? I mean...seriously? Felt like a horrible nightmare...but it wasn’t. It was..is..real. I think I was kinda in shock for awhile but I think I’m doing okay. Those first weeks were the worst. Especially after losing my parents...as most of us did.

  I’m sorry.

  Thanks.

  Have you had to kill any of them?

  Just one...while we were out. It was a slow one. Extremely slow, but it seemed to come out of nowhere by some trees...it was instinct that I shot it in the face...and I think I only hit it by sheer luck. I wasn’t aiming. Just reflex.

  Did you get ill?

  Yeah...I felt ill, anyway.

  Do you have hope for the future?

  I try too. But...this might be as good as it gets.

  Yeah...you could easily be right...thanks for sitting down with me.

  Anytime. Thanks.

  Ray Flynn is the first man we spoke to from Haven when they found us. I personally liked him from the start and was looking forward to speaking with him. He’s a confident man that seems little phased by everything.

  Long time no see.

  Yeah...been ages...what, like...half hour?

  [laughs] So, you feel awkward like your father being recorded and asked questions?

  Nah, man. I feel like some kinda celebrity...feel important!

  Well, I’d say you are. You’ve saved lives...easily may have saved mine and my friends.

  Fuck...when we found you I thought your set up was pretty damn impressive. I think you guys would have been alright.

  Maybe for awhile...not sure about the long haul. We didn’t have the numbers to build and sustain ourselves.

  Eh, maybe you’re right. Luckily, you’ll never know cause you’re here. Numbers or not, you guys are resourceful...how you took out that massive Bolter horde. That shit is nuts.

  Luck! I’m curious...how close were you guys to never coming back for us?

  That was never an option...I vouched for you guys completely to my father. After he heard what you guys pulled off he insisted to meet you personally. Travis vouched for you, too. Kurt did but he was also a little nervous...you’ve talked to him, you know how he is. He had his concerns. He knew you guys were total badasses obviously, but he worried you were nuts and imagined the damage you could cause Haven. I think he saw ya’ll as some kind of Navy Seal team [laughs]. He overreacts sometimes. Cracks me up.

  Something I ask everyone...how have you adjusted to this all...what was it like for you early on?

  Hmmm. Well, I’ve adjusted fine I think...I guess. I’m not freaking out or anything. I feel secure in what we’ve built here. We have food, we have walls and we have security. I sleep well at night. I know more than half the people here probably struggle with sleep, but not me. As for early on, that was different. Hard times...for everyone. Naturally hard...but the safe zones and these kids losing everyone. And then Susan...it was hell in those first weeks.

  Who’s Susan? If I can ask...

  My dad or Rachel didn’t say anything?

  No.

  Oh, okay. Well...don’t mention it to them. Especially my father. Susan was our stepmother. We were pretty close with her. You think my dad is friendly? He was a hundred times more friendly before he lost Susan. He hides his bitterness and sadness as much as possible.

  How long were they together?

  Let’s see...I’m 24...I remember them getting together when I was ten or eleven. So awhile...I can’t calculate shit [laughs].

  What happened?

  She was a very softhearted woman. You know the type...can’t hurt a bug. Was nice to everyone and really upset when anyone was mean to her. Got upset when people fought. This...all this, everything that happened to the world. It was just too much for her. She sunk into a terrible depression. She had lost all hope. We raided some pharmacies and even found some antidepressants for her, but they didn’t seem to take. Sometimes she refused to even take them. Even when most of the walls were complete, she didn’t feel better. Then when those people showed up and Todd killed one of them...that I think was the last straw. I think it was her that persuaded my dad to let the other one go. Anyway...I’m sure you know where this is going. She committed suicide. She decided to take those antidepressants...all of them. Along with some other stuff.

  That’s terrible! I’m extremely sorry.

  Yeah..it was a tough time. My dad I think still blames himself for not being there...for the antidepressants...for not making sure she was watched. I don’t think he ever thought she’d do that. He I guess thought her too sensitive to do something like that.

  Thank you for this...I appreciate it.

  Sure thing...any more questions?

  Do you have hope for the future?

  Sure I do. You have to have hope...otherwise what is the point? When this all began everything looked hopeless...felt hopeless...but we fought. The world burned and we didn’t know what to do, but we worked something out fast...now look at us! We have a secure home...a secure neighborhood...community. We didn’t go unscathed by any means...but we’ve built a small nice thing from our ashes. Wish Susan could see how it looks now...maybe she’d have made a different choice. I like to think so anyhow.

  Thanks, Ryan. That’s all.

  Sure.

  A few days later I sat down in the home of Mark Flynn, Alan’s younger brother and uncle to Ryan and Rachel. He seemed on edge. Nervous. A very anxious man.

  How are you?

  Can’t complain...alive.

  How was everything for you when this all began? How well have you adjusted?

  Pretty stupid fucking question, isn’t it? [laughs loudly] wow. I’m sorry...it just kinda seems obvious how everything was “when all this began.” The world ended...how was everything for me? Chaos. Panic? I still panic and like to just stay the hell inside to myself.

  I apologize.

  No, it’s fine. It is what it is. Whatever.

  So you don’t get out much?

  You’re pretty smart...after all, I kinda just said that, didn’t I? I don’t like visitors. I like seeing my niece and nephew. My brother occasionally, when he doesn’t want to piss me off.

  How’s he do that?

  By bugging me with dumbass questions. Sound familiar? He’s always bitching that I just lock myself away and don’t much help. He feels like he’s [holds up hands to impersonate quotation makes] losing his brother. Pfft. Just cause I want to be left the hell alone? Not everyone took this whole doomsday thing great. I sure as hell didn’t.

  Do you not feel safe within the walls?

  Safe? That a joke? It’s an illusion. Fantasy world my brother and them built. How long before those walls fall? I heard about that giant horde...how long before another destroy those walls? Or a group of assholes with more people wanna take this place? Like I said...a damn illusion. It’s just a matter of time.

  Okay...well, I think I’ve taken enough of your time. I thank you for talking to me, though. I’ll go ahead and leave now. Have a good day, Mark.

  Awesome. See ya around, maybe.

  Heather Knox is another one of Rachel’s friends. She was in stark contrast to my former interview which was a relief. She is very outgoing and always seems ready for an adventure, which isn’t necessarily a good thing.

  How are you?

  I’m pretty dandy, thanks. How the hell are you?

  ...I’m good, thank you. You seem pretty chipper considering the circumstances...


  Chipper? [laughs] calm down, old timer. And I wasn’t always “chipper.” See, I was this so called chipper in high school. Then the world went to hell in a hand basket and my chipperness then went straight to shit...then...after some time, it began to return and we got things set up and now, sir, I am chipper than ever!

  You’re a real smartass aren’t you?

  [laughs] Born and raised.

  Well, it’s refreshing after my last interview.

  Which was with who?

  Mark.

  Pfft. Waste of space hermit.

  Everyone feel that way?

  Basically. I mean, Alan isn’t as blunt about it but I think he thinks it sometimes. He’s a total shut in.

  What about Rachel and Ryan?

  Eh, they’re kinda indifferent to him. They visit and check in on him. He’s the most receptive to them than anyone else.

  He mentioned as much. So tell me, how are you adjusting? I’d say pretty damn good.

  You’d be right. I mean, what are you gonna do? Shit hit the fan and that’s the hand we’ve been dealt. Gotta roll with the punches.

  You’re optimism is amazing. I haven’t encountered much of it. Do you go on supply runs?

  Yeah. I can’t right now, but yeah. I enjoy getting out.

  Why can’t you right now?

  Alan has “suspended” me from going outside the walls and helping for thirty days. It’s now day nineteen.

  Why’d he do that??

  Well, apparently I was being reckless or whatever. Eh, maybe I was. Maybe he’s got some points, but I can’t always help it. I’m go go go. I don’t have a whole lot of patience. We’re supposed to be careful and make sure areas or houses are clear, yada yada yada. Well, on a few occasions I kinda...forgot? I just walked in a place like I would in the old world.

  Well, that is reckless! I have to agree with Alan. That’s extremely dangerous.

  I know, I know. Spare me the lecture. Alan hammered it into my skull for hours. We have a three strike rule around here. Three fuck ups outside and suspended. For how long depends on how bad the fuck ups are.

  So one of your strikes was a big fuck up?

  Just the act of doing so. Alan said I wasn’t just putting myself in danger, but those with me, too. Which included Ryan...so I guess I’d be pretty pissed myself in his shoes. I swore I wouldn’t ever do it again. I know I’m stupid. Like I said...I’m chippy again! I feel adventurous at times and then I just go with it.

  Adventurers are also cautious, though.

  Fair enough.

  I mean, what happens when you just wander inside and step in front of a Stagnant or alert one?

  The fuck is a Stagnant?

  Yeah, Alan wants to “adopt” the names we gave them...a Stagnant is one that just sits there. Either injured to the point of being immobile or they’ve just decayed to that point. They wait for something to get near and grab...if they can’t they let out a Dead Call.

  That horrible shrieking? Hate that shit. When I hear that in the distance...especially at night...it effects my chip-o-meter!

  Never gonna let me live that shit down are you?

  [laughs] Hell no, dude. Not ever. And I’m glad he’s adopting some nifty names for these things. Kinda tired of hearing “slow fuckers” and “fast fuckers.” he’s so damn creative, isn’t he? [sigh] some people, am I right?

  [laughs] I laughed when he first told me about that.

  About all you can do. The names will catch on. No one around here thought to think of such a thing. Most were busy on walls and everyone else pissing their pants. I’m surprised Rachel didn’t think of damn names...bitch thinks of everything [laughs].

  I think that’s it for now. Thanks!

  You have a chipper day!

  Tina Leek is a soft spoken young woman. Her and Rachel go back to junior high. I find her to be very sincere and the type to try and see the good side of things rather than see the worst.

  I’ve spoken with most of your friends, save for Alexis and Karen.

  Then you men just Alexis. Karen is not a friend of ours. She isn’t a friend of anyone’s for that matter.

  You guys went to the same school though, yes?

  Yeah, but she wasn’t into being our friend. She had a select few she sat with off to themselves. She’s a loner and rather rude.

  Have you ever approached her?

  We all have but she just tells us to go away...so to speak. She dodges Alexis though.

  Why so?

  Alexis tried to be nice to her and ask her to hangout. Try to get to know her. Well, Karen told her to go F herself. Alexis backhanded her in the face and sent her to the ground. Alexis warned her to never say that to her again. Of course, she hasn’t. She won’t even look in her direction.

  Surely she has to speak to someone?

  She sometimes goes over to Lily’s. For whatever reason, she likes Lily. Or is at least open to talking to her.

  Anything in common?

  Only in the sense that Lily is a complainer and kinda private herself. She’s not outright rude or anything like Karen, but she’s one you kinda gotta get to know. She’s friendly in general...I mean, she’ll be polite if you say hello, she just isn’t going to go out of her way to start a conversation.

  How are you personally doing?

  Well, I can’t complain. Got food. Got water. Got shelter. Thankfully friends, too. Took awhile to stay safe though.

  How do you spend your time?

  I help with some gardening. Canning food. Kelly said she does that, too. I love to read. When they go looking for supplies I always remind them to grab any books they come across. They usually always come back with a few.

  That’s nice. What do you read?

  At this point, anything they bring me. Before though, I read some drama, some old school stuff, too. I mixed it up. You guys were out there awhile...what was it like?

  It was a nightmare out there. Not gonna lie. Everything we went through I have documented and written down. You’re a reader...you can read it if you want.

  Yes! That’d be great. Well, can’t say I’m looking forward to how bad it is out there...but I want to know. I think it’s important to know.

  I’ll bring it by later for you. It’s not a nice read really. Some recording of Reggie may bring a smile though.

  I love Reggie. He’s just such a ray of sunshine around here. He feels useless I think but he doesn’t know how much he’s helping people just by being who he is.

  He’d appreciate that sentiment.

  It’s true.

  Ain’t gotta tell me. He got us through some dark days...and nights. I think I’ll end on these notes...but I’m sure we’ll converse again soon. I’d love to hear more from everyone. Appreciate it, Tina.

  Don’t mention it. I love to talk, so I’m also ready for an interview!

  Alexis Kyser is a no nonsense individual. I quickly began to understand how she backhanded someone. She’s athletic and rather strong. She’s friendly and caring, but she has that side you don’t want to screw with.

  So...I heard you backhanded someone? Reputation precedes you.

  Apparently! Hey, that bitch had it coming. True story.

  So I was told. I pity the ones that say the wrong thing to you. But it’s good you hold your own. I’m sure you’re protective of your friends.

  Absolutely. They’re my family. I looked out for them in school. The ones that needed it.

  Tina?

  Yeah...how’d you guess? [laughs] she’s just too sweet to throw a punch. It’s admiral but I think now she needs to come out of her shell a little bit.

  With the attitude you have it’s a wonder there’s never been perhaps a confrontation with Larry, Todd or Mark. Or has there been?

  I gave Larry the finger once for giving me the stink eye. Todd, no. Never an issue. As for Mark, it’s hard to have a fight with that lazy sack. He just sits in his house and sulks or has a pity party or who the hell knows what. Have you spoken to him?

  Y
eah, I’ve had the...pleasure. It was a short conversation.

  I bet it was! What a douchebag. Oh well. Fuck’em.

  I’m going to assume you’ve adjusted well to everything.