Untold Story ║ Book 1 of The Untold series

Chapter 17 - Alone together

The air in the car grows heavier with every mile that separates us from the Seymour's home, their family home. It was a place where I had found warmth and refuge from my turbulent past, a sanctuary amidst a storm of memories I'd rather forget. The loss we all share has woven a tapestry of sorrow, leaving us to confront an unrecognizable world together.

Beside me, Jane stares out of the car window, lost in thought and absorbed in her grief. In the back, Zane and little Joel cling to each other, their eyes red and swollen, their faces etched with the pain of what we have left behind. The Seymour family, who had opened their hearts to me and offered a haven from my own fractured family, had just witnessed their world crumble. The specter of that gunshot still echoes in my mind.

I grip the steering wheel, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on my shoulders. Trust wasn't something I give out lightly, but the Seymours has shown me what it meant to be part of a real family, to belong somewhere. I wish I could take away their pain, erase the horrors of that day, and build a safer world for Jane, Joel and Zane.

'Are you okay?' I want to ask, but i bite my tongue, as I glance over at Jane. She slowly turns her head and meets my gaze, her eyes revealing a world of pain and hatred. I know she feels betrayed for me pulling her away from her mother, but what else was i supposed to do? Diana Seymour had asked me for a favor earlier today, and i instantly said i would do anything for her, but i didnt know what she wanted at that time. and when the words left her mouth i had already promised and i saw the pain in her eyes. Despite of that she was still smiling and her wrinkles as always visible with her smile.

I wanted to beg her to stay with us, with me for a little longer, but i knew all she wanted was to be at peace with her husband, and who am i to take that away from her, but i didnt know she was going to take her own life, i grab the steering wheel a little tighter. I want to explain to Jane i couldnt change anything, and i want to apologise, But this is not about me or my guilt, people who are dear to me just experienced a great loss, so i choose silence. I look in the mirror seeing a pained Zane, caressing Joel.

As we continued down the road toward an uncertain future, I couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loss. Diana and Nick Seymour were very good to me, and i cant help but feel like i should have done more, i steal a glance at Jane, her brown wavy hair hugging her body, falling down to all sides, as her legs are resting at her hips. She is looking out the window, as if the new world could give her any comfort.

I look to see how Zane and Joel are doing, and i know that even though i couldnt help Diana and Nick, i would do anything for the people in this car.

The red car in front of us, which is occupied by the allistair's and that weird friend of Jane, is getting slower, i press the brake slightly. curiosity spikes within me, what are they seeing. i concentrate more, and once again the red cars brake lights turn on, and they get to a full halt. Now Jane is sitting up straight, her brown teddy eyes fixating on something.

I think about leaving the car for a moment, but then i see Lucas approaching us and signalling for me to lower my window.

"Did you listen to the radio?" Lucas asks, dread clear on his face.

I shake my head, confusion must spread across my face, because he starts explaining.

"Lite FM explains how the New york camps won't open for civilians for another 2 days, because there are too many walkers in this location, we need to find shelter somewhere else"

I think for a moment, we cannot return to Dianas body, and returning to any of our homes wouldnt do us any good.

"We could go to the cabin in the woods, there are rarely any humans, so why would walkers be there" Lucas suggests in an exhausted tone.

i look toward Jane and then Zane, but neither are able to disagree nor agree.

"Sure, show the way" i say.

"Keep the radio on" Lucas says, as he moves back to the red car.

I start following the red car again, and i turn on the radio:

The US Army is having trouble reaching and securing camps at states with higher population such as New York at this time. We suggest people to stay in safety, and to reach the camps after 1 to 2 days. 

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Word count : 830

By night-ed

Book one : Untold Story

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