The Outbreak

The world changed in the blink of an eye. It started with rumors of a strange illness sweeping through distant cities, but before anyone could fully comprehend the magnitude of the threat, chaos erupted.

Alexandra "Alex" Summers stared at the flickering television screen, disbelief gnawing at her insides. The news anchor's voice trembled as she reported on the rapidly escalating situation. Images of panicked crowds and ambulances racing through the streets filled the screen, painting a grim picture of a world on the brink of collapse.

"It's happening," Alex whispered, her voice barely audible over the cacophony of sirens outside her apartment window. She turned to her roommate, Marcus, who stood frozen in front of the TV, his expression unreadable.

"We need to get out of here," Marcus said finally, his voice tight with tension.

Alex nodded, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty. She grabbed her backpack and began stuffing it with supplies: canned food, water bottles, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Marcus did the same, his movements quick and purposeful.

As they prepared to leave, a bloodcurdling scream echoed through the hallway outside. Alex's heart pounded in her chest as she exchanged a grim look with Marcus.

"We have to go, now," she said, her voice steady despite the fear gripping her.

They made their way to the stairwell, moving quietly to avoid drawing attention to themselves. The building was eerily silent, the usual sounds of life replaced by an oppressive stillness.

As they reached the ground floor, the smell hit them like a punch to the gut: the sickly-sweet stench of decay mingled with the metallic tang of blood. Alex gagged, her stomach churning with revulsion.

They cautiously opened the door leading outside, steeling themselves for whatever horrors awaited them. What they saw was worse than anything they could have imagined.

The streets were overrun with chaos. People ran in every direction, screaming in terror as the undead descended upon them with relentless hunger. Cars honked their horns in a futile attempt to escape the madness, their drivers oblivious to the futility of their efforts.

"We have to stick together," Marcus said, his voice firm as he grabbed Alex's hand. She nodded, her fingers tightening around his in a silent promise to never let go.

With that, they plunged into the heart of darkness, their journey into the unknown unfolding before them like a nightmare come to life. Little did they know that their struggle for survival was only just beginning.