Apocalypse survivor

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

The day started like any other. The sun peeked over the horizon, casting long golden rays across the quiet town of Maplewood. Birds chirped, cars rumbled down the streets, and the smell of fresh coffee filled the air. Life went on, oblivious to the fact that it was all about to end.

Ethan Carter had just finished his morning routine—showering, feeding his German Shepherd, Max, and brewing a strong cup of coffee. His camper van, a rugged old Ford E350 he had converted into a full-time living space, was parked in the lot of a gas station on the edge of town. He had spent the past three years traveling, never settling in one place for too long. The open road was his home, and Max was his only true companion.

As Ethan sipped his coffee and checked the news on his phone, a strange headline caught his eye:

"Violent Outbreaks Reported Nationwide – Authorities Urge Caution"

He frowned. Clicking on the article, he skimmed through the report. The details were vague—talk of sudden riots, aggressive behavior, and emergency broadcasts urging citizens to stay indoors. There was even mention of people attacking one another, biting, clawing, screaming.

Ethan exhaled sharply. "Crazy world," he muttered, tossing his phone onto the dashboard.

Max, who had been lying on the passenger seat, perked up, ears twitching. A low growl rumbled from his throat.

"What is it, bud?" Ethan asked, looking toward the road.

A man was stumbling across the street, his movements erratic and jerky. His clothes were torn, and his face was smeared with something dark. Blood? Ethan stiffened. The man tripped and collapsed onto the asphalt, writhing. A second later, he was back on his feet, his head snapping toward a woman exiting a nearby store.

Ethan's gut twisted. Something was wrong.

The man lunged.

The woman barely had time to react before he tackled her, sinking his teeth into her shoulder. A bloodcurdling scream echoed through the street.

Ethan's breath hitched. "What the hell—?"

More people emerged from alleys and buildings, some running, others limping, their bodies twisted and broken. Screams filled the air as the chaos spread. A car crashed into a fire hydrant. A man fired a gun into the crowd, but the attackers kept coming.

It was happening. The world was falling apart.

Ethan didn't wait to see more. He turned the key in the ignition. The engine roared to life.

"Come on, Max. We’re getting out of here."

The German Shepherd barked, as if in agreement.

As Ethan floored the gas, the camper van lurched forward, tires screeching. He swerved past abandoned cars and people running for their lives. He had no idea where he was going—only that he needed to get away.

This was just the beginning.