The van rumbled through the deserted streets of Janice’s neighborhood, the silence unnerving everyone inside. The sight of hastily abandoned homes, cars left in driveways, and broken windows spoke of a hasty evacuation. The streets were eerily quiet—no sign of a single ZedHead. Only the faint whispers of the wind accompanied the group, heightening the tension in the air.

Janice’s face was a mask of worry as they approached her home. “My babies… they’re not here?” Her voice trembled, and as Travis pulled into her driveway, the tension in the van grew palpable. The house, strangely, still had all its lights on.

Without waiting, Janice threw open the van door and rushed out, her heart pounding in her chest. The rest of the group hurried after her, Steve limping but managing with the help of both Eli and Jake. As Janice approached the front door, it creaked open under her touch.

Cautiously, they all entered, with Eli, Travis, and Jake sweeping the house, making sure it was safe. The house was a mixture of familiarity and ghostly abandonment, everything in place but feeling cold, distant. Janice wandered into the kitchen, her eyes scanning the room until they landed on a piece of paper pinned to the fridge with the name “Jayy” written at the top—a name only her husband called her.

With trembling hands, she grabbed the letter. Paris stood by her side; concern written across her face as Janice read the message aloud.

“Jayy, we had to evacuate! The military told us we had to leave! We couldn’t wait for you! They said we’ll be at Rex Military Base. The boys are okay. Just missed you. I pray you find this letter. We love you. See you soon! Love, Ron.”

Janice’s hands fell to her sides as she crumbled into sobs. “Oh, Ron... my boys, my babies...” Tears streaked down her face, her voice breaking. Paris, her heart heavy with sympathy, wrapped her arms around Janice in a comforting embrace.

The group stood silently; the sorrow shared among them. Janice wiped her tears, feeling the weight of Paris’s support. “We’ll get to them,” Paris whispered. “We’ll get you to your family.”

Travis cleared his throat, trying to bring the group back into focus. “After I check on my mom, we’ll head to the base. Sound good?”

Everyone nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthened by Janice’s emotional moment. Janice steadied herself and began to gather supplies. “There’s a box of clothes here for my church’s drive… take whatever you need. We’ll need food and medical supplies too.” She moved quickly, her mind shifting into survival mode. The group spread out, grabbing food, clothes, and whatever essentials they could find.

Janice found crutches for Steve in the garage, from when her son had broken his leg the year before. She also gathered bandages, aspirin, and anything else that might help. Steve accepted the crutches with gratitude, pain still evident on his face. “God is good, baby,” Janice said gently. “You’re here, and you’re safe for now. God is good.”

Steve wasn’t religious, but he nodded respectfully, appreciative of her kindness. The group loaded up on supplies, each member taking a moment to gather themselves. Eli, broke the quiet. “Time to go, kids.”

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Before leaving, Janice took one last look around her home. She paused, eyes lingering on a family photo by the fireplace, and gently took it with her. As they drove away, she gazed out the window, her mind flooded with memories of the life they had built in this house. She was hopeful but scared. Would they be at the base? Would they still be alive?

As the van rolled down the road, Janice’s voice broke the silence. Softly, almost to herself at first, she began to sing an old gospel song. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…” The melody was gentle, soothing, and one by one, the group found themselves calmed by it. Even Travis, always stoic, wiped away a tear as the song reminded him of his own mother.

The peaceful moment didn’t last long. Travis’s home was in the same state of evacuation—empty and lifeless. He parked the van, his voice cracking slightly as he said, “Maybe she’s at the base. But if I know my mom, she’s right inside, waiting.”

They all exited the van, Travis unlocking the front door and leading them into the dark house. The air was thick with tension. Jake whispered from behind them, “There’s… a shadow in the kitchen.”

Everyone turned, bracing for an attack, when suddenly, a figure burst from the shadows. It was an elderly woman wielding a bat. “Who’s in my house? Show yourself, or you’ll get a taste of my mothballs!” she yelled.

“Ma!” Travis groaned, stepping forward. “Your language!”

Martha, Travis’s mother, lowered the bat and smiled. “Is that my booger? It is! I knew you’d come back for me!” She rushed forward, hugging Travis. “You got company, booger?”

Before Travis could answer, Martha launched into a rapid-fire explanation. “They tried to take me! But I’m too smart for them. Hid in your closet. Oh, by the way, I found those—”

“Ma, please!” Travis cut her off, embarrassed, as the group tried to suppress laughter.

Steve chuckled. “I like her.”

Martha surveyed the group with a critical eye. “So, these are your friends? I didn’t know you had so many friends, Travis. Always by yourself, playing with yourself—”

“Ma!” Travis was blushing now, and the group finally let out their laughter.

Martha winked. “I’m just messing with you, booger. Don’t get your panties in a twist.”

Steve laughed harder. “She’s amazing!”

After a few more teasing remarks, Martha finally introduced herself to the group. “I’m Martha, by the way. Travis’s ma. You all got names, or should I just keep calling you kids?”

After a round of introductions, Travis turned serious again. “Ma, pack up. We’re going to the base.”

Martha nodded and headed off to gather her things. The group exchanged grins. “I love that lady,” Steve whispered to Janice. “Her personality’s blazing!”

As Martha packed, Paris walked over to Eli, her expression tense. “Eli, can I talk to you?”

Eli gave her a concerned look. “Of course, little lady. What’s on your mind?”

Taking a deep breath, Paris told him everything—about the Specter Research Facility, the outbreak, and the folder she’d been carrying. Eli listened in silence, his face shifting from confusion to understanding and finally to sympathy.

“Little lady,” he said softly, “I knew you had a story to tell. But don’t worry, you’re stuck with us now, and we don’t blame you for anything.”

“I want to tell the whole group,” Paris said, looking at the others.

“Not yet,” Eli advised, his voice gentle but firm. “Look at them. Let them have this moment of peace. Tell them at the base, once we’re settled.”

Paris looked at the group. Steve was joking with Janice, Travis and Jake were both helping Martha pack, and for the first time in what felt like forever, there was a sense of normalcy. She nodded.

But the peace didn’t last. A loud crash erupted from the back of the house. The group froze.

A ZedHead had broken in.

“Grab your shit, and let’s go!” Travis shouted; his voice full of panic.

The group scrambled to the van as more ZedHeads appeared, attracted by the noise. The creatures closed in, but Travis hit the gas just in time. As they sped out of the neighborhood, Paris looked back at the house, now swarming with ZedHeads.

They were safe… for now.

Will the whole group make it to the base safely? What awaits them at Rex Military Base?