Charlie's Mixtape: Soundtrack to Survival by Justin C. Trout

Author:Justin C. Trout [Trout, Justin C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-02-14T00:00:00+00:00

Track 16

Alive

“Eddie Vedder! Need I say more? I could be dead, but I’m still here.”

— Charlie Summers

The sun, weary from its daily battle with the relentless gray clouds on the horizon, finally broke through. Its feeble rays cast a pale glow upon the wet roads, which had turned sticky in the September heat. Amid this post-apocalyptic world, Charlie and Sabrina climbed into their weathered truck. As Charlie turned the key, the engine roared to life, momentarily drowning out the cynical cries of the plagued world.

Charlie’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “I can’t believe it,” she murmured, her voice tinged with disbelief.

Sabrina remained silent, her gaze fixed on the world outside.

Charlie rolled her eyes towards Sabrina. “Easier said than done.” It was as if she was responding to a conversation inside her head. Sabrina turned her attention to the window. Raindrops clung to the glass like earthly tears, yearning for someone to care.

The truck navigated the lonely streets, passing a group of abandoned cars and a broken-down bus. Main Street stretched out before them, and the Elmsworth Mall loomed ominously to their right. Sabrina pointed towards it. “I want to go there.”

“Sabrina, what are you thinking? It is dangerous out there,” Charlie said, nodding towards the direction of the mall, her hands firmly on the wheel.

Sabrina took a deep breath. “Chad’s birthday is next week. I should probably get him something.”

“But you two aren’t even dating,” Charlie replied skeptically.

“Maybe we should. He’s alive and pays more attention to me than anyone else around here,” Sabrina answered. “Plus, he’s our drummer, and we should be getting each other gifts, right?”

Charlie hesitated. The idea of venturing into danger seemed absurd, but showing their appreciation for their friend was compelling. “Alright,” she finally conceded. “But we go in and out quickly.”

As they approached Elmsworth Mall, an unmistakable sense of impending danger hung in the air. Broken windows, toppled shopping carts, and an eerie silence greeted them, save for the soft groans of a few wandering zombies. A sedan had crashed through the main entrance, its shattered glass hinting at a desperate escape gone wrong.

The mall, built during the town’s more prosperous times, was a relic of the past. It was a bustling hub with vibrant stores like Sam Goody, KB Toys, and Waldenbooks. The familiar neon sign of Spencer’s could be seen from the entrance and further in, the glint of jewelry from Claire’s. Gap and Abercrombie & Fitch showcased their latest fall collections in window displays, mannequins forever frozen in a pre-apocalyptic fashion parade.

The truck slowed to a stop. Charlie was the first out, wincing as her foot stepped on the ground. She reached back in for her bat and then looked around. A zombie in the distance staggered after a pigeon, but the pigeon flew away too quickly. Sabrina got out on the other side and gently closed her door. She took in her surroundings, resting the ax on her shoulder.

“You ready?” Charlie asked.

Sabrina nodded, making her way to the crashed Sedan.

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