The One by J. K. Accinni

Author:J. K. Accinni [Accinni, J. K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Horror, Anthologies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Alien Invasion, Colonization, First Contact, Anthologies & Short Stories, Metaphysical & Visionary
Publisher: EK Publishing
Published: 2013-10-07T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

Morning found every single survivor gathered at the cave entrance. A progression of dogs, Caesar, Chance, and even Tobi and her herd waited impatiently in the larger cavern of the survivors’ inaugural night.

Bonnie stood with Tobi, the elephant’s trunk resting lightly on her shoulder. Echo wobbled on the ground at her side. “Please, Echo. Make sure she understands. We need to make sure it’s safe for them first. There’s no telling what might be out there. And that goes for Barney and Chance too. If something happens and we need to make a run for it, Chance won’t fare well with those tiny feet of his. And keep all the dogs here with you.”

“I will make sure they understand, Sister Bonnie.”

They glanced up as Scotty shouted from across the cavern. “Come on, Bonnie, we’re leaving now.” Bonnie bent down to kiss Echo then ran off to join the excited survivors.

Cobby, Clyde and Johno were the first to step through the opening as the membranes parted. Scotty stood behind with the rest of the crowd as they all were assaulted with the heavy, steamy smells of green growth in a humid atmosphere.

Sounds of knives hacking through undergrowth filtered into the corridors, and the crowd grew impatient as they waited to emerge into the open air.

“Kenya, if you want to go back and wait . . .” Kane expressed his concern, holding Kenya around her waist.

“Not on your life, chickey. I want to see what we’re getting into as much as the next person. You’re not leaving me outa this.”

Kane gave her a big kiss. “That’s my girl.”

Johno poked his head into the corridor. “Okay, sorry for the delay. We had to clear a pathway. Foliage has grown right up to the entrance.”

Following Johno out, the survivors made their way around and past the huge granite rock. The weather was oppressively humid, vines and low growth saplings lay hacked and thrown to the side as they made their way through the new woods to stand at what was once the edge of the forest that had looked down on Netty’s farm and Scotty’s small neighborhood of modest homes.

Hearts tripped madly as all remained silent, assessing the vista before them. Tears slipped down faces held up to see the sun . . . the glorious sun. Wil, Netty and Baby stood quietly, reliving bittersweet memories.

“It sure is quiet.” Cobby squinted at the sun, familiar and welcome.

Scotty looked down the hill where his neighborhood street used to be. He remembered the first time he ran up this hill into the woods to nurse his pain over his violent, abusive father to later discover Echo. His thoughts resonated with tenderness. An aura pierced his brain.

“I remember too, my Brother.” Sending Echo a warm thought, he scanned the topography as the rest of the survivors pointed and exclaimed to each other in hushed tones.

The silence was eerie. Small mounds of greenery sat where each house had rested, hiding the skeletons of the building material and treasures worshiped by families long gone.

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