Introduction
It was 3 years ago when the Zombie Apocalypose occured. There was a small outbreak in the west, and slowly, it spread across the country, gathering momentum as it grew in size. I, Scout Bennett was 19 and taking a gap year to travel before heading off to university when it struck. Separated from my family, I started back west, fighting my way through roadblocks and desperate gangs, only to discover an empty, abandoned hometown. I spent the next 2 years travelling, looking for a safe haven. This is my story.
In a last despeate measure, the government had launched a new, untested chemical one year ago. The military, or what was left of it, sprayed the entire country over a period of 3 months in attempt to kill the zombies. Unfortunately it didn't work. And the new experimental chemical had gotten into the water supplies and soil, contaminating all food and water sources. Although the chemical didn't kill the zombies, it did have an unexpected side effect. Some people, when bitten, weren't turning into full zombies, they retained cognitive behaviour and human empathy. They became known as zoms. There were some other, less beneficial side effects... many healthy humans were now suffering from spontaneous genetic mutations, myself included.
One days, about 9 months ago, I made a potential life-saving discovery, zombies cannot cross water. From that day forward I slept in a boat every night, feeling safe for the first time in years. I spent alot of time studying maps and eventually hatched a plan to sail up the River Median through the Great Northern Forest until I found somewhere remote enough to feel safe. It was time to set down roots.
For the past 2 years I had shunned other people, feeling safer in my own company, but I realised I would need help if this was going to work. On my journey I met few people but I did find 8 other people, including 2 zoms, who were willing, or desperate enough, to give my plan a try. Three months ago we arrived at a large clearing, about a mile square, on a tributary just off the main river. We named it Lazy River. The first few weeks were spent searching the area to make sure it was zombie-free. We camped next to the river, always ready to make a swift escape if needed. Once we were sure there were no zombies in the vicinity, we started building more permanet homes. I wanted everyone to stay close together for protection, but after being cooped up together for 9 months everyone was desperate for their own space and we spread out across the clearing.
I am Scout Bennett, I am 22 year old, and I am a survivor. This is my story.