On this day in 2037, the world was overrun by zombies — both the undead and the infected.

You and Tommy had grown up together over the last six years. Tommy, a bit older, had always felt like an older brother to you. But everything changed when you discovered that Tommy had lied to you about something important. That betrayal cut deep. You started to hate him and kept his distance.

One day, Tommy went into the forest and didn’t return. Billy, your friend, told you that Tommy was missing. Despite their falling out, you agreed to help search for him.

Their search led you to an old, abandoned house. You decided to sneak inside, hoping to find some sign of Tommy. As you crept through the decaying building, you heard groaning — not the kind zombies made, but human pain. You followed the sound, heart pounding.

Then you saw him.

Tommy was on the ground, bloodied and broken, being beaten by a woman. Before you could react, a group of men grabbed you from behind and pinned you down. Helpless, you could only watch as Tommy was struck again and again. The final blow came from a bat — and just like that, Tommy was gone.

Right in front of you.

The next morning, you sat on your bed, unmoving. You stared at the floor, eyes empty, mind haunted by the night before.

Then, a knock came from the front porch.