Free Journal of the Undead (Book 1): Littleville Uprising by S.G. Lee

music.”
    Emma’s nose wrinkled in disgust and Evan flashed an apologetic smile.
    “Anyway, I’m really sorry. I wouldn’t have … I mean, I wasn’t trying to sneak up on you.”
    “What were you doing on my computer?”
    “I was checking out your music library. You have the most … eclectic collection I’ve ever seen.”
    “You’ve got nerve. First you ogle me then you insult my music!” she shot at him.
    “That wasn’t an insult! And hey, I wasn’t ogling you.”
    Emma raised her eyebrows in question then her eyes narrowed in disbelief.
    “Okay, I was ogling a little but you can hardly blame me. Anyway, you have a seriously incredible music library.”
    Evan’s disappearance lasted well after the music faded so Matt decided to investigate. The idea of him and Emma alone in her bedroom was unsettling. Even though Matt was only six minutes older than his twin, he fell into the protective older brother role with ease. He was relieved to see the door open and the two of them were standing over the computer, talking. It would be totally different if it was me and Whitney in my bedroom , he laughed to himself
    “What’s going on in here?” Matt bellowed, trying to sound fatherly.
    Evan jumped but Emma flashed her patented ‘I’m not amused’ face. Since Matt didn’t get the laughs he was hoping for, he settled for inviting them to join the gang downstairs.
    Matt proved to be a good host; including everyone in the conversation, but Whitney wanted Matt’s undivided attention. Using the only distraction she had, she easily diverted Matt’s focus and the conversation ended. Surrounded by couples making out, Evan tapped his foot nervously. Disgusted, Emma stormed out of the room, followed by Evan.
    “I’m glad I haven’t eaten, Whitney makes me want to vomit!”
    “Let’s order delivery and eat outside. I wouldn’t mind getting away from Whitney and her annoying friend too. While you were in the shower they were totally disgusting!”
     
    Hours later, as he headed home, Evan felt more confident about his upcoming date with Emma.
    ***
    Rookie officer Travis Kepler’s alarm was blaring, but he was too exhausted to get up and turn it off. It was mandatory to call the station to take the day off from work but he couldn’t manage to keep his eyes open let alone make a phone call. His sheets were soaked with sweat and the bowl of congealed soup on his nightstand that he had long forgotten about was starting to grow mold. Kepler silently prayed for his head to stop pounding. His throat felt raw and dry but the joint and muscle pain racking his body made him want to cry. Each inhaled breath had decreased in strength, as if his lungs had hardened and lost their ability to expand and contract. Thick mucus mixed with blood had clogged in his throat that no amount of coughing could clear. Oxygen-depleted and aching, he was left powerless.
    Without warning, Travis felt his body erupt into spasms. Fiery red flashes burst in his vision s his body contorted in agony from the searing feverish inferno that racked his core without relief. His last thought before he fell into unconsciousness was that his alarm was still blaring …
    Hours later, a calm cooling sensation flooded his senses, as if he were lying on a warm, sandy beach and a gentle wave had washed over his body. When he finally opened his eyes, there was no concept of time or space. There was no light or dark; everything had become monochromatic shades of gray. He no longer felt pain or any idea of right or wrong; there was only a fierce hunger. A delectable scent filled his nostrils, fuelling an all-consuming urge to hunt it down. His body rose from the bed, renewed and driven with one purpose—to fill his stomach.
    ***
    The week passed quickly. Saturday morning, Evan was awake and showered before his alarm sounded. Major Stone couldn’t help chuckling to himself. He was used to seeing the young men under his command do outrageous things to impress the