章 17: [17] Bucket list
We took off into the morning light, leaving behind the familiar comfort of my childhood home. As Ms. Yan put the car into gear, the tires crunched on the gravel driveway before we emerged onto the narrow two-lane road that stretched out before us.
To our left, the morning sun had just begun to climb above the horizon, casting long, warm beams of light across the land. The dew-soaked fields glittered brilliantly in the sunlight, transforming the everyday landscape into something magical. To our right, the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean was bathed in an array of fiery colors as the first rays of dawn danced upon its surface. The world was waking up, oblivious to the terror that had descended upon it.
As we continued to drive, we began to notice the haunting signs of the apocalypse. Abandoned cars were scattered along the road, their doors left open and engines still running. Personal belongings were strewn around, discarded in the haste of an attempted escape.
We maneuvered around the obstacles, our journey resembling a bizarre obstacle course. The scenes were chilling, a grim reminder of the chaos and fear that had overtaken people when the outbreak began. Yet, there was a strange tranquility that shrouded the landscape, a stark contrast to the unspoken tension that gripped us.
As we passed through a small town, we saw the eerie aftermath of what must have been a terrifying night. Houses stood silent and empty, their doors wide open, an ominous invitation to an unknown horror. In the town square, a car had crashed into a water fountain, its alarm still blaring into the desolate quiet.
The journey was marked by desolation and despair, but there were also moments of surreal beauty. As we drove further away from civilization, the grim reminders of humanity's downfall began to fade into the background, replaced by the breathtaking grandeur of the untouched wilderness.
Tall, majestic trees lined the roads, their leaves rustling softly in the wind, a soothing melody against the backdrop of the silent world. As we drove through the winding mountain roads, we were treated to sweeping views of the valleys below. A lush expanse of green, untouched by the zombie outbreak. It was a poignant reminder of the world we once knew.
Wanting to break the silence, I decided to strike up a conversation:
"Do you have some sort of bucket list for this...Zombie apocalypse?"
Ms. Yan took a moment to ponder my question. The silence between us was comfortable, as if we had time for such reflections. In the rearview mirror, I saw her eyes, deep and thoughtful, reflecting the passing landscapes as if she were absorbing every detail, every color, every pattern. After a long pause, she started speaking in a low, steady voice.
"First," she began, her eyes still focused on the road ahead. "I want to survive." Her words were simple, yet the conviction behind them was unmistakable. "But survival isn't just about living another day. It's about finding meaning in the midst of all this chaos. It's about preserving our humanity."
She turned to look at me, her eyes intense. "That's why, secondly, I want to help others. I want to do everything I can to protect those who can't protect themselves. Whether it's finding them shelter or providing medical aid or even just lending an ear to their fears and concerns, I want to be there for them."
Her gaze returned to the road, but her words continued to fill the car. "I also want to learn. Learn about these creatures, understand why they're ignoring you, find out if there's a way to stop them. Knowledge is power, and in times like these, it can be the difference between life and death."
She paused, her lips curving into a wistful smile. "And finally, I want to see my parents again. They're back in China, and I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to see them. But if there's even a sliver of hope, I want to take it. I want to tell them I love them, one last time."
"How sweet of you." I said with a genuine voice.
"Thank you." she said with a small voice. "What's your bucket list Chang?"
I felt a chuckle bubbling up from my throat as I listed off my bucket list, a stark contrast to Ms. Yan's earnest one.
"First," I started, mirroring her format. "Stay alive. It's pretty self-explanatory. If I'm not alive, I can't really do anything else on my list."
Ms. Yan laughed at that, her eyes twinkling in amusement. "That's very practical of you, Chang."
I smirked, glad to see her laugh in these dark times. "Secondly," I continued, "build a harem." I looked at her, waiting for a reaction.
She choked on a laugh, shaking her head at me. "A harem? Really, Chang?"
I shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Hey, it's the end of the world. Might as well live it up, right?"
Before she could retort, I rushed onto my next point. "Third, don't trust the government. They might've known about this all along, who knows?"
Ms. Yan's amusement seemed to fade at that, her eyes distant. "You might be right," she admitted softly. "We can't trust anyone but ourselves in this."
I nodded, before finally revealing the last point on my list. "And lastly, kick zombie ass. And also kick human ass if they violate the Non-Aggression Principle."
At that, Ms. Yan burst out laughing. "You certainly have your priorities straight, Chang."
We shared a laugh then, our humor echoing against the confines of the car. It felt good to laugh, to find some normalcy in the midst of chaos. I knew the road ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty, but in that moment, everything felt a little less overwhelming.
Q: What is your bucket list for a zombie apocalypse?
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