Awakening: Parables From The Apocalypse - Dystopian Fiction Read Online Free

Not sleeping too well I see.  Your dreams haunting you?  Maybe a guilty conscience?”
    “Can’t really remember the dream, but my conscience is just fine thank you.”  Chaz paused a few seconds in thought.  “Where’s Christa?  What happened to her?”
    “Oh, so you do remember her.  We were wondering why you hadn’t asked about her yet.  Guess you were a little distracted with the whole family thing.  Although it’s understandable that maybe you wouldn’t want to talk about the kid.  I mean, after all the warnings we gave you about her changing and how you just ignored us.”
    “What do you mean … understandable?”
    “Well, understandable considering what she did to you.  We saw it all here.  We thought for sure she’d killed you at first.  Which wouldn’t have been all that surprising considering what she was.  She’s the one that put you in the coma.  You and Alex both.  The three of you were just on the outskirts of the fort, past the mob of freaks, and she held on to each of your hands.  You on the right, and Alex on the left.  There was a bright flash, and you both dropped to the ground.  She just kept walking.  Never even looked back at the two of you lying in a heap.”
    Chaz let out a deep sigh.  “Alex too?”
    “We told you, Colonel.  She changed.  She’s not just some little kid.  She never really was.”
     
     
     

Zero to Hero
    “Let’s go, Colonel, it’s time for you to take a walk,” Matt announced cheerfully as he burst into Chaz’s room.
    “Well it’s about damn time,” Chaz replied.  “I was beginning to think you were totally incapable of letting me out of this place.  What kind of physio takes almost a week to get me moving around?”
    “I’m not a miracle worker, Colonel, that’s all up to you.  It wasn’t my idea to get you walking already.  I’d much rather wait another week and make sure you’re strong enough for this.  But, orders are orders.”
    “I guess someone has big plans for me,” Chaz replied with a grin.
    “I wouldn’t know anything about that, Colonel.  I just know I was told to get you up and moving around on your own within seventy-two hours.  No small feat.  So, I’ve arranged a little incentive for you.”
    “Let me guess.  You’ve got a troop of hookers waiting down at the end of the hall to see if all my parts are still working.”
    “Sorry, Colonel, that’s not quite what I had in mind.  But don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll be motivated by what I’ve got.  I’ve brought this walker assist to get you started.”
    “Jesus boy, I’m not ready for the old folks’ home quite yet.  I’m not using that friggin’ thing.”
    “Look, Colonel, believe me when I say it’s in my best interest to get you moving just as quickly as I can.  That doesn’t mean I want to have you falling on your ass and breaking bones that don’t have enough muscle to support them.  I’ve got bosses to answer to that won’t be pleased if I break you.”
    Chaz tilted his head and said, “I should know what I’m capable of by now, don’t you think?”
    “What I think, sir, is you don’t know how to take things easy.  I think if I let you you’d likely try and sprint for the door.  I need you to promise me we’re going to do things my way.  At least today, let’s take it slow.  If you do OK, we’ll push it a bit more.”
    “Fine, we’ll start it your way.  For now.”  Chaz smiled back.
     
    Once Matt had Chaz standing securely with the walker beside his bed, he went and opened the door. 
    “Alright, Colonel, let’s go nice and slow and see if you can make it to the door on your own.  There’s no rush.  Make sure the walker is balanced and just a few inches in front of you before you move your feet.”
     
    Chaz edged the walker forward, then shuffled his feet close to the walker.
     
    “That’s great, Colonel.  Now try it again.  Just a few inches at a time.  Don’t overtax yourself, and let your