10

We found a hiding place. I hope they won’t find us. We could never outrun the Beasts; our only measly hope is to outsmart them.

9

The group is becoming restless. How can I calm them? Their shuffling will alert the Beasts. We don’t have much time now. I fear they will find us, Lord, be with us.

8

My feet are cold but there are no blankets. The children are given priority. The elders have already all died off. We have lost more than half of our group from the elements and the Beasts.

7

The young ones don’t remember enough to miss the city we came from and the society we no longer have. The beautiful, ancient buildings are no more but I continue to imagine their resurrection. I most remember the carefully cultivated gardens; however, I should not think about such things, for I will probably never see that city or any others again.

6

The rations are running low. I don’t know how much we can last. We were forced to move again but were once able to find another hiding spot. On the hike, we lost more members to frostbite, starvation, and Them, leaving our numbers at less than a quarter of the original group.

5

The group was forced to spread out in hiding. I hope They do not arrive. The stumbling, foul-smelling Beasts have destroyed my home and my family already, what more could They possibly want?

4

Leaves rustling in the distance signal the arrival of the Beasts. I can feel those around me stiffen in fear, but I refuse to acquiesce in deference to those in power.

3

I hear Them approaching, but there is no more fear, only determination. They are getting closer. It won’t be much longer before they reach the first part of our group.

2

The screams begin. Piercing wails accompanied by tearing of flesh and crunching of bone fill the air as the Beasts walk along the path towards us. I will see them soon, and I’m prepared.

1

I see Them. They smell us, I know they do. I will not be afraid, but They are so close. They are ripping them apart, I refuse to allow them to find me so I push my fear down and continue to hide. They are close, so close. Blood splatters across the leaves covering the forest floor. I feel blood on my clothes, on my face, in my hair, but I must stay unafraid; they will find me if I fear them.

0

The Beasts have left but not without carnage in their wake. I can still hear the screams from my group in the deafening silence. I am the last of my group. I am alone. I finally understand; the world will never be the same, not as long as They survive.