The Lone Lioness

Greta started her journey by heading north towards the English Channel. She didn't plan on crossing the channel but instead moving east like she was going to head to Russia. She wanted to end up in Greenland or in Iceland by the time she stopped traveling. The only thing she didn't know was how difficult the journey would be.

"Which way are you heading young lady?" The train conductor asked as Greta got on the platform.

After the year 2022, the world moved away from having long trains as they became more expensive than they had been worth. In place of these large trains, they used single-car mini trains that can operate off of single rain tracks. These made train transport easier and faster for everyone and all produce got moved to transport by truck and airplane. The move to this new transport layout probably played a hand in what has happened to the world.

"I am heading north towards the English Channel." She said hating the sound of her voice in the mask she was being forced to wear.

"I assume you're trying to run from the invasions also?" The conductor asked helping her onto the train.

"Yes I am, but I also have nothing left here aside from the pain of loss." She left the conversation at that finding her seat.

As the train closed Greta could hear the airlocks sucking out any possibly contaminated air that might have gotten in. As she looked around the car was bathed in the same pale blue as her house was. In her mind, it seemed like she would never escape the pressure that was on her shoulders after burning down her childhood home. The train had a sign about the door that gave a signal saying that she could remove her mask which gave her the only feeling of relief that day.

"Conductor, do you think death follows you?" Greta asked to break the silence that had fallen in the car.

"I think that we are all followed by something of the darker nature, but how we coop with it changes who we are." The conductor said without turning to look at her.

"Those are truly some wise words sir. Thank you." Greta tried to smile only to find herself unable.

Silence fell between the two of them bringing thoughts to Greta of her home. As the thoughts started to consume her it caused the train car around her to turn frigid. As the goosebumps climbed her arms her mind fell into the past. Across from her sat her mom with a bright smile on her face that seemed almost welcoming. Greta could see her mom starting to speak, but no words came from her.

"Mom, is that really you?" Greta asked standing in surprise.

As she stood she began to get colder. she walked over to her mom whose vision didn't waver from where she was sitting. Still, no words came as her mom spoke to her. When she turned to sit beside her mother across was her body sitting in the same spot she just came from. That was when she was shaken back into consciousness taking in a deep breath. She looked around the car still bathed in that pale blue to see that the sign was calling for her to put on her mask.

"This is as far as my car goes. I wish you luck with the rest of your journey." She couldn't see it but she knew the conductor was giving her a smile.

"Thank you, sir. Be safe on your journey home." Greta gave him a wave as she gathered her belongings and went on her way.

They parted ways as the conductor watched Greta vanish into the viral fog. Greta thought of how lucky the world is that cars and buildings have airlocks. This brought on the memory of when she was born and learned how the third world war caused the planet to be covered in a cloud of smog that forced humanity to convert all buildings to filtered air-tight bubbles. This is one of many thoughts that came to her mind as she continued on her journey to a nearby town to learn where she was.

What she came upon after walking for around ten minutes was not what she expected. The town she came to had roads littered with bodies and homes with broken windows. The very sight caused her stomach to do flips bringing a sick feeling to come to her. She wanted to puke but nothing was in her stomach to come out. She fell to her knees dry heaving just wanting to vomit so the sick feeling would end.

"Is someone there?" A small voice came from within the fog.

"My name is Greta! Who are you?" She called back having to fight her own body.

"My name is Eli and I am looking for my mommy." The small voice seemed to have gotten closer to her.

"I think I can help you if you can help me find a place to rest and change my mask filters." She called back being able to get to her feet.

"I can do that." The small voice sounded excited as it was paired with small feet running to her.

As a small figure came into view she quickly saw it wasn't anything normal. What ran to her was a small boy who was covered in boils and rotting spots on his flesh. She managed to stifle a scream as he gently took her hand. He had a big smile on his face, but his eyes had been void of any light.

"This way is the only house that has no broken windows." He said in a cheerful voice as they made their way down the street.

"Thank you for helping me, Eli. It is very kind of you." She said as she caught the sight of boil-covered dogs eating corpses that sat in the street.

"My mommy always told me that if you aren't willing to help strangers then all light in the world would be lost. Do you believe that Greta? Do you?" As the boy spoke his words began to morph into a monstrous and guttural growl.