Revenants

Day 1 (March 13th, 2023)

I never believed in ghosts or spirits, but I had no more say in that matter. The day it happened was like any normal Tuesday afternoon. I had just returned from work at a McDonalds with a freshly poured Coke staining my new jeans. I groaned and tried to forget the hell that was fast food service by throwing those jeans in the laundry basket and washed myself off with a hot shower, both to cleanse the sticky soda as well as the stress of the day. I was on YouTube mindlessly watching whatever I had on my recommended at the time. A video of ghost hunters who would go to supposedly “haunted” areas, such as old mansions, abandoned hospitals, and even Alcatraz Island. I had always found the practice of ghost hunting interesting. It reminded me of that old cheesy movie that Bill Murray starred in. I received an warning on my phone. The beep of the emergency broadcast system was about as welcomed as nails scratching a chalk board. I decided to ignore it as most of the time it was just a test anyways, but it kept going off. I grew suspicious. I picked up the phone and was curious to see what the notification was about. It had said “Do Not Leave Your Home”. I was skeptical, why should I stay inside?

Around the same time, I heard something shift within my house. I had lived alone with my cat, Oscar, so I had assumed he had pushed something off a table or something. I went to investigate, and I saw him in the living room, his tail was puffed up, his back was arched, and his dark hair sticking up like needles. He let out a low growl at something in the kitchen, followed by a hiss. Whatever it was, his eyes didn’t avert his gaze, even for a second. Assuming it might be a burglar, I looked for something in the living room, anything that could be used as a weapon. My was guitar still in its bag but it was better than going into the room unarmed. I picked up my guitar and lurked towards the kitchen door. Listening in, I searched for sounds that could tell me anything about what was inside. I heard a sudden shuffling of, jars, glass cups, pots and pans... then nothing. I swallowed down my fear, and slowly put my hand on the door knob. Oscar let out a loud cry as I did, and the door swung open forcibly, pushing me into the wall behind me. With a loud crash the drywall gave in to me suddenly slamming into it, leaving a me-sized hole in the wall.

Something person-sized lunged at me, its form was an unending darkness that swallowed every trace of light. It wrapped what seemed to be hands around my throat and I could feel my windpipe slowly getting crushed by this nightmare in front of me, then suddenly it stopped and let out a loud wail and smoky substance emanated from its fingers. As I regained my composure, I grabbed Oscar and ran out the door. As I ran, I saw multiple of those same things roaming the streets, varying in size, but the same. Multiple bodies lay exposed to the elements, pale and void of life. I felt a small sting around my neck, when I reached for it I felt the small silver chain that went to the heart-shaped locket that rested on my neck. I took it off for a second and saw the same smoky substance from before rising from the chain. For now, there was no time to ask questions, I needed to get the hell out of here.

Day 3 (March 15th, 2023)

Oscar and I now reside in a cave in the woods. I’ve been looking for others that might have survived the first day but no such luck. It was quite lucky that he was there to warn me of the upcoming danger, even more-so that my locket managed to scare that thing off. I don’t know exactly what they are but they seem to be pretty damn angry at humanity. What the hell even started all of this? Are these aliens? Their appearances are otherworldly enough to feel that way, though they are ghost-like. I took a look at my locket again. It was a gift my mother had given me before she had passed away. She told me, “As long as you have this locket, I will always be there to protect you.” Considering the circumstances, maybe she was my guardian angel in that moment. I know I need her now more than ever. These things are ever present now, and I don’t know how much longer this locket will hold them off. Maybe it was something in the locket itself. Are these things allergic to silver? Well only time will tell I guess, I should probably hunt for food. We’ve been out here for too long without it, and I don’t feel like drinking river water anytime soon.

Day 5 (March 17th, 2023)

I don’t know why I’m even writing this journal to be honest, maybe it’s to keep me sane, or maybe just in case someone finds this and uses this for tips on how to fight these things. But that’s assuming I’ll even live that long. Anyways when I went to town two days ago, I saw some strange sights. Apparently, these things once they grab a hold of you will not let go until you either hit them with silver or well... die. It’s strange too, because they don’t even eat corpses. Do they even need to eat? My theory on silver working also seemed to be true because I saw multiple jewelry stores have been looted. At least I know I’m not the only one fighting these things off anymore. I usually bring Oscar with me to scout out the area, mainly because he can see these things quicker than I can. I don’t want him getting hurt, but it seems like these things only hate people.

When I went to the jewelry store and almost everything was looted. The place was completely ransacked with barely any traces of precious metals anywhere. It was strange seeing a place in such disarray. A place once orderly and stable, with plenty of upcoming husbands or wives ready to tie the knot, had now been destroyed for any trace of silver that would keep those things away. I managed to find something in all of the destroyed displays though. A silver ring, a wedding ring to be precise. It seemed wrong to wear, as I was single, but as soon as hell broke loose, being married doesn’t really mean anything anymore.

Day 7 (March 19th, 2023)

It was risky but I found a retail store, A Walmart to be precise. I found others who are holed up inside as well, trying to survive like me. Don’t know how long I’ll be staying though, these types of scenarios tend to end up bad in movies, where one mistake could ruin everything they’ve got going. I don’t want to overstay my welcome after all. On the bright side, at least me and Oscar aren’t sleeping on dirt for now, and I think it’s definitely time for a change of clothing, my clothes are practically fused to me from how much I’ve sweat over the past few days. Crazy that some things are still functioning, like electricity for one. Maybe some of the workers are still on the grid? Here’s to optimism I guess. I heard some people arguing about me behind my back, “Outsiders should stay outside with them!” Guess the herd mentality is strong here. Whatever the case may be, I don’t plan on staying here too long. Just get what I need and get out. Simple.

Day 9 (March 21st, 2023)

I royally fucked up... After I grabbed a bookbag, I stuffed as much food in there as possible. I think I pissed some people off because after I grabbed some things they just started chasing me. You had this entire store to yourselves! What difference is it gonna make if one person grabs food for themselves!?

Yeah... had to themselves. In a surge of panic, I needed to get out of there and run. I went for the emergency exit and the shrill tone of the alarm rang throughout the store. I ran like hell, and when I looked back, I saw those things funneling into the exit where the noise had come from. I heard screams, gunshots... and so much more. It’s not my fault. They attacked me! What was I supposed to do!?

It’s not my fault.

It’s not my fault.

It’s not my fault.

Day 11 (March 23rd)

I just noticed Oscar went missing. Though knowing how chaotic things were back there he’s probably dead. I went back to the cave, and he didn’t return. I’m scared. I don’t want to be alone. I just want to go home and not have to worry about these... things! I miss my apartment! I miss my cat! I just don't want to do this anymore!

Day 12 (March 24th )

I know it’s unusual for me to do this today and not the next day but this is the only thing keeping me company since Oscar’s gone. I wish I could see Mom again, just one last time. I know her picture’s in my locket but... it’s just not the same.

I want to talk to her... hear her say “I love you.”

I’m sorry Mom. I’m so sorry.

Day 13

To anyone who finds this, I am most likely dead. I didn’t do it of my own volition, they found me. I threw my locket in the river like an idiot and now I paying the price. I still have the ring, but I doubt it will protect me. If you ever find Oscar, if he’s alive, please keep him safe. I just hope that in some way that I helped you in this ruined world.