The widespread pandemic dealt a heavy blow to humanity.No one knew why animals had become so ferocious, or why humans got sick and die after being bitten — but the government never offered any answers. Survivors were rounded up and relocated to high-walled, heavily guarded facilities with strict protocols.
During the chaos of transportation, children were separated from their parents and taken to facilities that resembled boarding schools, this in fact was an intentional act. One of those children was Lily McClair, a fifteen-year-old who had already lost her parents during the first wave of the outbreak. The separation didn't affect her much — she still had her older brother, and that was all that mattered.
"Lily, it's time for lunch! We're heading to the cafeteria. Are you coming?"
Daisy, a chubby fourteen-year-old with blonde hair, called out as she tidied up her desk.
"Go on, I'll meet you two there," Lily answered, her voice slightly above a whisper.
"Okay, we'll save a seat for you," Daisy said.
Lily nodded and watched as Daisy walked toward Zack's desk, then looked away. Lily used to have a crush on Zack, but that felt childish to her now. She had long lost the bothersome package called emotions ever since her parents' death.
Lily walked out of the class and bumped into a tall figure. She winced in pain as she landed on her bottom on the cold, hard floor.
"I'm sorr—"
The boy hadn't finished apologizing Lily already walked away without looking at him. He ran his hand through his hair, then caught sight of a shiny object on the ground — right where the girl had fallen.
He picked it up and examined it. It was a locket shaped like a pendant. He tried opening it, but it wouldn't budge, so he slipped it into his pocket and walked toward the cafeteria.
At the cafeteria, Lily walked toward the table where Daisy and Zack were sitting.
"Why are you this late? Lunch break is almost over," Daisy asked, just as Lily was about to sit down.
"I know. I got delayed by something," Lily answered, her tone making it clear she didn't want to talk about it.
"Here." Zack pushed a tray towards her.
"Thanks," she said curtly, eyeing the food on it. It was exactly what she liked. The old Lily would have been happy—and blushing—at his thoughtfulness. But not the fifteen-year-old Lily.
"Excuse me, mind if I sit here?"
That voice. Lily looked up sharply at the unfamiliar face, though the voice sounded familiar enough to make her wonder where she'd heard it.
"Hi, Dustin," Daisy smiled. "We don't mind, have a seat."
"Thanks," he said, sitting directly across from Lily.
"I'm sorry," Dustin said, looking at Lily.
"For?"
"I bumped into you in the hallway," he replied, amusement in his eyes.
"Oh, it's nothing," Lily answered dismissively.
Ignoring her attitude, Dustin pulled something from his backpack.
"I brought a gift—an apology gift."
Lily's eyes darkened when she saw it: a chocolate chip muffin wrapped neatly. She knew that snack well enough to know it contained peanuts.
"Here." Dustin pushed the muffin toward her.
Suddenly, it was slapped off the table. Dustin looked at Zack in shock.
"Why'd you do that?" he frowned.
"She's allergic to peanuts!" Zack yelled back.
Dustin was taken aback. He glanced at Lily, who had clearly shifted away. Why hadn't he noticed before? Maybe he did—but thought she was just mad about the fall.
"I'm sorry," he said awkwardly. "I didn't know you were allergic to peanuts."
"It's okay." Lily stood up, no longer interested in eating, and walked away.
Daisy glanced at them both, then turned to pack up the trays.
"I don't know why you want to get close to her," Zack said, warning Dustin with a sharp glance. "But I'm warning you, stay away."
Dustin said nothing and left.