Kimani Grere
I have written stories for over 10 years. Studying for my BFA at Full Sail University in Creative Writing.
Kimani Grere
I have written stories for over 10 years. Studying for my BFA at Full Sail University in Creative Writing.
I have written stories for over 10 years. Studying for my BFA at Full Sail University in Creative Writing.
I have written stories for over 10 years. Studying for my BFA at Full Sail University in Creative Writing.
“Why are we meeting here, of all places? I thought we spoke about the danger this Lake bestows upon our lives the second we come here?”
Irina crosses her arms as she scoffs at her boyfriend.
“What’s wrong, honey bunches of oats? Scared that your scholarships are going to stop flowing in?”
Vincenzo wraps his hand around her throat.
“Don’t mess around with me. I still own you, and your life is in my hands. Never forget that.”
The star tattoo on her tongue is displayed as she sticks it out.
“How could I ever forget? You permanently marked your territory. There’s no way I could ever let it slip my memory.”
Vincenzo shoved her to the side as he adjusts the watch on his wrist.
“Now, what is it you want from me?”
Irina licks the bottom of her lips as her eyes held something sadistic inside of them.
“That’s an easy answer. I want your body to disappear at the bottom of this lake.”
His immediate reaction was to strike where she stood. Flipping his ring to the inside of his hands, Vincenzo slaps her cross the face. A few specs of blood spews from her mouth as her body collapses on the pier.
Vincenzo climbs on top of her, lifting his hand up to assault her face again. Irina sadistically laughs as she spits in his face.
“That’s right. Show me your true colors. Abuse me like you did the others. Show the world what type of bastard you are.”
Without hesitation, he delivers another harsh hit to her face. Just like before, she continues laughing as her teeth is bloodied. Vincenzo shakes his head, more afraid of her than she was of him.
“Why must I reach this level with you? Do you enjoy pain this greatly?”
Irina halfway lifts her head up as she grips his hair from the root. This makes him move off of her, but she isn’t given much time to get away. Vincenzo reaches into his pocket as he grips the bottom of her leg.
“This shit ends here and now.”
His hand shakes as he presses a knife to her throat. Fear is evident in his eyes, as humor is written all over her face. Once again, he finds himself on top of her.
Before he could go any further, the back of his head was hit with a wooden plank. The last thing Vincenzo saw a pair of black Timbaland boots. He tried fighting the urge to slip into a state of unconsciousness, but the force of the blunt trauma was too grand.
Irina was helped to her feet as the mysterious man dropped some rope on the pier.
“Do you want his death to be long lasting, or should it end fast?”
It took her a few seconds to decide as she swished her mouth back and forth.
“Contact your boys and tell them to bring some tools. After they’ve had their fun, send for the girls. Instruct them to pull out all of his teeth before dumping his body in the water.”
The masked man nods his head as he begins tying Vincenzo up.
Irina reaches into the back of her pocket to pull out a cigarette.
I should’ve stuck with my one worded answer My voice shouldn’t have shook My eyes shouldn’t have diverted to the floor My strictness shouldn’t have subsided She used to listen to me in the early stages of her life Now, she sees me as nothing more than a joke After her begging and pleading, I couldn’t contain myself any longer Pouring a full glass of milk Sitting at the table with five sugar cookies on her plate My seven year old child is now running around the house Due to my indecisiveness I’ve created a monster
I fiddle with my hands, as him and I breathe in this quiet space. Neither of us knew what to say. My inner thoughts are screaming at me to end this, and make it quick. Confrontation isn’t my strong suit, and neither is admitting hidden truths. He shifts sideways in his seat, taking his warm hands to grab my cold ones.
“When are you going to stop acting nervous around me? We’ve worked together for four years. Doesn’t that account for anything?”
I am unable to maintain eye contact as my face feels hotter than a red chili pepper. My heart beats rapidly, but I have to shake this exciting feeling away. I slowly remove his hand from mine, forcing determination to appear through my face and voice.
“The reason I asked to speak in private is to give my two weeks notice.”
I could feel the atmosphere change as dark clouds formed in the cloud. My eyes tried to sting with burning tears, but I blinked them away. He scratched the back of his head, optimism leaving his voice.
“This again? Is your reason the same as last time?”
I counted five seconds before responding to his questions.
“The immature side of me took over and clouded my judgement. I was looking at things from a personal perspective instead of keeping matters professional. After some careful consideration, I chose what was best for me.”
My leg began to uncontrollably bounce, as I began to bite my lower lip.
“In order to pursue my dream as an author, I need to find inspiration. That’s why I’m choosing to live on Campus.”
He playfully shoved me aside as his smile brightened.
“That’s all?! We gotta talk about how you word things.”
A taste of blood befalls my tongue as I bit my lip.
“It’s in Florida.”
I could see his shoulders slouch from my peripheral vision. My neck was beginning to cramp as I kept my head down. From how hard I was squeezing my fingers, they turned a bright pink. My stomach didn’t make matters better as it growled in the silence. Darn it! I knew skipping breakfast wasn’t the brightest of ideas.
While I’m in the middle of a mental breakdown, my body is pulled forward. My eyes widen as realization settled in. We’re hugging. His chest pressed against mine. The smell of his cologne lingers on my shirt. His body warmth calms my anxious heart. I close my eyes, basking in this heavenly moment.
He slowly pulls away, taking my face in his hands.
“I am so proud of you. You’re finally listening to yourself by following your dreams. The first step is already complete.”
I looked at him for the first time since sitting in his car. Sadly, this feels like the last we’ll see each other.
“Aah, no! Don’t die on me. Monica, quick. Throw me my charger.”
The 10 year old tummy tuck rolled across her mothers bed. She looked from the door to the dresser. Placing a hand on her ear, she spoke in a low tone.
“Little bird, here. Do I have the all clear to retrieve the item?”
In the hallway, her older brother kept an eye on their Bernese Mountain Dog, Snaggle Tooth.
“Golden eagle gives you the all clear, little bird. I report, you have the all clear.”
10 year old Monica nodded at her mother.
“If I don’t make it back, tell my teddy’s their mother went down with a fight.”
39 year old Keiley gave her daughter a salute.
“Be strong soldier. I need you to come back home to me.”
Monica wiggled her toes into the carpet as if she was doing a happy dance.
Keiley heard a door open, turning her head to the sound. Securing a hold of the baby in her arms, she reached out her free arm.
“Little bird, look out! Phoenix is on to you. He just finished his morning shave and is out for blood. Hurry to take cover.”
Monica looked back at her mother, shaking her head.
“I won’t refrain from my mission. If he wants to stop me from saving a life, then he’ll have to take mine.”
Keiley placed a hand on her ear “Golden eagle, come in! You must bring in Snaggle tooth. I repeat, bring in the big guy.”
14 year old Jarvis leaps from behind the couch, checking his left and right sides. Pressing his second finger and thumb together, Jarvis whistled. In 2.6 seconds, Snaggle tooth came rushing over. He stood at a tall stance, tongue hanging from his mouth. Jarvis maintained eye contact as he mouthed the words “Go.”
Phoenix looked between his wife and daughter as he laughed.
“Calling for reinforcements? Hmph. That won’t stop me. You gotta do better than that.”
Monica clutched the charger in her hands, as Phoenix stood directly in front of her mother’s bed. The second she heard the sound of running footsteps, Leah ran in her father’s direction.
Since his legs were wide open, she attempted to crawl through. As he grabbed her little legs, she squirmed on her stomach. Keiley reached out for her daughter, furrowing her eyebrows.
“No! You’re almost here, little bird. You can make it!”
Monica shook her head, as her eyes were fading.
“I don’t think I can go on. His hold is too strong, as it’s weakening my powers.”
“No! Don’t leave me. You can’t!”
As Phoenix pulled little bird to her feet, Snaggle tooth ran in barking. Phoenix looked panicked as the charger was thrown over to the dog.
“Nooo!”
Using the step ladder, Snaggle tooth was able to place the charger safely in front of Keiley. Monica pumped her fist in the air as Golden Eagle cheered in the hallway. Keiley reached her hand behind the bed, and safely secured the charger into the wall. Once the green charging symbol appeared, she raised her cell phone in the air.
“Mission successful!!”
Golden Eagle and little bird high five one another, as Phoenix fell on his knees. Snaggle tooth wagged his tail as he let out a few barks.
Day 214,
I am on my last can of beans. Should I save it for another time? Am I really hungry?
Day 217,
I’ve searched five stores 28 kilometers from me and haven’t found a single ration of food. I don’t care if it’s a can of tomatoes. My stomach will consume anything at this point. Please God, help me find something.
Day 221,
Here I stand, in front of my childhood home. What was once memorable to live in, is now filled with a hellish doom.
Day 226,
My boots are ripping at the seams. The bottom of my feet feel as though they’re walking across a hot surface.
Day 230,
Damn I’m tired. If it wasn’t for the sweet taste of hardened bread, I’d probably drop dead by now.
Day 235,
As I make it from point A, to B, to C, and D, I’m being met with less and less food. Not a single survivor in sight as I walk these horrid streets.
Day 239,
I grew reckless today. I entered a gun shop without scanning the area. Two walkers lay stiff in the managers office. I place my knife on the desk as I search for anything useful. Thankfully, this person was a health nut as I hold 4 bars of nutri grain. I stick my hand further into the drawer and it got stuck. Ha! Can you believe it? Not only does life like throwing shit at me, the two walkers who were sleeping, rose from their spots. I tugged on my arm until I was sure my flesh would come off. Nothing. I closed my eyes to accept my sealed fate. Apparently, God wasn’t ready to welcome me into his kingdom. Just as I gave up hope, the two approaching walkers were brutally killed. Mortal Kombat style. I looked up to my savior, ready to say a word of thanks. My lips couldn’t form words as I’m faced with the last person on earth I wanted to see. My former molester of a teacher.
Day 246,
He continues to follow me, even after my attempts to take his life.
Day 250,
He pulled me through a crowd of hungry walkers as we ran into an abandoned hotel. I immediately dropped my hand as we were safe inside. If this place is empty, it looks like this will be our new home. For now.
Day 262,
I hate to admit it, but this bastard is great at finding supplies. I find it unfair that he comes across supplies so easily, while my luck flushed down the drain. It almost feels like these items….
Day 270,
Today is the day him and I share a grown up conversation. The first topic of discussion is why he chose to destroy the image of my sophomore year? Throughout his years of teaching, was I the only one? Is he sorry because of guilt, or because we could possibly die together?
Day 278,
I extend my hand out for him to shake. He gave me the last of his remaining bullets, which saved my life in the end. He missed dinner for two days to assure I had enough to eat, and he used himself as bait to lure out the walkers. He is still an asshole, but not a huge one.
Day 284,
Who knew that playing 21 questions was such a learning experience? For the first time since the world went to hell, I found myself genuinely laughing.
Day 290,
After thirteen years, I step foot on school grounds. I halt in my steps, toning out my name being screamed as walkers surrounded us. He pulls my hand as we run to the entrance. I yank away and shake my head. Although all seemed forgiven, I can’t completely erase all that’s happened. My innocence wasn’t stolen once or twice. It’s not a matter I cam forget over beer and wings. It’s not an action I can forgive during this apocalyptic moment. We’re running out of time. I know this. But, I can’t step foot inside the school. I hand over my gun, backpack, and the map. He tries to argue with me, but the walkers are zeroing in. I shove him ahead, screaming that I’ll be fine. After one final glance, he rushes inside. I use my trusty knife to pierce the skulls of these flesh eating creatures. From a distance, I can feel his eyes linger on me. Forgiveness is what I can’t give.
My parents died in front of me, my boyfriend sacrificed himself for me, I had to kill my dog who was bitten, my best friend went missing during the 10th day of the pandemic, I ran into the man who brought pain in my life at a young age, and now… I just want to be free.
“What are you doing out here child?”
Yuri laid motionless as she continued staring up at the sky.
The man extended his hand while eyes searched around the meadows.
“Your father will have my head if I don’t bring you home in 10 minutes.”
Yuri closed her eyes as she heard wolves howling, crickets chirping, and trees blowing in the wind. She laid her arms on the green, cut grass.
“Lay with me, Hinata.”
The bodyguard retracted his arm as he kneeled down.
“Miss Makimoto, we need to leave. Your risk of danger increases the further you’re out here.”
She abruptly sits up, face inches from the composed man.
“I have nothing to fear when I’m near you.”
Her breath hitched when he brought his face closer to hers. His mouth was centimeters from her ear as he whispered, “If you want to keep me around, come home with me.”
Hinata moved a strand of hair behind her ear, gazing into her eyes with his hazel colored ones.
The princess and bodyguard sat in silence as both were lost in their own world.
“What in the hell are you doing with my daughter?!” Yelled a stern voice.
As Hinata rose to his feet, a harsh slap was brought upon his face. Yuri grabbed the man’s arm. “Stop! We were only talking. I swear. Please, father. Don’t be mad at him.”
A large red hand mark covered the bodyguards left face.
“My behavior was highly inappropriate, but I promise it won’t happen again. Please forgive me, Master.”
The princess watched on with horrified eyes as her father gripped Hinata’s suit.
“This will be your first and only strike. If you so much as stare at my daughter with lust filled eyes, your body will decompose in the cellar.”
His attention shifted to Yuri as he yanked on her arm.
“You’re hereby sentenced to your room for two months. Any personal items you need, one of the maids will fetch them for you.”
Yuri pulled out of his hold as her eyes widened.
“Are you insane?! I can’t stay holed up in my room for that long! Father, please reconsider.”
The man’s face was red as a fiery arrow.
“If you weren’t out here whoring around, you wouldn’t be troubled with these circumstances.”
Yuri gasped as tears flowed from her eyes.
“I wish you would’ve died in that bombed building instead of uncle Yamato!”
Hinata stood in front of Yuri as he knew what was next.
“Hit me, sir. I will face the punishment you place upon me. Just, please, don’t hit princess Makimoto.”
The man unclenched his fist as he stomped off.
“You have until midnight to clear your things out. As of today… you’re fired.”
Hinata maintained respect as he bowed his head.
“I understand, sir. Thank you for the given time.”
Soon after her father walked away, Hinata followed in his footsteps.
Yuri fell on the grass as her legs weakened.