The Awakened
Written by Betty White
Prologue
So, where do I start? Do I start from the beginning, before the time of the Awakened, or do I start in the middle and give you little details about the past? How can I explain to you what I don’t quite understand myself? Well, I suppose that answers my question, so let’s get this started. There is so much you need to understand, and yet you won’t believe what I have to say. You’ll wonder how this could happen, but you will see, yes, you will see.
It’s been so long now; I don’t remember the exact day it all started. But once it started it hit high speed all of a sudden, and then….I was one of the Awakened. My heart still races at what all happened to make this life I now lead possible. Can you imagine your world ending, everything and everyone you knew before is gone, dead, but you are not alone. The young ones surround you when you awaken. Oh, but I’m jumping ahead again.
Alright, let’s start at the beginning. I’ll skip some of it, only because it isn’t important.
It was mid July, hot and sweltering. Although the air conditioner was on I still felt hot and sticky. I knew before I opened my eyes something was wrong. My youngest son was standing beside the bed talking about the dog wanting out and a strange man being at the door.
I dragged myself out of bed and headed towards the front door. My son and the dog were at my heels. My oldest son met me in the kitchen asking what was going on. I only shrugged and walked on to the front door.
Standing outside was Sgt. Lewis of the United Nations World Survival Task Force. He smiled weakly as I opened the door. I could tell by the look in his eyes it wasn’t good news.
“Miss,” he said, “it’s time. Get the boys and let’s go.”
“Can I get a shower first?” I asked.
“No time, they’re expecting you.” He replied as he started towards the van.
“What about the dog? How can we leave him behind?” I asked.
He shrugged and kept on walking, and then he paused and looked at my youngest son. “Bring him along, it couldn’t hurt.” He said.
I smiled and said, “Give us a minute or two to get some shoes and clothes on.”
“Sure.” He replied.
Just like that, it's started.
