Aunt Mary's P.O.V.
So, the world was ending. With the apocalypse, chaos would come.
Chaos was good. That meant the police would be too busy trying to control civilians to notice anything.
My dear Charlie. How I miss him. He was such a sweetheart.
I missed seeing him walk in after work with a random bouquet of flowers. He knew I had no actual favorite type of flower so he always brought a different kind. I did love roses but only for our garden. I loved all kinds of flowers.
God, I miss him. When he died, Lord knows I wanted to follow him. I really wanted to, but I couldn't. I had three little ones who depended on me.
His death broke me. It felt like I was drowning. Every single day was a battle to stay alive. Sometimes my grief would win, and very little times my sanity would win. I had to keep it together for my children. Their future depended on my well being.
I remember the night Erik found me trying to jump off the balcony. My poor Erik. He was struggling to keep himself together. He held on to my waist. Begging me not to give up on them.
Crying that they only had me left. Not to leave them as well.
'Momma, why can't you choose us?' That was the question that broke me. I sat on the rug next to the bed. I remember staying in that same position for hours. Wondering what was I doing to my babies.
I was so blinded by my grief, that I forgot I wasn't the only one in pain.
While I was mourning the loss of my husband and best friend, my children were mourning their father. I couldn't believe that I almost made them mourn me too. I was a horrible mother for making them go through that.
But now, my children are all grown up. My beautiful Penny is a wonderful young woman. Erik and Kai have become great men. Kai is a bit immature but it's understandable. Now, I can finally go in peace. I have nothing to worry about.
I can finally meet my dear Charlie again.
But..there is one thing I must do before I depart from this world. I need to avenge him. That bastard must pay for the death of my sweetheart.
Charlie would have wanted this too. I know that if the tables were turned, Charlie would have made sure to avenge me.
Ruben... you don't know how much I hate you. I'll make sure you suffer before the end of the world.
Once you die, I'll be free.
I know that my decision might break my kids, but I've lived long enough.
They would have to understand. With this zombie apocalypse, I would just hold them back. I'd be a burden to them.
I don't see it as a sacrifice, wouldn't this be great? I wont hold my children back and I'd get to see my Charlie again. It's been ten years since I've last hugged him.
I waited this long to reunite with him, I could afford a couple more days.
Knock Knock
"Come in" I said.
'Mom, may I have a word with you?' Erik said as he entered my bedroom. I took one long look at him, taking in his image. I wanted to remember his face.
"Sure sweetie, what's going on?"
'Mom, I wanted to talk to you about god-uncle Ruben. Given that the apocalypse is coming, how would you like to handle this matter?'
Smart kid. He was leaving the decision of turning him in to the police to me.
"Get men to bring him here. We don't need to turn him in. Let's handle him with care. He will be our guest. Make sure the basement is available for our visitor as well."
Erik gazed at me quietly. I could see him calculating the best plan to achieve my request.
'Very well. I'll make sure to have him in the basement before 5 pm.'
"Erik...I want you know that I will be handling him myself" I needed this. I needed to be the one to handle this bastard. I couldn't let my precious son dirty his hands with his filthy blood. I wanted to be the one to bring suffering to him.
Ruben has a family of his own, a wife and two sons. I felt bad for them but not enough to spare Ruben. Let his loved ones feel what my family felt. I know it was a horrible way of thinking but I didn't care at all.
I'm no saint, if anything I'm probably a devil. I wanted blood for Charlie's death. If my father-in-law was still alive, he would have supported my decision.
It's unfortunate that he died last year. Well, given our circumstance, I'd say he was fortunate.
Being alive to witness this apocalypse is the unfortunate thing.
'Mom...I don't think.....alright. I'll inform you once Ruben is brought to the estate'
"Good. Now go to bed. We have a busy schedule tomorrow. I'll be ordering lot's of take out, so if you have anything you want please message me. I'll also prepare lots of food as well. Since Penny can store all perishables in her storage.
Shoo, go to bed."
Erik leaned in and gave me a big hug. 'Mom, thank you for everything. Thank you for not leaving us behind. I know this was hard for you but all I can do is thank you.' He said as he kissed my cheek. My little big boy was all grown up. I felt my eyes well up with tears.
My poor baby was thanking me. I wondered if he would still do it once he found out I chose Charlie over them this time. Would he forgive me? I hoped he understood that this time, the pain was bigger than me.
"Okay, don't get so sentimental. We have a long day ahead of us." I told him as I patted his shoulder. He looked at me with a bitter smile. My son has always been bright. I could guess he already knew what was going through my mind.
I couldn't bear to see the devastation in his eyes. Could I really leave them on their own? Was I really that cruel? No. No I was not.
I guess, I could try to hold on a little longer. My Charlie would just have to wait for me a bit longer than needed.
*Sorry everyone, I've come down with an illness and need lots of rest. Give me a few days and I'll be back.*