Dating in Decay (The Outbreak Responses #1)
Prologue - Outbreak
"Mysterious Flu Outbreak Hits Europe: Health Officials Urge Calm"
A peculiar strain of flu has swept through several European countries, leaving health experts scratching their heads.
Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a curious hunger for flesh.
While the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) emphasizes that the situation is under control, they do recommend that citizens stay indoors, stock up on canned goods, and avoid biting their neighbors.
Just in case.
Dr. Lisa Redfield: The CDC advises vigilance and urges individuals to report any concerning behaviors to their local authorities. Do not take matters into your own hands. Those infected are considered dangerous and highly volatile. Are there any questions?
Reporter: “What caused the outbreak?”
Redfield: “We don’t know.”
Reporter: “Is it a virus?”
Redfield: “We don’t know.”
Reporter: “Are the infected people still alive?”
Redfield: “We don’t know.”
Reporter: “Do you know anything?”
Redfield: “We’ve confirmed it spreads through their bites. The contagion is concentrated in their gums and transmitted via saliva into open wounds—similar to how venom is delivered by snakes.”
Reporter: “What steps are you taking to stop it?”
Redfield: “We’re exploring every available option— containment, treatment, eradication. No resource is off the table in our search for a countermeasure.”
Reporter: “Have you made any breakthroughs?”
Redfield: [Pauses] “No comment.”
March 10, 2025 - The Evening Observer (Excerpt)
"Emergency Declared: Citizens Urged to Stay Indoors"
As the “flu” spreads, governments worldwide have declared states of emergency.
Reports of widespread violence and unprovoked attacks have emerged in major cities.
Authorities urge everyone to stay indoors and refrain from using the phrase “apocalypse” on social media. It’s up to you to not spread paranoia.
March 11, 2025 - Discord (Excerpt)
@BiteMeNow: Y'all believin’ this!? The “flu” my ass! Lock your doors! Hide your family! Stock up on food! APOCALYPSE IS GOING DOWN! #survivalofthefittest #outbreak #cannedgoodlife #governmentconspiracy #washyourhands
@InfectedFan1968: I told you all that this would happen! All my apocalypse training is finally going to pay off. Take that high school bullies! #surviveatallcosts #apocalypseishere #suppliesnolies #iwillsurvive
@sleepychaz: So does this mean I don’t have to go to work tomorrow??? #whatsthepoint #undeadeverywhere #noworknoplay #imgonnastayin
March 13, 2025 - Snack Attack Jack (Blog)
“Apocalypse Canned Food Chili”
2 cans of chili beans
1 can of corn
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of chicken or beef (your choice)
1 can of tomato sauce
1 packet of chili seasoning mix (if you got it)
Salt and pepper to taste (again, if you got it)
Instructions:
Open all the cans (drain the corn and meat if necessary) and seasoning mix then dump into a large pot. Place the pot over medium heat or roaring fire and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve quickly.
Enjoy your chili with a side of canned bread or crackers (if you’re lucky).
Stay safe and keep your energy up!
March 15, 2025 - Drama Club President Randy Jenkins’s Address to the Student Body, Springboard High School (Delivered atop a Cafeteria Table)
My fellow teenage thrivers,
We are gathered today not just as students, but as survivors. Yes, we come from different cliques, clubs, and chaotic lunch tables—but today, we unite under one cause: not dying.
The world as we knew it is gone, replaced by one overrun with the undead and questionable cafeteria meat. Our mission now is clear: to forge new alliances, adapt, and—dare I say—thrive amidst the apocalypse.
Let us not waste time bickering over locker space or prom dates. Instead, let us rise above, hand in hand, and build a future where the living and the formerly-living coexist . . . awkwardly, but peacefully.
So I ask you now, with courage in my heart and glitter in my soul—who’s with me!?
([A long beat.] Only Frankie and Travis raise their hands. One of them is eating a pudding cup.)
March 20, 2025 - Spray-Painted Message in Downtown Lawrenceville, VA
Hell is Upon Us,
I’ll Bring the Snacks