As I closed the last door I started to pray. The specimens have escaped. Dozens of them are out there. There was no way for me to escape, there was too many of them, and the Government has probably already quarantined the facility.

I sat against the door, thinking of my inevitable death. My wife. My children. My family and friends. I would be leaving all of them behind. I thought I should at least leave a note for them. As I took out my notebook and pen to write, I was interrupted by the screams of the people around me.

Then I heard them banging on my doors. I panicked and dropped my pen. As I looked around I saw a gun sitting on a table with bullets. I’d never killed a living creature outside of something like a fly, and I hadn’t used a gun before either. As I hesitated the creature clawed it’s way through the door, and as it’s hand reach through the steel door I panicked and began rushing to the gun. As I grabbed it the creature got through the door and I turned around to shoot it.

As soon as I saw it I fired. My ears began ringing but I couldn’t worry about that now. The creatures had to have heard the gun fire. As they began rushing in to the room I stared at the door.

One came into the room

Then 2

Then 3

Then all of a sudden I was standing over dozens of the otherworldly creatures. It felt like it happened in a instant, but my clock told me it has been over an hour. As my racing heart began to slow I realized I was standing in a pool of blood.

I gagged as I dropped my pistol. I’d killed so many creatures. I could even smell the iron from the blood. Even if it was to protect my life, I felt like I’d done something wrong. I stood there contemplating what I’d done yelling came from another room. This time it wasn’t of terror or pain but commands. The military was finally here.

“HELLO, ARE THERE ANY SURVIVORS?”

“Yes” I wisped with all my effort

I don’t know how long it took them to enter my room, but I was overjoyed when they did. The clicks of their shoes had meant safety to me.

“Are you okay” he asked me

“Yes I-“ I passed out of exhaustion in that moment

The next thing I remember I woke up in the hospital with my daughter siting next to me, consumed by her phone.

“Hey sweetie” I said somberly

“Dad?”

“Yes?” I made a half crooked smile. As she turned to me I realized her face had been puffy-red, like she been crying while I was asleep.

“Thank god!” She cheered as she reached out to hug me