Zombies · Y/n story by @wandagrangerad

Seabrook, West Virginia, was the picture of perfection. White picket fences. Perfectly trimmed lawns. Citizens who smiled just a little too brightly, waved just a little too eagerly.

Bucky Buchanan

snaps his fingers near a freshman trumpeter's face Ready, children! The bus arrives in five minutes!

Near the fountain, a group of cheerleaders stretched and chatted, colorful pom-poms resting in a perfect pile beside them. A girl with dark hair caught her breath and looked over at the new flag.

Bree Prattle

I can't believe they're actually doing it. Real zombies. At our school.

Bucky Buchanan

rolls his eyes dramatically Don't say it like it's a field trip, Bree. It's a problem.

He turned, striking a pose as if modeling for a magazine cover.

Bucky Buchanan

But not one I can't handle. I'm turning cheer practice into an audition for who gets to stay on the squad. We need to show them what Seabrook stands for.

His eyes scanned the crowd, landing on someone—a familiar face among the students gathering for the first day of school. A boy leaning against the fountain, backpack slung over one shoulder, blending right into the painted-perfect backdrop of Seabrook's town square.

Bucky Buchanan

calls out, waving Hey, you! Perfect timing!

The first bell hadn't rung yet, but the air was already buzzing with anticipation. The buses were visible down the road—one polished silver, one rusted and green—and the countdown to the first day of school had officially begun.