Epilogue

By William Schumpert

Epilogue is a gripping novella that drives the reader deep into a world of horror and suspense.

 

Join the Desond family, along with Marcus, Richard, and Preacher Jacobs as they navigate their way through a post-apocalyptic world filled with monsters and uncertainty. As earthquakes rock the earth, the Desond family finds themselves in the midst of a military drill, only to discover that they are surrounded by terrifying creatures that seem to have crawled up from the bowels of Hell.

 

Marcus and Richard, both experienced in the field, do their best to help the family survive, but it quickly becomes clear that this is a battle for the end of the world.

Meanwhile, Preacher Jacobs sets out to share the gospel, only to find that he is the vessel of a new world order. One that is grim and chilling in its implications. Will any of them make it out alive, or will they all face a fate worse than death?

 

Epilogue is a tale of horror, despair, and doubt that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. Follow the path to damnation, if you dare.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Better Brains Books
• Release date: Jun 30, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201186142

William Schumpert

William Schumpert is an author and illustrator born and raised in Oklahoma; he graduated Southern Nazarene University in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Art and Mass Communication and enjoys writing poetry, horror and short stories.

Book preview

Part I Visions

I n the middle of the journey of our life I found myself within a dark woods where the straight way was lost.

– Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy

Chapter 1

The alarm rings. Sam wants nothing to do with its tiresome cry and slaps the snooze button. The 12 year old wasn’t ready to head back to school- the weekend was rather lousy. But deep down he knew he had to. Even with no homework to turn in he still didn’t want to go. He knew that it was 6:30. And if he wasn’t downstairs in time he would get a lot more trouble from his parents than from his teacher.

Lucy was enthusiastic enough to rise early that morning. She enjoyed the school atmosphere and never thought of school work as a chore. A class A student always looking forward to learning. And of course she wanted to be at school on time to set her eyes on the boys. 13 was the age when she became interested in them. Even though she tried earlier in life they never responded to her flirting. Once they entered Middle School everything seemed to change.

Everyone up? Breakfast is almost ready. Let’s get a move on!

Lucy made her way down the stairs as Sam dragged his way down. They were both dressed as they made their way to the table.

And as tired as he was Sam found the soothing aroma of pancakes and maple syrup woke his tiresome body. The sound of the grill and the sweet sensation of the rising steam was enough to get his energy back. And he enthusiastically made his way to the chair near the table.

He could smell the sausage- his nostrils caught the sweet scent as he guzzled down his cup of orange juice. As he did Lucy was more than glad to have breakfast, but found herself looking away from Sam as he devoured his meal.

How’s everyone this morning?

Eric made his way in from the other room, wiping his hands under the faucet and making his way to the table.

Doing fine Dad.

You seem more enthusiastic than usual Sam.

His only response came from grabbing more breakfast. Eric could only roll his eyes. A slight laugh as he watched Sam.

How about you Lucy?

Doing just fine. Ready to get going.

Yeah- for the boys...

She immediately slapped Sam as he gave a light chuckle.

All right that’s enough.

But Dad-

You heard me Sam.

He went back to his breakfast, looking as if he were accused of highway robbery.

Have any reports due?

Not today. We had all our homework done last week. A Science Project on Wednesday.

Really? What about?

Sam was ready for a comeback-

It’s on Tim isn’t it?

Shut up!

Lucy slapped him on the arm.

I bet it is!

I said shut up you little twerp!

Hey! That’s enough! Way too early to be dealing with this.

They both gave a cold stare at each other as they slowly continued to eat.

The coffee machine’s timer rang as Jamie entered the room.

Morning dear.

Eric and Jamie embraced as she grabbed the coffee and poured a cup. She made her way around and grabbed some cereal. As she makes her way to the seat she hears something from the radio-

Did you hear that?

What?

They’re talking something about an accident that accord a few miles away. Down near the docks.

Don’t worry Jamie. I’m sure it’s alright.

Eric’s response seemed to calm Jamie, yet she found it alarming...

But what if...

What- Jeremy? Your brother’s been through Hell and back.

I know... it just gets to me every now and then.

Jamie did what she could to shake it off. But there was always the haunting occurrence in the back of her mind. The thought that something could happen to him... and at any moment...

The news reports always got to her. It came that her wit met its end, and she had to turn off the TV.

Sam had been looking forward to watching something before school. But decided to turn on some music from his phone. Careful to put on his earphones this time.

But instead of his favorite music playing it was an alert. A large buzzing sound that caused him to throw his phone to the ground. A swelling from the noise caused him to grab his ears.

I told you not to listen to music that loud.

It’s not that Dad. There was some... buzzing sound.

Eric checked his phone. It was an alert from the local broadcasting-

‘Local authorities caution travel near the bay. An alert has been sent, warning of a potential attack. It’ advised to stay away from the area until authorities can investigate the scene.’

It’s a standard testing drill. They do this all the time.

But that damn loud?

You watch your mouth you man Jamie shouted. Perhaps you can hear that.

In frustration Sam decided to grab his bag to head out for school. Lucy grabbed hers as she was more than ready to leave this drama behind.

Jamie made her way to the sink knowing that everything was in line. Yet as she was loading the dish washer she couldn’t help but check once again for some type of update. She knew Jeremy survived so many incidents but her heart always worried for him. Knowing that her brother was stationed at what could be a devastating situation. It always got under her skin.

She told herself to calm down but her eager cry of remorse caused her to check once more. This time she pulled out her phone to check on the local news.

Yet it seemed there was nothing out of the ordinary. Just a report of the usual Military drills, with an alert to stay back until it ended.

But something bothered her.

He always told me when these drills happened... didn’t say anything about today...

She peered out the window with uncertainty...

Chapter 2

Richard heard the alarm . Even as the sound annoyed him he knew the day was important for his career. Last night was a good celebration for his advancement in the Military. But he knew responsibility had to come first. So he fought the resistance all he could, and forced himself out of bed. He made his way into the shower and was quick to make his way out. His bulldog Rex sat near the door as he came out, waiting to be fed. Richard pet him and made his way to the closet. And after filling Rex’s bowl Richard found satisfaction that he was more than willing to devour the food.

He made his way out to the closet- put on his best suit and made sure that the tie was properly aligned. He saw his new badge, and a sense of pride and accomplishment came to mind.

Dad you would be proud...

The emblem on his suit shined. And as he caught eye on its splendor he was once again reminded of his Father. At first he wanted nothing to do with him- always gone on duty or having some excuse not to be home. The family was in the dark when it came to his daily whereabouts, and Richard learned to be the man in his absence. When Father did come home the family didn’t know what to expect. Was he going to be drunk? In a bad mood? Happy? He was always a surprise to him.

And it was much more of a shock to his mother. The one thing that always haunted Richard was when he would see her cry and sob on those nights when he wasn’t there. Richard would only peek in the door- yet every glimpse struck a chord in his soul.

The crying echoed for years... then came the day when Richard was able to have a conversation with him. In the old cemetery. He was a Junior in High School. And even as he knew he didn’t want to be there a chilling sensation crept up his spine. A chill that reminded him of the hard work and sacrifice he gave. That old tomb stone...

One day you’re gonna be a hero. You may not know it but one day the World will need you.

The tear dropped as he stood there. Remembering those haunting words his Father told him...

He once again felt his shaved head and felt for any hair on his face. Knowing everything was in top shape he made his way into the kitchen.

Not much time to make breakfast as he saw it was 7:30. He opened the refrigerator and grabbed a donut, even as he knew it wouldn’t fully satisfy his hunger. Coffee was already brewed as he made his way towards the door.

Rex looks towards him- at first it was enthusiastic as Richard walked near the door. But his enthusiasm died as he realized Richard was heading out. And as Richard head that disappointed grunt he turned his head and laughed.

I’ll be back soon.

As he opened the door he pulled out his phone to make a call. Closing the