Slacker: Dead Man Walkin': Slacker

By Aaron Abilene

A video game junky becomes a hero when zombies show up because he was prepared.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Syphon Creative
• Release date: Jan 9, 2024
• ISBN: 9798223652861

Book preview

Slacker : Dead Man Walkin’

Written by Aaron Abilene

Chapter 1: Playing a game

All of a sudden, Nick sits up, jerking his head and accidentally hitting it on the camera stand. He winces in pain, muttering a curse under his breath. Just as he's about to recover from the unexpected collision, the phone rings, breaking the silence of the room.

Startled, Nick quickly reaches for the phone, his expression changing from frustration to curiosity. Yeah? he answers, his voice filled with anticipation, wondering who could be calling at this moment.

On the other end of the line, a familiar voice speaks. Nick? it says tentatively, as if unsure of itself.

Nick's eyebrows furrow in confusion. Yeah, he responds cautiously, trying to place the voice. Who is this?

It's Ami, comes the reply, and a smile tugs at the corners of Nick's lips as he recognizes the name. Oh, hey Ami, he greets, his voice softening with familiarity. Yeah, I'm alone. Why do you ask?

There's a brief pause on the line before Ami speaks again. I was actually thinking about coming over, she says, her tone a mix of hesitation and hope.

Nick's heart skips a beat as he contemplates Ami's unexpected proposition. Why? he asks, curiosity lacing his words.

But before Ami can reply, there is a sudden click on the line, and the sound of a dial tone replaces her voice. Nick furrows his brow, puzzled by the abrupt end to their conversation. Why doesn't she like me? he wonders aloud, his voice tinged with a touch of disappointment.

Shrugging off the confusion, Nick hangs up the phone and stands up, making his way over to the nearby sofa where his game console is set up. He plops down on the cushion and grabs the controller, his fingers eager to delve back into the virtual world.

As the game comes to life on the screen, filling Nick's attention once again, the phone rings for the second time. Sighing, he reluctantly puts down the controller and reaches for the phone, his irritation evident in his voice.

Yeah? he answers, his tone hinting at impatience.

This time, a familiar voice greets him from the other end. Hi, Nick, it says cheerfully. It's Tori, a friend from college whom Nick hasn't spoken to in a while.

Nick's face lights up with a hint of surprise and a smile slowly spreads across his face. Oh, hey Tori, he responds, his voice warmer now. What's up?

Tori's voice carries a sense of curiosity. Nothing much, just wanted to see what you were up to, she says casually, her words laced with a hint of playfulness.

Nick's eyes wander back to the paused game, tempted to dive back into the virtual adventure. I'm actually in the middle of playing a game, he admits, struggling to find the right balance between his desire to reconnect with Tori and his craving to return to the world of pixels and challenges.

Ah, okay, Tori acknowledges, understanding his commitment to the virtual realm. Well, maybe we can catch up another time.

Yeah, definitely, Nick agrees, his voice filled with genuine warmth. Let's hang out soon.

As Tori hangs up the phone, Nick sighs, his mind spinning with conflicting thoughts. She doesn't know how much I like her, he confesses quietly to himself, his words barely audible over the sound of the game loading.

Nick tries to shake off his mixed emotions and refocuses his attention on the game, immersing himself in its virtual reality. Hours pass, with Nick engrossed in the game, his attention fully captured by the challenges unfolding on the screen.

Just as he gets lost in the virtual world, the phone rings once again, disrupting Nick's concentration. Irritated, he picks up the phone and says a curt Hello into the receiver, eager to end any unpromising conversations quickly.

To his surprise, this time it's a voice he doesn't recognize. Sara, the voice whispers softly, barely audible over the phone line.

Nick's frustration turns into bemusement. Who the hell is this? he asks, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and annoyance.

Sara panics, feeling misunderstood. Damn it, why can't I talk to him? she mutters to herself, frustration creeping into her voice. He's human, it's not like he's a god, but he's just so damn cute.

As the conversation continues, Nick hangs up the phone angrily, frustrated with the string of unanswered calls and the game of emotional turmoil he feels he's caught in. 'Stupid girls, he mutters under his breath, his frustration seeping into his words. They know I'm home, so they call and play with my mind.

Meanwhile, Sara feels a pang of longing as she hears the dial tone, her hopes crushed once again. Why can't I talk to him? she whispers, her voice heavy with disappointment. He's just so damn cute.

The intricate web of missed connections and unspoken desires continues to weave its way through the lives of Nick and those around him, setting the stage for unforeseen twists and turns in their intertwining stories.

Chapter 2: Ken goes to the restaurant

Ken walks into the dimly lit living room, where Nick is engrossed in a captivating video game. With a playful grin, Ken casually asks, Hey, you want anything from the burger shack, Nick?

Nick, without peeling his eyes off the screen, replies with an eager tone, Yeah, get me a jumbo #7, please!

Accepting the task, Ken nods affirmatively, saying, Alright, I'll be back in about an hour, buddy.

Unaffected by the brief interruption, Nick simply returns to his intense gaming session, skillfully navigating his virtual world. Meanwhile, Ken swiftly exits the apartment and settles behind the wheel of his car, ready to embark on his burger retrieval mission.

Curiosity nudges Nick out of his seat, prompting him to stretch and leisurely descend the stairs to the office. As he gathers his mail, he experiences a serendipitous encounter.

A friendly voice greets Nick, Hi, Nick.

Momentarily taken aback, Nick wonders aloud, Hey, who are you?

With an infectious laugh, the voice responds, Ami.

Recognition dawns on Nick's face, Oh yeah, you're the one that wanted to come over!

Ami chuckles, affirming his recollection, Yes, that's me.

Lost in thought, Nick contemplates their connection, hesitating before confessing, How do we know each other?

Understanding his occasional memory lapses, Ami assures him, I'm Ken's sister.

An apologetic smile forms on Nick's face, Oh, sorry if I forget things sometimes. I have insomnia, and lack of sleep can mess with my short-term memory.

Ami graciously responds, It's okay, Nick.

Seizing the opportunity, Nick invites Ami into his world, asking confidently, Do you want to come upstairs for a while?

A warm smile lights up Ami's face, and she replies, I'd like that.

Together, Nick and Ami ascend the stairs, their laughter filling the air, creating a sense of newfound connection.

In the midst of their budding friendship, a sudden interruption resonates through the room—the