Quarantine: Thomas, #1

By Aaron Abilene

A man traveling across the country to pick up his soon to be wife comes down with an extremely contagious virus and is placed in quarantine.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Syphon Creative
• Release date: Aug 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223091714

Book preview

Quarantine

Thomas, Volume 1

Aaron Abilene

Published by Syphon Creative, 2023.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

QUARANTINE

First edition. August 9, 2023.

Copyright © 2023 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8223091714

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Also by Aaron Abilene

505

505: Resurrection

Balls

Dead Awake (Coming Soon)

Before The Dead Awake (Coming Soon)

Carnival Game

Full Moon Howl

Donovan

Shades of Z

Deadeye

Deadeye & Friends

Cowboys Vs Aliens

Ferris

Life in Prescott (Coming Soon)

Afterlife in Love (Coming Soon)

Island

Paradise Island

The Lost Island

The Lost Island 2

The Lost Island 3

The Island 2

Pandemic

Pandemic (Coming Soon)

Prototype

The Compound

Slacker

Slacker 2

Slacker: Dead Man Walkin'

Texas

A Vampire in Texas

Thomas

Quarantine

Contagion

Eradication

Isolation

Immune

Pathogen

Bloodline (Coming Soon)

Decontaminated (Coming Soon)

Virus

Raising Hell

Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride 2

Zombie Bride 3

Standalone

The Victims of Pinocchio

A Christmas Nightmare

Pain

Fat Jesus

A Zombie's Revenge

505

The Headhunter

Crash

Tranq

The Island

Dog

The Quiet Man

Joe Superhero

Feral

Good Guys

Devil Child of Texas

Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

The Gamer

Becoming Alpha

Dead West

Small Town Blues

Shades of Z: Redux

The Gift of Death

Killer Claus

Skarred

Home Sweet Home

Alligator Allan

10 Days

Army of The Dumbest Dead

Kid

The Cult of Stupid

9 Time Felon

Slater

Bad Review: Hannah Dies

Me Again

Maurice and Me

Breaking Wind

The Family Business (Coming Soon)

Lightning Rider : Better Days (Coming Soon)

Lazy Boyz (Coming Soon)

Sparkles The Vampire Clown (Coming Soon)

From The Future, Stuck in The Past (Coming Soon)

Honest John (Coming Soon)

She's Psycho (Coming Soon)

Vicious Cycle (Coming Soon)

Romeo and Juliet: True Love Conquers All (Coming Soon)

Hunting Sarah (Coming Soon)

Random Acts of Stupidity (Coming Soon)

Born Killer (Coming Soon)

The Abducted (Coming Soon)

Broken Man (Coming Soon)

Graham Hiney (Coming Soon)

Paper Soldiers (Coming Soon)

Zartan (Coming Soon)

The Firsts in Life (Coming Soon)

Giant Baby (Coming Soon)

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Aaron Abilene

Quarantine

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Also By Aaron Abilene

Quarantine

Written by Aaron Abilene

––––––––

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie orange glow over the desolate cityscape. Thomas surveyed the wreckage through narrowed eyes, his tattooed arms crossed over his massive chest. He stood like a sentinel, a symbol of defiance against the chaos that had consumed their world. Beside him, Hilary clutched a tattered backpack to her chest. They were an odd pair; Thomas with his imposing presence and Hilary with her delicate frame, but they were united in their fight for survival.

Looks like we're not the only ones who thought this place might have something left worth taking, Thomas muttered, eyeing the scattered debris and shattered storefronts.

Maybe there's still something here, Hilary replied, hope lacing her voice as she peered into the darkness beyond the crumbling buildings.

The deadly virus outbreak had decimated the population, leaving ghost towns where thriving cities once stood. The infected had become monstrous creatures, prowling the streets in search of their next victim. Those who had managed to evade the virus found that every day was a desperate struggle for resources – food, water, and even medicine were scarce commodities.

As they ventured further into the abandoned city, the evidence of humanity's last stand grew more apparent. Cars lay overturned, their metal frames rusted and corroded, while the skeletal remains of once-bustling cafes and shops loomed like silent witnesses to the end of days. The air hung heavy with the scent of decay, a constant reminder of the lives lost and the dangers that lurked around every corner.

Watch your step, Thomas warned, his deep voice barely audible above the howl of the wind. We don't want to draw any attention.

Of course, Hilary whispered back, her eyes scanning their surroundings for any sign of danger.

The post-apocalyptic world they inhabited demanded constant vigilance. Even the smallest noise could attract the attention of the mutated creatures that had once been their friends and neighbors, transformed into grotesque husks of their former selves by the virus. And it wasn't just the monsters they had to worry about – other survivors could be just as dangerous, driven to madness by fear and desperation.

Wait. Thomas held up a hand, his keen eyes detecting movement in a shadowy alleyway. Something's there.

––––––––

Hilary tensed, her fingers tightening around the straps of her backpack as she prepared to run or fight – whichever was necessary for survival. For a moment, all was still, the only sound the ragged breaths of the two survivors.

Let's keep moving, Thomas finally said, lowering his hand. But stay close.

As they continued their search for supplies, the weight of their situation bore down on them. Each passing day brought fresh horrors and new challenges, but they refused to yield. Together, they were determined to survive and find a way to overcome the deadly virus that had brought the world to its knees.

––––––––

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie red glow over the desolate landscape. Thomas and Hilary stood at the edge of a crumbling building, surveying their surroundings as they prepared to make their way to the next shelter. The wind tugged at the frayed edges of Thomas's worn jacket, revealing the intimidating tattoos that coiled around his massive biceps like vipers. Each inked line told a story of survival, loss, and resilience in this merciless world.

Remember the plan, Thomas said, his deep voice barely above a whisper. Stay close and keep quiet.

Got it, Hilary replied, clutching her backpack straps tightly. She knew she could count on Thomas. His muscular build and imposing presence made him the ultimate protector against the monsters that roamed the earth, while his resourcefulness and intelligence kept them alive in a world ravaged by the deadly virus.

As they picked their way through the debris-strewn streets, Thomas couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He scanned the shadows, his instincts on high alert. A sudden cough wracked his body, causing him to double over in pain.

Thomas? Hilary's voice trembled with worry. Are you okay?

He wiped his mouth, his heart sinking when he saw blood smeared across the back of his hand. Damn it, he thought, fear gnawing at the edges of his consciousness. Not now. Not me.

Thomas, please talk to me, Hilary pleaded, panic seeping into her tone.

I—I don't know. He hesitated, not wanting to admit the truth. It might be the virus.

Let's get you somewhere safe, she insisted, trying to hide her own fear for his sake. We'll figure this out together.

They moved quickly, seeking shelter in an abandoned building. As night fell, Thomas's symptoms worsened. He shivered with fever, his body wracked by violent coughing fits that left him gasping for air.

Thomas, we need to find a cure, Hilary murmured, her eyes welling with tears as she held his hand. I won't let you die.

Promise me something, Thomas rasped, his voice barely audible. If I turn into one of those monsters... don't hesitate. End it.

Stop it! Don't say that! she cried, her voice cracking. We'll get through this.

Thomas closed his eyes, the weight of their situation pressing down on him like a leaden blanket. The virus had claimed so many already, and now it threatened to take him too. As he lay there, struggling to breathe, he knew one thing for certain: they had no choice but to confront this deadly foe head-on, or risk losing everything they had fought so hard to protect.

––––––––

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a sinister orange glow on the decaying city. Thomas and Hilary stood atop an abandoned building's roof, surveying the desolate landscape. A cold wind howled through the shattered windows of what was once a bustling metropolis.

Look at them, Hilary whispered, her eyes locked on the twisted figures that wandered aimlessly through the crumbling streets below.

Monstrous creatures, once human, now roamed the earth in search of living prey. The virus had mutated their bodies into grotesque parodies of their former selves. Their limbs were elongated and distorted, their skin stretched tight over jutting bones. Many had lost all semblance of a face, with gaping mouths filled with jagged teeth and eyes that glowed with an unnatural hunger.

Imagine being trapped in one of those things, Thomas muttered, his expression darkening. He flexed his muscular arms, covered in tattoos that told the story of his survival in this post-apocalyptic world. No thoughts, no feelings. Just... existing.

Thomas... Hilary began hesitantly, resting her hand on his shoulder. Are you—

Fine. I'm fine, he interrupted, not wanting to discuss the virus that coursed through his veins. He knew that she was worried about him, but he couldn't allow himself to dwell on the possibility of becoming one of those monsters.

Their attention returned to the creatures below as they watched them tear into the remnants of a fallen survivor. The creatures fought and snarled, fueled by the insatiable need to feed.

Thomas? Hilary asked, her voice barely audible above the wind.

Yeah?

Isn't it strange that you haven't... changed? I mean, most people who get infected turn into those things within hours.

Maybe I'm just lucky, Thomas replied, trying to sound lighthearted but unable to hide the worry in his voice. Could it be that I'm different from the others? he thought, staring down at his still-human hands.

Or maybe, Hilary said, a spark of hope in her eyes, you're the key to finding a cure.

Maybe, Thomas agreed, allowing himself a small smile. He knew they had a long, treacherous journey ahead of them, but as long as he remained human, there was still hope for both him and the rest of humanity.

Come on, he said, grasping Hilary's hand firmly. We've got work to do. And with that, the couple descended back into the dark shadows of the city, determined to find answers and restore hope to a world overrun by terror and despair.

––––––––

Thomas's heart pounded in his chest as he stared into the cracked mirror, beads of sweat forming on his brow. His muscular, tattooed arms trembled slightly, betraying the weakness that had begun to creep over him since contracting the virus. He took a deep breath and gripped the edges of the sink, trying to steady himself.

Thomas? Hilary's voice called from outside the door, concern lacing her words. Are you alright?

I... I don't know, he admitted, his voice strained. I'm feeling weaker, Hil.

The door creaked open, and Hilary stepped into the dimly lit bathroom, her face etched with worry. She approached Thomas tentatively, her hands reaching out to touch his feverish skin.

Your temperature is rising, she said, her eyes welling up with tears. We need to figure out what to do, Thomas. We can't just sit around and wait for things to get worse.

Thomas looked into her eyes, seeing the fear and determination mingling there. You're right, he agreed, swallowing hard. We need a plan.

As they spoke, Thomas could feel the virus coursing through his veins, its insidious tendrils wrapping around his mind and body. His muscles ached, and his thoughts became clouded with an ever-present haze. Despite this, he tried to focus on the task at hand.

First, we need to find a safe place to stay, he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. Somewhere we can regroup and gather our strength.

Agreed, Hilary replied, nodding. And then we start looking for answers. Maybe there's someone out there who knows more about this virus, or even a cure.

Maybe, Thomas echoed, clinging to the hope that he could rid himself of the infection that threatened to consume him.

As they continued to discuss their plans, Thomas couldn't help but feel the weight of the challenges that lay ahead. He knew that finding a safe haven and potentially discovering a cure would not be easy tasks in a world ravaged by destruction, scarce resources, and monstrous creatures lurking around every corner. But he also knew that he had Hilary by his side, and together, they would face whatever obstacles arose.

Whatever happens, Thomas said, gripping Hilary's hand tightly, we'll face it together.

Always, she replied, her voice filled with resolve.

With a determined glint in their eyes, they stepped out of the bathroom and prepared themselves for the trials that awaited them. As they did so, Thomas felt the symptoms of the virus continue to gnaw at him, the pain and fog threatening to overtake him. But he refused to let it win – not when there was still hope for a better future.

––––––––

Thomas and Hilary huddled over the makeshift desk in their dimly lit hideout, poring over tattered maps and notes they had gathered from fallen cities. The air was thick with dust, heavy on their lungs, and the low hum of a dying generator filled their ears.

Look at this, Thomas said, pointing to a circled area on the map, his deep voice cracked with fatigue. This lab was working on viral research before everything collapsed. Maybe there's still something useful there.

Hilary's eyes traced the line of his tattooed arm, her heart aching to see him so vulnerable, yet determined. She nodded and spoke up, her voice soft but resolute. It's worth a try, Thomas. We have to start somewhere.

They packed their meager belongings and left the safety of their hideout, stepping out into the desolate world. The sun beat down mercilessly, casting long shadows across the ruins of civilization. Thomas felt the familiar ache in his joints, the virus gnawing at him from within, but he pushed through the pain, focusing instead on their mission.

As they journeyed towards the lab, they encountered pockets of survivors, each with their own stories of loss and survival. Some were helpful, offering crucial information about the virus or sharing precious supplies, while others eyed them warily, haunted by the horrors of the new world.

Thomas, I've been thinking, Hilary mused as they carefully navigated around the remnants of an abandoned vehicle. Maybe you're immune to the mutation part of the virus. It could be that your body is fighting it off, even if it's not winning right now.

Could be, Thomas grunted, gripping his makeshift spear tighter, keenly aware of the monstrous creatures that stalked the shadows, ready to strike at any moment. But we can't rely on that alone. We need to find a cure.

Right, she agreed, her gaze lingering on the hulking figure of her fiancé. His broad shoulders were tense, and she knew he was struggling with the relentless onslaught of symptoms.

Their journey took them through treacherous terrain, forcing them to contend with scarce food, unpredictable weather, and hostile survivors. Thomas's mind raced with doubts and fears as they pressed on, but he refused to let them consume him - not when there was still hope for a better future.

Finally, after days of travel, they reached the lab. Its metal doors stood forbiddingly before them, a silent testament to the knowledge that lay within. But as they pushed the heavy doors open, they discovered that the lab had been ransacked, its valuable resources plundered.

Damn it! Thomas roared, his fists clenched in frustration. We're too late.

Hilary wrapped a comforting arm around him, feeling the tremors of anger and despair that wracked his massive frame. We'll keep looking, Thomas, she whispered fiercely. We won't give up. There has to be another way.

As they stood in the wreckage of the lab, surrounded by shattered glass and scattered papers, Thomas felt the weight of their quest bearing down upon him. The odds seemed insurmountable, the path forward unclear. But he knew they couldn't give in – not when so much was at stake.

Let's go, he said, his voice hoarse but resolute. We'll search every damn corner of this world if we have to. We'll find a cure, or die trying.

With renewed determination, they left the ruined lab behind, knowing that their struggle was far from over. And as they ventured back into the unforgiving wasteland, Thomas clung to the hope that somehow, against all odds, they would prevail.

––––––––

Thomas stared at his reflection in the cracked mirror, examining the dark veins that sprawled across his muscular arms like sinister roots. The virus was coursing through him, its malicious presence a constant reminder of the danger he posed to everyone around him - especially Hilary.

Thomas? Hilary's voice came from behind him, her tone laced with concern. Are you alright?

He turned slowly to face her, trying to mask the pain that gnawed at him from within. I'm fine, he lied, forcing a smile onto his tattooed visage. Just a bit tired.

She stepped closer, her eyes searching his for any sign of untruth. He could see the worry etched into every line of her beautiful face, and it tore at his heart. She deserved better than this – better than him.

Please don't hide things from me, she whispered, her voice cracking. "We're in this together, remember? I need to