I Truly Was Reborn

1
I won ten million dollars in the lottery. The next thing I knew, my best friend was sobbing, telling me shed been reborn.
Oh, thank God, Jenna! We have to use this money to stockpile supplies. In one month, the zombie apocalypse is going to hit.
Last time, we didn't have anything, and the zombies got us. We cant let that happen again!
My best friend, Maya, helped me build a safe house in a desolate area far from the city. She even coordinated a fleet of trucks to deliver tons of rice, flour, and oil. The ten million was gone in a flash, but we had enough supplies to last us for decades.
I squeezed her hand, overwhelmed with gratitude. But then, she burst out laughing.
Hahaha! I was just kidding! Rebirth? Zombies? Do you think this is some kind of novel?
I cant believe you actually fell for it. You are so, so stupid.
I swallowed the words I was about to say, the ones that would have begged her to stay.
Her rebirth might have been a lie, but mine was real.
And the zombie apocalypse was really coming.
Maya was still laughing, slapping her thighs and doubling over. Seeing me standing there in stunned silence, she patted my shoulder condescendingly.
Hey, its just ten million dollars. Who asked you to be so gullible? You cant even take a joke.
She didn't seem to grasp how cruel her joke was.
If I hadnt been reborn, if this was my first time through
I would have spent my entire lottery winnings on a useless villa in the middle of nowhere, filled with food that would spoil within weeks. I think the shock might have killed me on the spot.
So its a little isolated, but its quiet, right? And you love quiet, she said, then theatrically covered her mouth. Oh my God, Jenna, I just remembered! Youve always wanted to get residency in Southwood, but this property is technically in Northgate
So I guess youll have to settle for Northgate residency. But hey, its close enough to Southwood, right? Youre not going to be petty and get mad at me over that, are you? She looked at me with wide, innocent eyes.
Northgate was a stagnant, underdeveloped district, while Southwood was the citys crown jewel, with the best schools and hospitals. Id always dreamed of settling there, for my aging parents and for the family I hoped to have one day. In my past life, I never could afford a place in Southwood, not even when the apocalypse hit. I ended up renting with Maya the whole time.
No, I said. Residency wouldnt matter much after the world ended.
I was just having a hard time believing it.
In my previous life, I hadn't won the lottery. When the apocalypse came, we had no food, and I never developed any powers. Life for two ordinary women was brutal. But we never gave up on each other. We stuck together, searching for supplies, looking for a safe zone.
Then we ran into a group of heavily armed men. I remember Maya crying, just like she had today.
You have to hide, she had told me. Dont come out, no matter what. Its the apocalypse now. Women without powers are just toys for men.
Ill lead them away. If I survive, Ill come back for you.
I never saw her again.
I assumed she had died for me. I carried that debt with me, so the moment I was reborn, I rushed to the lottery vendor. I bought a ticket with the winning numbers Id overheard in my past life, and the first person I told was her.
I remember the stiff way shed said, Congratulations. At the time, I thought she was just stunned with happiness.
Maya, why would you lie to me? I had to ask. With ten million dollars, I would have shared everything with her. Why go to such lengths?
She rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with acid. We were both broke. Why should you get to be rich all of a sudden? Its not fair.
So it was jealousy.
Come on, why are you still dwelling on it? If you think you cant eat all this food by yourself, she offered, I guess I could stay here with you for a while. But She snickered, clearly enjoying my misfortune. Those bags of rice and flour will probably be crawling with bugs in three days.
Get out, I said, my voice cold.
Maya blinked. What did you say?
I said, get the hell out. Is that clear enough?
Her face flushed with anger. Jenna, Im your best friend! How can you talk to me like that?
I laughed, a harsh, humorless sound. A best friend who would trick me into wasting ten million dollars? Dont flatter yourself. You were just jealous that I had money.
A flicker of guilt crossed her eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. It was a joke! Its your own fault for being stupid enough to believe it!
Fine. If you dont want my company, you can stay here all by yourself, she sneered. This place is in the middle of nowhere. There arent even any taxis. Lets see how you get back to the city. Dont come crying to me, begging for a ride.
As her car sped away, kicking up a cloud of dust, a small smile touched my lips.
The apocalypse hits in three days.
Well see whos begging who.
My safe house was built like a fortress. Every detail had been meticulously planned by Maya and me. The perimeter wall was thirty feet high, topped with an electric fence and razor wire to keep out mutated zombies. We had generators, rice, flour, oil, and a whole menagerie of livestock: chickens, ducks, geese, cows, sheep, pigs, and even a fish pond.
From air conditioners and heaters to Wi-Fi and power banks, we hadn't missed a thing. I had enough supplies to throw a hot pot party on a whim.
Thinking back, the more detailed and careful Maya had been in the planning, the more she must have relished the thought of the big reveal, the moment she could laugh at how utterly foolish I had been.
The first thing I did was call my parents and tell them to get on the next flight from their hometown. Then, I called my boyfriend of two years, Ken. Hed always been good to me. In my past life, he was infected and turned while trying to get back to me. A tragic hero.
Ken
I barely got his name out before his angry voice exploded from the other end.
Ten million dollars, Jenna! How could you be so stupid? You actually fell for Mayas joke and blew it all?
I wouldnt have even known if she hadnt come and told me! Do you have any idea what people are saying? The whole story is all over social media!
Everyones calling me the boyfriend of a rich idiot who doesnt know what to do with her money. Youve completely humiliated me.
Why didnt you tell me you won? Why are you so stupid? So pathetic?
He had never spoken to me like that before. It was true what they saymoney really does reveal a persons true character. Ten million dollars was a life-changing amount of money, a fantasy for ordinary people like us.
I wanted to tell him about the apocalypse, to calm him down, but before I could get a word in, he launched into another tirade.
Ive always thought you were an idiot! Were supposed to be in love, and you have the nerve to ask for a two hundred thousand dollar bride price!
Im not some trust fund kid! My mom is a beautiful woman, and she didnt even ask my dad for that much when they got married.
I understood his implication. I wasn't as beautiful as his mother, so I had no right to ask for so much. Two hundred thousand was customary in our culture. The money would have come back to us as part of my dowry, and my parents were even planning on matching it. I had explained all of this to him before, and he had agreed.
So what are you trying to say now? I snapped, my own anger rising.
Were breaking up, Ken said coldly. I dont want to be known as the idiots boyfriend. I have never met anyone as stupid as you.
If you had just given me that ten million, I wouldnt have had to worry about the bride price. I could have bought a car, a house, given you a comfortable life.
But you had to go and screw it all up. I guess youre just not destined for a good life.
I know your parents are in Southwood now. Im coming to pick you up. Well settle this, and you can give me back the ten-thousand-and-one-dollar engagement gift.
He hung up, his disgust palpable. It hurt, I wont lie. But his little outburst had shown me his true colors.
He arrived as I was feeding the chickens in the yard. Now that we were breaking up, he didnt even bother pretending to be nice.
Looks like you really are meant to be a poor country girl. Youve got no luck with money. You should just go back to your village and raise chickens.
I didnt waste my breath arguing. Im not the type to drag things out. I met him with my parents and gave him back the engagement money.
Even after he got the money, he couldnt resist a final, snide remark to my parents. Sir, Ma'am, if you have any money, youd better not let Jenna handle it. If someone tells her a joke about aliens invading, she might just spend your life savings on a spaceship.
My parents looked confused. I just stared at him, my face a blank mask, and shut the door on him.
What happened with you and Ken? my mom asked. Everything seemed fine. Why the sudden breakup?
And you told us to bring everything important with us, my dad added. Whats going on?
I was about to explain when the door burst open. Maya rushed in and threw her arms around my mom.
Mom, Dad! Why didnt you tell me you were coming to Southwood? she chirped, using the affectionate terms she always had for my parents.
My mom smiled, but when she saw the look on my facethe distinct lack of my usual delight at seeing Mayaher smile faded, and she said nothing.
Whats this? Maya snatched a gift box from my dads hand and ripped it open. Inside was a designer handbag.
Jennas been wanting this for months, but she never got around to buying it. Your mom and I saw it in the store and decided to get it for her, my dad explained.
A flash of jealousy crossed Mayas face. Tsk, tsk. Dad, you bought the wrong thing. Jennas not into this stuff anymore.
Shes into raising chickens and ducks now. You should have bought her some feed
Seeing the bewildered expressions on my parents faces, Maya burst out laughing. Oh, you guys dont know, do you? Jenna won ten million dollars, but she spent it all on a stupid villa in the middle of nowhere.
And a bunch of other useless junk. Blew through the whole ten million. Can you believe how dumb she is?
My parents faces fell. Maya, encouraged, was about to continue, but I grabbed her arm and shoved her out the door. She was so damn annoying.
She scrambled to her feet, furious. Jenna! Your parents didn't even kick me out! What gives you the right
Get out! my mom snapped, slamming the door shut.
I told my parents everything. I was nervous they wouldnt believe me.
Dad, Mom, its all true. In two days, the zombie apocalypse is going to start.
My dad stood up immediately. Well, what are we waiting for? Lets go buy more supplies.
My mom stroked my hair. Silly girl, of course we believe you. Weve saved up a little nest egg over the years. Looks like its going to come in handy.
After being called an idiot over and over for the past few days, having someone finally believe me brought tears to my eyes. Dad, Mom, thank you for trusting me.
My parents had fifty thousand dollars in savings. We bought a used pickup truck, more food, and a variety of seeds.
Back at the safe house, my dad got to work with the lawnmower, cutting down all the tall grass in the surrounding area to use as feed for the livestock. My mom cleared a patch of land for a vegetable garden. We had even hired someone to dig a well in the yard ahead of time.
That night, as I lay in bed, I saw Mayas latest social media post.
[Day 1 with my love. Thanks for the designer bag and necklace, babe. Love you forever.]
It was a picture of her hand intertwined with a mans. I recognized the mole on his hand instantly. It was Kens.
It stung a little, but mostly, I felt a sense of relief. What kind of decent guy moves on that fast? I was lucky to be rid of him.
The next morning, my dad announced he was going out. Supplies arent enough. When the world ends, people lose their humanity. We need something for self-defense.
Your grandfather had an old friend who deals in that sort of thing. Im going to go see him.
I knew who he was talking about. I was hoping we could get him on our side. He had a team of highly-trained bodyguards, and in the coming world, security would be everything.
Unfortunately, Mr. Foster, the old friend, was not convinced.
My sources are generally more reliable than yours, and Ive heard nothing. Not even a whisper.
I refused to give up. Mr. Foster, what my dad and I are telling you is the absolute truth. The apocalypse will be here in six hours.
You can bring your family to my safe house. Wait six hours. Youll see for yourself. If Im wrong, youve lost nothing but a bit of time. If Im right well, you know the consequences.
The Foster estate was in the heart of Southwoods busiest district. A high concentration of people, especially powerful people, meant it would be one of the most dangerous places to be.
Just as I thought I had failed, Mr. Fosters grandson, Alex, walked in.
Why not give it a try? Grandpa, youre always saying you miss the country air. Think of it as a six-hour vacation.
A glimmer of hope sparked within me, but it was extinguished by a snort of laughter from the doorway. Maya and Ken were standing there, bent over with mirth.
You guys are actually listening to this idiot? Hahaha.
She blew through ten million dollars, and now shes trying to drag you down with her to make herself feel better.
An apocalypse? Zombies? Have you been reading too many fantasy novels?
I saw the change in Mr. Fosters expression and my heart sank. It was over.
The Fosters gave my dad three rifles, some body armor, a few grenades, and some basic supplies. When Maya saw us loading up the truck, she looked at my parents with a mixture of pity and disgust.
Mom, Dad, Jennas had a mental breakdown. Ill be honest with you, she said, her voice dripping with false concern. The zombie apocalypse was just a joke I made up. She cant accept that the ten million is gone, so shes lost her mind.
Are you really going to let her waste all your money? I heard youve been buying a lot of stuff.
I crossed my arms and smirked. Thats right. My parents spent fifty grand on me. Whats it to you? Jealous again?
Maya shot me a glare, then turned on the charm, sidling up to my mom. Mom, Im serious. You promised youd buy me a present when you came to Southwood. Lets go shopping now.
We cant let Jenna spend all your money. Shes
My mom pushed her away. Im not your mom, so dont call me that. And its my money. My daughter can spend it however she wants. Its not called wasting.
Mayas face turned an ugly shade of green. She stomped her foot. Not wasting? Are you old and senile?
All that useless junk she bought will rot in ten days. And that stupid villa is in the middle of nowhere. You wont even be able to sell it.
Im trying to help you, and youre pushing me away? Fine! Well see what you do when the moneys gone and the food is spoiled!
When youre starving and homeless, dont you dare come begging me for help! she shrieked, then stormed off.
Ken gave me a cold look. Your family had fifty thousand dollars, and you still made me work my ass off for a bride price? Youre a heartless bitch.
What my family does with its money is none of your damn business, I retorted, slipping off my shoe and hurling it at his face. Who the hell do you think you are? Shut your stupid mouth and get lost.
I thought that was the end of it with the Fosters, but just as my dad and I got back to the safe house, they pulled up behind us.
Mr. Foster leaned on his cane, surveying the property with a look of mild approval. Since my grandson trusts you, Ill stay for six hours. Call it a vacation. The scenery is quite nice.
When I was young, your grandfather and I used to love raising chickens and playing chess.
I didnt know why Alex had believed me, but I was grateful. The Fosters had brought a large contingent of their security team, and their presence was a huge relief. I shot Alex a thankful look.
He paused, then a faint smile touched his lips. If the apocalypse doesnt come, my grandfather will probably break my legs. Then youll be in trouble.
Dont you worry, Mr. Foster, I joked. If that happens, Ill personally nurse you back to health until youre jumping for joy.
One hour before the apocalypse.
My dad and I had just finished butchering a cow and were setting up the grill in the yard when Maya video-called me.
Jenna, look where I am.
Behind her, a sea of people swayed under flashing lights. It was Oblivion, Southwoods most famous nightclub.
And the epicenter of the initial outbreak in my past life.
Ken proposed to me today, she crowed. It was even bigger and better than when he proposed to you.
Look at all these people! Theyre all congratulating us.
And he spent a whole years salary on my ring! Its way bigger than the one he gave you.
I watched her hand wave in front of the camera, but my attention was caught by a figure in the background. He was hunched over, his movements slow and jerky, not like a normal person at all. Before I could get a better look, Maya flipped the camera back to her face.
Jenna, dont be mad at me anymore. Come be my maid of honor.
It was just a joke. Are you really going to hold a grudge for this long? Im asking you because I really do see you as a friend.
Youre not mad that Ken chose me, are you? I cant help it that you asked for such a high bride price.
Besides, him choosing me just proves he loves me more. Its not my fault. Why are you blaming me?
Her words were so ridiculous I had to laugh. I hung up.
Thirty minutes later, a bartender from Oblivion posted a video to his social media.
Amidst screams of terror, a man was pinning a small woman to the floor, tearing at her flesh with his teeth.
The zombie apocalypse had begun.

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