Flash Fiction - Under the Oak Tree

(200 words or less) A war veteran's legacy is tested during a zombie outbreak.

    Under the oak tree were my brother's weapons of war. He buried them to escape his tools of conflict, only to find himself in a conflict far worse. He once confessed to me something only his squad knew, his guilt over shooting an unarmed man leaving his house. Danny hung up on his call to duty after that.

    His only allies after the outbreak were family: his sister and his son. The boy only lasted two days. Danny’s hesitation with the turned neighbors made him pay the ultimate price. It was three hours after that when he, too, turned.

    It took me three days before finally digging the weapons up. I'd been sleeping in Danny’s backyard, with him occupying the kitchen. Now my supplies are finally gone, and I'm starving. No more delaying it. His conflict hasn't ended; neither has mine.

    The rifle leaves me heavy-handed. I walk up to the back door and open it, weapon steady. I hear faint sounds of shuffling feet. After playing static from his old radio at full volume, a familiar face soon stumbles out of the house. The glowing eyes intimidate me. Without hesitation, I pull the trigger. Immediately after, the weapon drops.