I began to switch through the channels one by one until I get a signal. “Hello?” I say.

“Hello? Who is this?” Says a man on another end.

“Hi I’m Ruby-May. I’m reaching you from a radio because we need your help.”

“How can I help you kid?”

“The island we’re on. Something bad happened and we need to evacuate. Do you think you could help us or do anything to help us?”

“Do you need to know what channel the marines are on or something.” The man said clearly getting annoyed.

“Yes that would help tons.” I say trying to be nice.

“You know I’m kidding right?” Said the man chuckling.

“Oh, sorry but can you help us. We need actual help!” I say running out of hope. 

“What even is the problem?” Asked the man.

“Zombies!” Yelled Austin.

“Yeah right! Zombies aren’t after you. Besides that kid sounds pretty calm for somebody in an apocalypse.” Said the man taking it as a joke.

“Please believe us! I beg of you. If you were in our situation you’d like to remain as calm as possible. We can deceive ourselves and say everything is alright when it really isn’t.” I say desperate.

“Fine. You’re from Limeys Island right? Meet me at north at 8:30.” Said the man.

“Thank you!” I said ecstatic. Suddenly the signal got cut. “We have to head north.”

“Isn’t that where the beach cabins are?” Asked Marco.

“Yeah we can hide out there until the nice man gets here.” Says Marie. 

“What if he’s a lying bitch?” Says Mateo quietly. The first words he says and they were meant rudely. 

“Mateo, don’t say those words you’re too young. And besides, why would he tell us where to go if he wasn’t gonna come!?” Said Marco sharply. Mateo was just a younger version of Marco. They hade the same features and everything. Mateo looked to be about 10 or 11 years old.

“He didn't even fucking ask you where we were DUMBASS!” Said Mateo angrily.

“He did ask Mateo and don’t call me a fucking dumbass. If you would at least focus on something that isn’t Tom and Jerry you would know that he knew the fucking island.” Said Marco getting angrier at Mateo by the second.

“Maybe you guys should chill-“ I get cut off by Mateo.

“HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO FUCKING CHILL WHEN HE’S UP MY ASS ABOUT LEAVING THIS PLACE”, Mateo’s eyes begin to fill with tears. “I LOST MY FUCKING PARENTS AND I DON’T WANNA LOSE MY HOME! WHAT IF WE DIE, HUH? HAVE YOU FUCKING THOUGHT ABOUT THAT.” Says Mateo as tears trickle down his face. 

“Mateo…” Marco goes in and hugs Mateo. “You’ll always have me. I love you kiddo but if we stay here, we might never get another chance to leave.” Marco says while holding Mateo in a tight embrace.

“I don’t wanna die Marco. Please don’t let me die.” Mateo says bawling his eyes out. 

“I’d risk my life for you kid. If anything I’d die.” Now Marco’s crying. His honesty helped convince Mateo to be onboard with the idea of leaving. 

“Let’s do it then!” Mateo says wiping the tears from his face.

“That shit was so sweet y’all but our ride is gonna be over at the north beach soon and we have to get there.” Said Austin, his attitude coming back. 

“Austin’s right you guys, we have to go like now.” I say backing up Austin’s statement.