Doomsday, USA, Part 1, Volume 1

By Nate Feldman

Chapter 1

It was a bright, clear June afternoon at Camp Doomsday.  The sun was sparkling off the lake, and the sound of birds chirping was heard throughout the lush green leaves of trees on the campgrounds.  It was the perfect afternoon for Josh and Ghazel to do a promotional video about their camp.

The cameraman had been walking around the area taking videos of the scenic landscape as well as capturing footage of campers in a variety of activities.  Now, he was prepared to interview the two co-directors about their work.  They were back in the cabin used as the main office.  Josh and Ghazel were standing beside their desk as they waited for the cameraman to give them the signal to begin.  Once they got the OK, the recording began.

"Howdy campers!" Josh said enthusiastically.  "Welcome to Camp Doomsday!  The only place in the world where humans and monsters interact with one another and form lifelong relationships!  My name is Josh, and this is my co-founder and co-director, Ghazel."

Ghazel smiled and waved for the camera.  Josh continued.  

"You know, every time you put on some program, it's about the zombie apocalypse or humans having to fight off some terrifying creature or creatures.  But, we at Camp Doomsday don't believe it has to be that way.  Our campers are humans and monsters that learn one another's traditions while breaking down stereotypes.  Our staff is made up of humans and monsters alike in a variety of positions, showing we can learn to live together with one another when given an opportunity."

Josh went silent and Ghazel began speaking.

"Growing up as a young witch, I heard awful stories of humans putting ancestors of mine on trial and hanging them.  Most people I encountered viewed me as a horrible threat to their safety.  But, when I came to this camp, I learned that through knowing people, we could understand one another better."

"So, whether you're a human," Josh stated.

"Or a monster," Ghazel added in.

"And you have a young child," Josh said.  "Enroll them in Camp Doomsday this summer."

"The place where humans and monsters co-exist!" they said emphatically together.

The camera continued for a couple of seconds and then stopped.

"Great!" shouted the cameraman.  "You guys are naturals!"

Josh and Ghazel turned to one another, smiled, and high-fived the other.  

"I think I've got enough footage and soundbites to make a great promo video for this place."

"Great!" Josh said.  "Before you go, you should join us for dinner in the food hall.  And after that, we'll be doing some singing around a campfire tonight.  We have a special song we've composed.  It would be great to add this to the video as well."

"Sounds great!" said the cameraman.  

All three exited the cabin to meet the campers and other staff for dinner.  

Meanwhile, when everyone was gone, a menacing creature appeared from the woods behind the building and peered inside to the room where they had just been filming.  It was filled with malice and hatred towards the place on what it felt was its land.  It took out its hands with razor-sharp claws and scraped across the side of the cabin, leaving visible horizontal line marks.