Ever since Zoey was born, her heart had never beat. As well as a very zombie-like appearance, with pale skin, white eyes, and a cold body. Her rare case resulted in her parents becoming scared of her, and neglecting her. She spent most of her life in her room, locked away, as if she hadn't existed. She read books about the outside world, she was fascinated. She had never been outside, the closest she's ever been to the world outside is through her window.
One day, Zoey had grown tired of her sad life, she'd just turned 18 and decided to run away. She jumped out of her window and escaped from her parents. Her parents who never fed her. Her parents who treated her like she never existed. Her parents who had neglected her for so long. She wandered the streets for hours, in search for a place to stay. She could go a long period of time without food, but that doesn't mean she can live without it.
Eventually, the thought of giving up crossed Zoey's mind. "What was I thinking, running away? My parents probably don't even notice I'm gone yet, I should go back." Her stomach growled, and she sighed, kicking a rock. She was starving, freezing, all alone. "This can't be the way I die. No, I'm already dead. That's why my life is like this. That's why even my parents are afraid of me."
Zoey sat down on a nearby bench, rubbing her hands together to keep warm. She was shivering, and cold. The world was nothing like she read about. It was cold, dark, grey. She closed her eyes to escape from this harsh reality. She imagined herself standing in a flower field with floors of all colors. It was just like in the picture books she always read, her only connection to the real world. Zoey's daydream was cut short when she heard a voice call out.
"Hey! Are you okay?" She opened her eyes, looking up to see a boy around her age staring down at her. "No, I'm not." Zoey replied, trying not to cry. "What's wrong?" The boy said. "I have no where to go, I ran away from my parents, and they probably don't even realize I'm gone." Zoey wiped away her tears with the back of her hand. "My parents don't care about me, they only feed me once a week, and act like I don't even exist." The boy sat down next to Zoey, and put his coat on her. "Would you mind telling me more about it?" He asked.
"I was basically born dead. My heart doesn't beat, I don't even need it to survive. I also have a very zombie-like appearance, pale skin, white eyes, cold body. I'm literally a zombie." Zoey started sobbing. "What is your name? Mine is Liam." Zoey looked at Liam. "It's Zoey." Liam smiled. "Zoey means 'life', how ironic." Liam said. "Listen, Zoey, I think it would be best if you come stay with me." Zoey's eyes widened, as she aggressively nodded her head in agreement. "I'm glad you agree." Liam took Zoey's hand, as they started walking to his house.
On the way to his house, they talked. "So, your heart doesn't beat? How is that even possible?" Liam asked Zoey. "I dunno." Zoey replied. "Uhm, Liam?" Zoey said. "Yes?" Liam replied. "Aren't you scared of me? I mean, I'm a zombie." Zoey asked. "Not at all." Liam replied and smiled. "Anyway, we're here." They arrived at Liam's apartment building. "Follow me, and stay close." Zoey clinged to Liam's arm and walked with him.
When they got to Liam's apartment, Liam pulled out his key and unlocked the door and opened it. "Come inside." Liam's apartment was messy, there were clothes, books, paper, and trash everywhere. "How often do you clean?" Zoey asked. She walked inside and took her shoes off. "I don't clean often, sorry." Zoey neatly placed her shoes next to the door, and closed it. "I didn't cook anything, are you fine with waiting while I make you something?" Liam asked. "It's okie." Zoey replied. "I can clean up while you're cooking." Liam walked into the kitchen and grabbed a pot from the cabinet. "That's alright with me, all the cleaning supplies are in the closet down the hallway." Liam replied.
After Zoey finished cleaning, she sat down and patiently waited until Liam finished cooking. "I'm done, here." Liam placed down two plates of food on the table, and sat down on the floor next to Zoey. "Thanks a lot." Zoey replied. She grabbed her fork and started eating.
"Liam, thank you a lot for letting me stay with you." Liam smiled. "It's no problem." Zoey turned to look at Liam. "I'm serious, I owe you my life." Zoey moved closer to Liam, and kissed him. "My first kiss, I gave it to you." Liam sighed. "I hope it's enough." Zoey smiled sweetly. "Zoey, kissing is something you do with someone you love." Zoey's face turned red. "I love you." Zoey realize how red she was getting, and placed her hand on her chest.
Her heart was beating.