At the border [5]

After a few hours, all the plans were about to begin, but before that, the soldiers would have a meal like no other, where they would enjoy meat, alcohol, or any other food they desired.

Everyone knew it, they knew that this meal could possibly be their last, so they simply enjoyed what they had with a smile on their faces. After all, they are soldiers.

...

Airon walked through the streets of Birmingham, observing with satisfaction the changes that had occurred in the city since he and the soldiers had liberated the area from the walkers. Life had returned to flourish, and people walked freely through the streets, without fear or distress on their faces.

The houses and buildings had been meticulously restored, the windows gleamed in the sunlight, and the gardens were filled with colorful flowers. The sound of laughter and lively conversation filled the air, replacing the eerie silence that had prevailed during the dark days since the walkers emerged.

Airon came across a group of children playing in a park. Their laughter echoed in the air as they swung on the swings and slid down the slides. They were children who had been born and raised in this new world, but unlike those who had experienced the era of the walkers, these children had an innocence and joy that seemed unbreakable.

He watched an elderly couple strolling hand in hand, reminiscing about the days before the Apocalypse that had destroyed their home, which they had bought many years ago. But the trust and love reflected in their eyes were a testimony to the resilience of humanity's spirit. They had overcome the nightmare of the walkers and found the strength to rebuild their lives.

Airon also noticed how the community had come together in times of adversity. Groups of volunteers helped rebuild houses, cultivated community gardens, and shared resources to ensure that no one went hungry or felt abandoned. It was a touching example of solidarity and mutual support for which Airon had been working since he created this organization.

As he walked through the streets, people greeted him with a smile and gratitude. Airon knew that it wasn't just him who deserved recognition, but all those who had fought alongside him to free the city from the threat of walkers. They were anonymous heroes who had risked their lives for the well-being of all, and many others had died without the deserved recognition.

But in this life, they couldn't afford that luxury, especially with all the concerns at hand. It wasn't yet time to celebrate or become complacent.

Airon, the commander of the S.C.T., felt proud of what they had accomplished. The city of Birmingham was now a prosperous and peaceful place where people could live without the constant fear of walkers. They had regained their trust and faith in humanity.

Airon stopped at a park and sat on a bench, contemplating the panorama that lay before him. It was a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always hope and the possibility of rebuilding a better world. He knew that there were still challenges ahead, such as the CRM and other unknown threats, but he was confident that together they could overcome any obstacle and protect the freedom and peace they had regained.

With renewed determination, Airon stood up from the bench and headed back to his command post. There was much to be done, but he was ready to face any challenge with courage and leadership. Birmingham was just the beginning, and he was determined to bring hope and security to all the cities and communities that had been affected by the walker plague.

As Airon made his way to the command room, he came across a little girl who was looking up with concern. Following her gaze, Airon noticed a cat perched high in a tree.

Approaching the teary-eyed girl, Airon smiled kindly and said, "Hello, little one. Do you need help with your cat?"

The girl nodded eagerly, a spark of happiness in her eyes. "Yes, please! My cat, Mimi, climbed up the tree and couldn't come down. I'm really worried that I won't be able to help her!"

Airon crouched down to the girl's level and reassured her, "Don't worry, I can help Mimi come down. What's your name?"

The girl smiled and replied, "I'm Elen, and that cat Mimi is my best friend. I want her to be safely back on the ground because if she can't come down, she'll starve."

Airon looked at the chubby cat perched in the tree and assessed the best way to resolve the situation. He turned to the girl and asked, "Have you ever seen someone climb a tree before?"

The girl shook her head and said, "No, but I'm sure you can do it. You know, my dad was a firefighter, and he said any young man can climb a tree."

Airon was moved by the girl's confidence in him. He took a moment to explain his plan, "Listen, I will carefully climb the tree and reach Mimi. Then, I'll bring her down gently so she'll be safe. But I want you to stay away, okay?"

The girl named Elen nodded earnestly and took a few steps back as Airon began to climb with skill and dexterity. With each movement, he got closer to the frightened cat. Finally, he managed to reach Mimi and took her carefully in his arms.

He descended the tree slowly and approached the girl, whose eyes were filled with joy. Airon gently handed Mimi to her and said, "Here's Mimi, safe and sound."

The girl embraced Mimi lovingly and then looked at Airon with gratitude. "Thank you, sir. You're very brave and kind, you know, I have a sister who's single, my mom tells her she should find a boyfriend, so I can introduce you to my sister."

Airon's eyes fluctuated, and unable to contain his smile, he said, "Haha, you're welcome. I'm glad I could help you. Just remember to take care of Mimi and never mention that about your sister."

The girl nodded seriously and promised, "I will, I promise."

Airon looked at the cat and regretted not having found one earlier; the irony of it all was that he found tigers before a stray cat.

After a brief conversation, Airon said goodbye to the girl and continued on his way to the command room. The innocence and sincerity of the conversation with the girl reminded him of the importance of his mission. They were not only fighting against the walkers and the CRM, but also striving to preserve a world where people could live in harmony and protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

With a heart filled with determination and hope, Airon entered the command room, ready to face the challenges that awaited him and lead his team toward a better future.