Surviving with my family during an Apocalypse

A young man in his early twenties was currently walking towards the exit of the airport. The young man's appearance is can said to be above average with black hair and eyes. Overall, a little bit attractive and charming. He was wearing a normal black shirt and jeans.

But his most defining feature that caught some people's interest, especially some women, were undoubtedly his body. He was 6 ft tall, with a slim body. Though that doesn't hide the fact that his body has some muscles that can be seen in his exposed arm.

The young man's name is Karl Rein. He recently just came back from serving the military after 2 years since he was 18 years old. Now, he was back home at the exact date of his birthday. To celebrate it with his beloved family.

If your curious on how he decided to serve in the military in the first place, well... the reason is quite normal as you would think. Ever since he was young, Karl have watched movies, animes, read novels, play games and other such stuff that other normal kids his age would normally like. And he particularly liked the ones that has action as it's theme.

He could still remember the day he first watched an action movie. At that moment, something ignited inside him. Like a fire that wants to burst out from inside him and burn everything in sight. A hidden side of him that he never knew until he learned the existence of fighting. Violence, ruthlessness, fierceness and other such feelings flooded his young mind. It was almost as if the most primal instincts that humans once had from the ancient times where the only law is the Law of the Jungle, but now lost in the present time, came back to life again inside him.

Ever since that day, Karl's life has changed. He immediately started pursuing this strange feeling of his. He would research exercise routines and he would do it. He joined clubs for martial arts. He would go to gym to train his body and in home, he would improve his fighting skills. He even participated multiple times in martial arts tournaments.

The more he learned about fighting, the stronger those primal instincts and feelings became. Until the moment where he grew addicted to it, almost as if his whole being is craving for battles. Pain and injuries that he gained along the away didn't made him afraid. It only thrilled him even further.

Due to his ever growing desire of fighting, he almost lost his sense of self, but to his utmost relief his family was there to keep him sane. They helped him control himself better. That's why he loves his family so much.

Then finally when he became 18 years old, he decided to try and do the craziest action he ever took in his whole life. Enlist himself in the military to experience real combat. This decision of his didn't happen because of impulse. He wanted to get there for two reasons, the first is to experience real life combat and the second and most important reason, was to control his own self. He didn't want to keep depending on his family in keeping him in order. He wanted to do it himself. That's why he wanted to go there.

But he knew that in order to do that, he would need to pass the first and hardest obstacle, his family.

As expected, when he told them his plans on his birthday, it met the disapproval of his family. They insisted him to not go through with his plans. Even though he tried to convince them that he will be fine, they firmly and resolutely tried to stop him. In the end, they won.

He comply to their request because he loves his family more than his dreams. He didn't get mad at them of course because he knows they were only doing it for his safety, but he couldn't hide his disappointment as well.

But the unexpected happen. After a week has passed since his birthday, the family had a talk again and they finally accepted to his request. But on one major condition that Karl can't refuse. Not that he would because that condition was, as expected: To return safe and sound.

Thus, after a few weeks he finally got enlisted in the military and was about to set off to the training camp. The whole family hugged each other tightly while crying on that day of Karl's, departure, him included.

In his first month in the military, he had a hard time adapting to it, especially with his family being far away. The severly strict order and discipline that a soldier must have, for him was stressful and exhausting. But for his dreams and his family, he held on and continued working hard.

Over time, he finally managed to adapt to his new environment. He also learned many new things, like how to use a gun, learn how to drive tanks, and other such things that a soldier needs to learn. Of course, there's also the improvement in his physical fighting prowess. Most importantly, he managed to gain full control of his self.

Now, after 2 years of serving and completing all of his plans in the military, he took the most reasonable course of action. He retired and decided to go back home where his family is.

Back to the present. When Karl got outside of the airport, he looked up and saw the sky starting to darken. He looked at his watch and saw that it was currently 6 pm.

'I should still have time to buy presents for them before going home. By the time I arrive there, they should be finished preparing dinner.' Karl smiled at the thought of seeing his family again.

He walked towards the road dragging his suitcase behind and waited for a cab. When he saw one, he waved as the taxi stopped in front of him.

The driver got out of the car to open up the trunk. Then he looked at Karl and asked him, "Would you like me to help with that?"

Karl observed the driver for a moment, a habit he got accustomed to doing in the military. The driver is just a normal middle aged man. But what he sensed from him made Karl smile amiably. The way he asked Karl was more because of sincerity rather than obligatory, a trait that Karl undoubtedly appreciated.

Karl smiled while handing his suitcase, "I'll take you up on that offer then. Take you very much."

The driver smiled back, "No problem."

After putting the suitcase, they got inside and the driver asked, "Where would you want to go?"

"To the nearest mall please." Karl answered.

His answer made the driver surprised, "Ohh?". The driver hesitated for a moment before asking again, "Can you tell me the reason? Only if you don't mind of course."

The driver quickly added the last part nervously after seeing Karl look at him.

Karl chuckled, "You don't need to be nervous. I would like it if you just talk to me normally. As for the reason, well I was thinking to buy things for my family."

The driver became more calm after hearing that. He started driving as they had a casual conversation together.

"You didn't buy souvenirs?"

"Nah I just came back from the military."

"Oh. Thank you for your service."

It took less than an hour to reach the mall. He got inside after paying the driver with some tip and came back outside before 7.

Then he took a cab again this time towards his home. While on the way, he kept looking at the window, reminiscing all the familiar places he liked. The cab arrived there an hour later and after paying the driver, Karl stood in front of the lawn of his house nervously.

He looked at his home which is neither too big nor too small, just a normal house that you would see everywhere, but for him it was the most special place on Earth because this is where he grew up and the place where his beloved family lives. He stood still for a moment, took a deep breath to calm himself before taking a step forward until he reached the door.

He pressed the doorbell and waited for a few moments. It didn't take long until he heard rapid footsteps from beyond the door. Karl couldn't help but smile.

Then the door swung violently as three figures revealed themselves, with tears falling from their eyes yet a huge smile was plastered on their face as they shouted excitedly while running towards him.

"Sweetie/Karl/big bro!"

Karl spread his arms wide as he received their hug. He couldn't help but cry and say to them that is full of love, happiness, joy and all the positive emotion one could think of.

"I'm home."