Chapter 9 (We Want You to Stay)
Chapter 9: We Want You to Stay
Rudolph Alinsky
Estimated, May 2025
About 36 months after outbreak
Oregon
Season 1
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"The food is delicious, Alora, you did wonderfully."
"Thank you, Jayce, it really is a shame we can't use the food court more often."
"It only ever is practical for when we have guests, otherwise it just makes too many leftovers and we have no where to store it. It would be a waste."
"You guys didn't have to do this."
"Nonsense, you deserve a hot meal after everything you've been through out there. Plus I think your little one really likes it."
"More, Dada?"
"Juna's welcome to have as much as she wants, no limits, but once she's done I'd be more than happy to show you guys to your room for the night. Airianna can be transferred there as well so you won't have to spend the night in the medical bay."
"I could take them, it's your turn to put Milo to bed anyways."
"If you insist, Aubrey, it's the old Mattress Firm."
I could see a certain look on Aubrey's face. She was scared and nervous, but I couldn't figure out why. The way she avoided looking directly at Jayce seemed odd. Odd enough to send a chill down my spine and only make me want to leave even more.
I ate quicker than I intended, I didn't even notice my hands had been shaking. Juna finished her second helping, she opened her mouth probably to ask for more and as much as I wanted her to eat until she felt nauseous, I needed to shake this uneasy feeling.
"I think we'll turn in for the night."
"Of course. Aubrey, please escort them through the main hall. The room should be on your left don't forget to pick up Airianna on your way."
There was a chill in the air the whole time we spent together. Airianna felt it too, like something bad was going to happen. When we got to the Mattress Firm Aubrey set Airianna down on one of the beds but before she left she lightly grabbed my arm and whispered in my ear words I wish she hadn't said.
"This place isn't what it seems."