Chapter 10: Majority

I turned around and saw Zach. Damn it, why him? Zach is smart; I don't think I can fool him. He was about to say something.

"What is that?!" I pointed to the left. He looked, and I immediately ran. I should have run before I said something. I can trust Zach; he's not like the others who will tell everyone what they saw.

I ran inside and luckily bumped into Ariela.

"Mommy!" I said, looking at Zach chasing me.

"Where did you go, Az? I've been looking for you," she said, holding my hands.

"Hehe, I was playing in the court," I said, sounding nervous. Ariela saw Zach and called him over. Why, Ariela?!

"Come here, Zach. We have something to discuss with you kids," Ariela said, holding Zach's hand as we walked. I looked away.

"Why did you run? I just wanted to ask if you got out of the wall," he whispered to me. My eyes widened, and I laughed awkwardly.

"Ha ha ha, is that so? I was startled,"

"Hmm? Why? What were you doing near the walls? We're not allowed to go out of the boundary," he whispered. I scratched my head.

"I was, uh, right! I was chasing a butterfly! Hehe, yeah, I was chasing it," I nervously laughed, and he looked confused.

"Just never mind that, okay, Zach?" I said, trying to act cute.

"Yeah, whatever," he said, looking away.

I almost had a heart attack! I thought Zach saw me come out of the basement. I realized now everyone is gathered in the middle while King and the other leaders are on a mini stage. Is it today?

"Uncle King has an announcement, and all the kids need to be here," Zach said.

Then Ariela left Zach with his parents, Euno and Bree. Ariela and I went up on the stage. I was the only kid there with them. I looked around. Wow, we're growing fast! How many of us are there now? It's good there are a lot of survivors. Thanks to King and his group for acting fast when the zombie outbreak happened. Wait, is BJ rolling her eyes at me?

Geo held my other hand and smiled weakly at me.

"Now that everyone is here, We have announcement that will change our daily life. "

King's voice echoed in the warehouse using a microphone. It was a good idea to make this warehouse soundproof when I was still Ajena. Everyone waited, curious about what King would say. He sighed, and I saw Bree, Zach's mother, crying while hugging Zach.

"We discussed this thoroughly and decided to teach the kids the truth behind the walls." With that, everyone was shocked and started murmuring.

King let the others voice their opinions and murmur. Some of them disagreed. As the murmurs grew louder,

One of the parents voiced out, His family rescued three years ago . "King, this isn't right. The kids born inside these walls or too young to remember the outbreak shouldn't be burdened with this harsh reality. They're innocent. Let them stay that way."

A few others nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and fear.

Another parent holding her young daughter, added, " Aren't you guys built these walls to protect them, not just physically but mentally? They deserve a chance at a normal childhood, away from the horrors outside."

King listened patiently, his expression serious. "I understand your concerns, but ignorance won't protect them forever. The outside world is dangerous, and they need to be prepared."

"But why now?" Others that rescued two years ago

"We're finally finding some stability. Telling them about that , It could destroy their sense of safety "

Ariela squeezed my hand, her eyes filled with worry. "King, is there no other way? Maybe we can gradually introduce them to the truth?"

King sighed deeply. "We considered that, but we don't have the luxury of time. The threats are evolving, and the kids need to understand what's at stake. We can't shelter them forever."

Another one that was rescued 5 years ago hugging his son, spoke through her tears. "I don't want my son to live in fear. He's already seen too much. Can't we protect them a little longer?"

King's gaze softened. "I know it's hard. But we need to think about their future. They need to know what's beyond these walls they can't lived in lie forever, so they can survive if the time comes."

The warehouse filled with a tense silence. Parents exchanged worried glances, and I could feel the anxiety in the air.

King continued, "We will do our best to teach them gently, but they need to be aware. The truth is harsh, but we owe it to them to be honest."

Thame tugged at her mother sleeve, asking softly, "Mommy, what's wrong? Is the sharks attacking us?"

Her Mother Yan hugged her tightly, whispering, "Nothing, sweetie. Everything will be okay."

As the murmurs of disagreement continued, Peter, one of the leaders approached King

"King, if we're going to make a decision like this, we need to do it right. Let's put it to a vote. Majority rules. Whether we tell the kids or keep them in the dark should be decided by all of us."

There was a mix of reactions. Some parents nodded, appreciating Peter's suggestion, while others looked uncertain, glancing at their children with worry.

King looked at Peter, considering his proposal. "A vote, then. It's fair, and everyone gets a say."

Peter nodded, turning to the crowd.

"Alright, everyone. Those in favor of telling the kids the truth behind the walls, raise your hands."

A few hands went up immediately, including Peter's and some of the other leaders who had been in discussions with King. Others hesitated, looking around to see how their neighbors were voting.

"Now, those who think the kids should remain unaware, raise your hands," Peter continued.

This time, more hands went up. Parents who wanted to preserve their children's innocence, like Mrs. Lee and Bree, were among them.

King surveyed the crowd, counting the raised hands for both options. The room was tense, the decision heavy on everyone's minds. Wait! Are they thinking right? They should wake up kids need to know the truth! They cannot live in a lie that we are in the middle of ocean! This majority is not good. I looked at Ariela and King

Come on! Say something to change their mind!

"Wait," Rose said firmly, her voice cutting through the murmurs. "Before we finalize this decision, I need to say something."

Everyone turned to look at her yes! go Rose! I'll behave here as you guys narrator hehee and even King appeared curious. Rose was known for her wisdom and calm demeanor. She rarely spoke up unless it was something truly important.

Rose took a deep breath and addressed the crowd. "I understand the desire to protect our children. We all want them to feel safe and innocent for as long as possible. But let's think about the consequences of keeping them in the dark."

She paused, allowing her words to sink in. "What happens if our walls are breached? If our children have no idea what dangers await outside, how can they protect themselves? Ignorance might feel like protection now, but in the long run, it will only make them more vulnerable."

Rose's words created a ripple of unease among the parents. Some nodded, considering her perspective, while others still looked hesitant.

"We cannot afford to shelter them forever," Rose continued

"If we don't prepare them, we're setting them up for failure. Imagine the shock and terror they'll feel if they suddenly face the reality without any knowledge or preparation. We owe it to them to give them the tools to survive."

Ariela, still holding my hand, I could see the worry in her eyes.

"Let's not make this decision out of fear," Rose urged. "Let's make it out of love and responsibility. Our children are stronger and more resilient than we think. They can handle the truth if we guide them through it."

There was a moment of silence, and then J stepped forward again. Oh J is speaking.

"Rose makes a point. Perhaps we should reconsider the vote, given the gravity of the situation."

King nodded in agreement. " Let's put it to a vote once more. This time, consider the long-term implications for our children's safety and future."

J turned to the crowd again. "Alright, everyone. Those in favor of telling the kids the reality behind the walls, raise your hands."

This time, more hands went up, influenced by Rose's heartfelt plea. Parents who had previously been unsure or against the idea now reconsidered their stance.

"And those who think the kids should remain unaware?" J asked.

Fewer hands went up this time. The room was still tense, but it was clear that Rose's words had made a significant impact.

King surveyed the crowd once more. "The majority now favors telling the children the truth. We will move forward with this plan, ensuring that we do it gently and with care."

There was a mix of relief and apprehension in the air, but the decision was made. Rose's intervention had changed the minds of many, highlighting the importance of preparing the next generation for the harsh realities they might face.

" B-but! "

Oh-oh! Who is it now?! The Majority is decided already!