Chapter 13: Camaraderie

Chapter 13: Day 7

With the addition of the new members to our group, we began working together, gradually building trust and camaraderie. Just before the sun set, we successfully finished fixing the solar panels, connecting them to the house, and bathing it in much-needed light. Now, we could breathe a bit easier, knowing that the darkness wouldn't be as welcoming to the lurking threats outside.

Day 8

The group was divided into two teams: one focused on looting the town for essential supplies, while the other worked diligently to fortify our stronghold. We set out to reinforce the fences, cut trees to clear potential hiding spots, and construct watchtowers to enhance our defensive capabilities. It was an ongoing process that required time and effort, but every little improvement brought us closer to a safer haven.

During a break from our laborious tasks, I turned to Sam and Ben, two of the newcomers. "Hey, your names were Sam and Ben, right?" I asked, seeking to engage them in conversation.

Sam nodded, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "Yeah, that's right. Is something wrong?"

I hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I'm just curious. Have you ever killed one of those monsters?" I asked, my voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and empathy.

Sam exchanged a brief glance with Ben, the weight of their shared experiences evident. "I... I did," Sam admitted, his voice heavy with remorse. "They were once humans... but I did it to survive. If I hadn't killed him that night... we might not be standing here talking to you," he confessed, his gaze downcast.

Observing Sam's inner turmoil, Ben stepped in. "Hey, those aren't human anymore, okay? You don't have to regret a thing. Just be grateful that because of you, you managed to protect your friends," he reassured Sam, his voice filled with understanding.

Sam let out a grateful sigh, his burden somewhat lightened. "Thanks," he whispered, a glimmer of acceptance in his eyes.

Alex, who had been listening silently, approached them with a compassionate smile. "He's right, you know. We've all done things in this new world that we're not proud of. It's a harsh reality we face, but dwelling on regrets won't help us move forward," he said, placing a comforting hand on Sam's shoulder.

I joined in, slapping Alex on the back playfully. "That's right, man! Let's focus on the task at hand. We still have many places to loot, starting with this clinic. So, let's get going and make the most of our time," I exclaimed, injecting a note of enthusiasm into the air, hoping to lift everyone's spirits.

With renewed determination, we set off towards our next target, knowing that we had to make the most of every opportunity in this unforgiving world. As we moved forward, our bond as a group grew stronger, and the weight of our past actions slowly became easier to bear, united in our shared journey for survival.

Day 9

Nothing much had happened as usual we did our thing, Me, Alex, Sam and Ben was the one going around the town getting everything we can and transporting it to the base while the others, Mark, Jake and Amy was the one making the stronghold more stronger against zombies and humans.

As we still don't know each other that much, only Amy and I were the one carrying guns, though it might seem unfair, but all of them agreed as long as they could stay here.

Day 10

As days go by, we continue to do our thing.

Sighed, Mark sighed, "Fortifying our base is harder than it said, though with the equipment and machines that they brought back from the town, this thing make it easier than manual," Mark said

Mark is the leader of their group before they find us. He's a security guard, Sam was a student, Jake was a salaryman, while Ben was a small vlogger, they were one of the lucky survivors that managed to survive and got away from the city sanctuary that the government made.

"Well, they have been going around the town for a while now, taking almost everything they set their eyes into, whatever they are interested into or something important," Amy replied

"I may be sexist telling this, but for a girl to be a leader... are we going to be okay?" Jake asked, "I didn't mean to say that you are not fit to become a leader, but you know... Men usually do that job, you know,"

"Hey Jake -"

"It's fine, Mark, I understand your concerns, Jake. True leadership transcends gender. Throughout history, women have demonstrated their capabilities as leaders in various fields. My gender does not define my abilities or limit my potential. I possess the qualities, skills, and vision necessary to be an effective leader. Let's focus on my qualifications and dedication rather than preconceived notions."

"Watch me how to do it, I promise you, you would regret saying those words."

"I look forward to," Jake replied

In Mico's side, "Hey, wanna go to the school?" I suggested as we are putting things in the truck we looted from a convenient store.

"Huh? what's up going into a school? they don't have what we need, so what's the point?" Alex asked

"C'mon, it's gonna be fun! I haven't gone to school since this all happened."

"Of course you haven't! who would go to school in apocalypse?"

Sam and Ben laugh, "Hahaha, well, how about we give it a try? it's a good break for us to look around the school, isn't it?" Sam suggested

"Well, it wouldn't hurt going there, and it's just for a moment, so let's go," Ben insisted

"Well, let's go then," Alex finally gave up and agreed to us

After putting everything in the truck, we then drive towards the school.

The school that is used to be full of people, clean and organized, has turned into an unused building, blood stains the wall and everywhere, it's like haunted.

The three pause for a moment before entering the gate, "H-hey... should we still go inside? I mean, this should be good enough, isn't it?" Sam asked. He looked scared

"Y-yeah... we should go back now, Mico." Ben suggested

"Nah, nobody's going back. We're already here. Let's finish what we started," I insisted, looking for 'adventure' inside the school, and besides, it's still early, not even noon, so everything should be fine.

"Let's finish this fast, goddammit," Alex said and got inside the gate

The two followed even if they were scared

They successfully got inside the school, "Damn, this place is thrice as big compared to my school," I said

"Well, duh, this is a city after all," Alex said

"Hey, is this already enough?" Sam said

"..."

"Don't be such a pussy now, if you're scared that much you can stay in the truck you know" I said

"I don't feel good about this Mico, I watch many horror movies up until now and I figured that why would a group of teenagers explore an haunted house isn't that stupid? now we're in the same situation. I know I'm being paranoid, but we're going to wait at the truck... is that okay with you guys? Ben said, following his instinct

"Yeah... you two can wait in the truck, I'm sorry for forcing you two to explore this school," I said sincerely

"No, no, we understand your excitement. I was also like that, haha, I should be the one apologizing for being a coward," Ben said

"That's now cowardly. You're following your instinct just fine. That's probably the reason why you survived up until now. Don't worry about it too much, Mico here is just being dumb and an adventurous, fella, but Alex said

"Alex said was true, but I'm not dumb,"

"We're both going then,"

We then explore it together with Mico, though I'm still feeling down about what happened earlier. My excitement is now gone.

"Hey, don't let what happened down you. Let's just enjoy this and let them regret now going here," Alex said with a smile

"Hah, I was going that to begin with." Not gonna lie, Alex is a kind man. The world just treated him trash.