Something Nice

They drove back to Tokyo feeling drained and awkward, the streets were eerily quiet, aside for the occasional groaning of a zombie shuffling down an alleyway or the distant rumble of an abandoned car. The sun began to set, casting a soft orange glow across the ruined city and painting it in shades of eerie beauty. As they drove on through what used to be bustling neighborhoods and vibrant marketplaces, Liam couldn't help but feel like this silent void was more oppressive than any army of zombies we might encounter. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to say something but Carla beat him to it. "H-Higa... do you mind if I ask a question?" she sounded rather serious, despite her stuttering. The air in the car felt thick and oppressive; it was filled with a tense, expectant kind of silence that only comes before an argument. One could almost feel the charged particles passing through the atmosphere like all of us had been taken into a vacuum chamber. We were all on edge, Angelica's heart was pounding fiercely as she looked over at Liam and steeled herself for what was coming next. "No, go ahead." Higa responded, keeping a blank look. Carla took a deep breath, she knew what she had to say but she didn't want to be rude "Could you quit p-protecting me?". "No." He replied quickly, not even turning around. "Please Higa, I d-don't want to stay on the s-sidelines and watch my friends risk their lives despite there being a way for me to help and you won't even let me p-pick up a weapon!" She explained, her eyes filled with determination. "Carla...you and me both know why I won't let you pick one up. I made a promise, and we both agreed" Higa slightly sped up. "That doesn't matter now! We're in a zombie apocalypse we need everyone to fight and that includes-" She was cut off by Higa suddenly stopping the rover, he looked back at her with a calm expression "Fine. But you'll have to prove to me you can handle one before...you know.". Carla looked surprised at first, she didn't expect to get this far. Maybe it was the fact she asked politely. She had always been a polite girl since childhood, never wavering even when growing up. Higa started the car again, the drive was still quiet but Angelica wasn't very tense anymore. to be honest from the way Carla screamed at her earlier you'd think she'd scream at Higa too but I guess it was in the heat of the moment?