Chapter 45: Open up

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AFTER AN HOUR

"Boys, come back. The helicopter is full. Let's go." Luna said to Anik, Ace and Jonathan who were ganging up on mutant zombies.

After hearing Luna, they kill that mutant and immediately run towards the helicopter. While more zombies were attracted and followed them to the starting helicopter.

After getting inside the helicopter, the old man drew and started gaining alleviation. The normal zombies try to get them but they are too late and the team already fly away.

"Captain, how many times do we have to refuel the helicopter to reach California," Anik asked Luna.

"Two more times. The old man Drew took us to an open area far away from the city near the forest. We will camp there today. The sun is getting low." Luna said to the pilot.

The old pilot nodded and after a few hours, they reached the outermost side of Colorado. They were getting out of the helicopter and the night was almost there. They aren't moving towards the forest.

"Holden and Jonathan carry the supplies. Ace and Anik guard Sophia and old man Drew. And I will lead the way. So follow me." Luna said to the team.

Slowly they reached inside the forest which was far away from the deora city of Colorado. Anik and Ace started to collect wood and timbers as they reached their camping area.

After gathering wood and timber, they went back to see tents made by Luna, an old man Drew and Sophia as Holden and Jonathan guard them.

As each completes their task they make tents, campfires and cooking meals, etc. Everyone was sitting near the campfire eating food.

"So, Anik what are you going to do after finishing your job there in California," Luna asked Anik.

"I don't know." Anik lied to Luna. He can't tell him that he will leave the world yet. It's not the time right now.

And, again everyone started eating their food and talking to each other.

"Hey, everyone! Can you believe we're still here, surviving in this post-apocalyptic world?" Jonathan said to everyone.

"It's been a challenging journey, but I'm grateful we have each other. So, I was thinking, amidst all this chaos, have any of you been dreaming lately of achieving their goals even in this world?"Luna asked everyone.

"Guys, I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do in this chaotic world. I want to help injured people physically and mentally in any way I can. It breaks my heart to see so much suffering." Sophia said looking determined.

"That's an amazing goal, Sophia. We need more compassionate people to tend to the wounded. Plus, your determination and medical skills could save countless lives." Holden said while nodding.

"Ace, what about your dream of singing huh?"Jonathan asked Ace with a cheeky smile.

"It's not like that I don't want to be a singer. He is just saying nonsense." Ace said annoyingly.

"Ace, there's nothing wrong with chasing your passion, even in this world. Music has a special power to heal hearts and lift spirits. Besides, who wouldn't want a singer as a comrade in the fight against adversity?" Luna said to Ace with a warm smile.

"I appreciate your support and everything, but I just don't see the point in talking about dreams anymore. I mean, look at the world we're in. Everything's gone to hell. Who's going to listen to someone singing when we're struggling to survive?" Ace said to Luna.

"Ace, I understand that the world we're in is harsh and unpredictable, but that doesn't mean we should stop dreaming. Our dreams give us hope, they give us something to strive for. And besides, music is a universal language that can bring comfort and joy even in the darkest of times.

Ace, I understand your concern about survival, but remember, life is about more than just surviving. It's about finding purpose and making the most out of the time we have. Your voice, your talent, it's a gift that can inspire others and bring light into the world. And who knows, maybe your music could be what keeps us going, what gives us the strength to face each day."

"I guess I've always seen my dream as just that, a dream. Something I can never truly achieve. It's easier to give up on it than face the disappointment of failing, especially in a world like this. But maybe you're right, Luna. Maybe there's value in holding onto our dreams, even when it feels futile." Ace paused for a bit deep in thought and said to Luna.

"Exactly, Ace. Dreams are meant to be pursued, no matter the circumstances. When you sing, when you express yourself, you bring a piece of beauty and hope even to this apocalyptic world. And you never know, the people you touch with your music may be inspired to create a better future for themselves and all of us. Don't underestimate the power of your passion." Holden said to Ace.

"What about you Holden?" Luna asked Holden.

"Well, if I'm being honest, my dream might not save lives, but it'll bring some comfort and happiness. I want to become a cook. I love the idea of creating delicious dishes out of limited ingredients, and in this apocalyptic setting, good food can be a rare luxury." Holden said to the team while grinning.

"Holden, your cooking skills will be invaluable. A good meal can bring people some sense of normalcy in these troubled times. Plus, who wouldn't want to enjoy a tasty dish after a day of surviving the wasteland?" Anik said to Holden.

"Sophia, you'll be there to heal anyone who overeats from Holden's delicious cooking!" Jonathan said jokingly.

"What about you, Luna? You haven't mentioned your dreams yet." Ace asked Luna.

"Well, I've always dreamt of becoming a general—leading a group of survivors against the threats we face. I want to ensure our safety and create a community where we can rebuild together." Luna said to the team taking a deep breath.

"That's a bold dream, Luna. Want to take my father's place huh? But, We need brave leaders like you who can strategize and keep us organized. Your leadership skills will make a huge difference in our survival." Sophia impressed said to Luna.

"What's your goal or dream in this post-apocalyptic world, Jonathan?" Holden asked Jonathan next.

"Ah, the million-dollar question, my friend! Well, in this crazy world, my goal is pretty simple: to bring a smile to as many faces as possible, even amidst all the chaos. Laughter will be the saving grace, I tell you!" Jonathan said with a smile.

"That's a noble aspiration, Jonathan! We need some laughter to lighten the darkness. How are you planning to achieve that?" Holden said to Jonathan.

"Well, first, I plan on starting a comedy show. Picture this - a makeshift stage, a bunch of ragtag survivors sitting around a bonfire, and me cracking jokes. I'll gather stories from our journey, find humour even in the direst of situations, and share it with everyone. Laughter is contagious, after all!" Jonathan said cheekily.

"Hahahaha!!hahaha!!!" Everyone laughed at Jonathan's dream not because the dream was stupid but because his dream itself was funny.

"That sounds amazing, Jonathan. I can already imagine the joy it'll bring to people's lives." Sophia said to Jonathan.

"Oh! We have two choices - let fear consume us or embrace our passions and bring light to the darkness. Besides, laughter has this unique power of uniting people." Jonathan said to them.

"You're right, Jonathan. Laughter truly brings people together, and community is what we need to survive in this new world. I admire your bravery and determination to spread joy." Luna said to Jonathan.

"Anik," she began, her voice gentle yet persistent. "Tell us, what was your dream before all of this chaos?"

Anik looked down at the ground, his expression tinged with a mix of sadness and longing. Sophia could sense the weight of unfulfilled aspirations in his response.

"Well, Sophia," Anik sighed, his voice filled with a hint of nostalgia. "Before this post-apocalyptic world, I dreamt of becoming a writer. I wanted to craft stories that could transport people to different worlds, evoke emotions, and inspire them to see the beauty in life despite the darkness."

Sophia's eyes widened with intrigue. "That sounds incredible, Anik," she replied softly. "Writing has such a powerful way of connecting people and offering them an escape. It's a shame that the circumstances we find ourselves in have made it difficult for you to pursue that dream."

Anik nodded, looking into the distance as memories of a bygone era filled his mind. "Writing allowed me to express the thoughts and emotions that were otherwise difficult to articulate. It gave me solace and a sense of purpose. But now, with limited resources and the constant struggle for survival, the act of writing feels like a luxury I can't afford anymore."

Sophia reached out, placing her hand gently on Anik's shoulder. "I understand, Anik. It's easy to feel defeated in times like these. But remember, dreams are resilient. They're like seeds that can take root in the most challenging of environments. We may not have the same opportunities we once had, but there's always a way to adapt and find new means of pursuing those dreams."

Anik glanced at Sophia, a flicker of hope igniting within his eyes. "You're right, Sophia. Maybe it's time to redefine what being a writer means to me. Perhaps I can still find a way to share stories, even if it's through oral traditions or documenting our experiences for future generations."

Sophia smiled warmly, her belief in Anik's potential shining through. "Exactly, Anik. The power of storytelling lies not only in the written word but also in the way it's shared and passed on. Your stories, your experiences, they hold immense value. Never underestimate the impact they can have, even if the world has changed."

*Cough*cough*cough*cough*

[*Cough*cough*cough*]

All the team members and the old pilot as well as Aafia cough in his mind. After that, both feel embarrassed for a second but after a while they control themselves.

"Haha~" Anik laughed nervously and looked at his teammates who were laughing at him and giving thumps up at him. Luna was talking with Sophia funnily too.

*Sigh*' I just got carried away a little bit.' Anik said in his mind. To forget about this embarrassing moment Anik started to ask the old man Drew about his dreams and did he completed his dreams.

"Mm, well I did achieve my dream of my life." The old man Drew said to Anik.

"What was it?" Jonathan asked the old man Drew.

"Hehe!! Marrying my wife." The old man said looking at Anik and laughing.

"Old Drew," All of them said to the old man Drew sympathetically.

"Well, she died before his chaos, so I don't need your sympathy. Just keep being happy and laugh like this, it will give peace to this old man that the world can still find happiness and laugh in this kind of situation. It gives me hope that there is still a future ahead." The old man Drew said with utmost sincerity.

After hearing that everyone smiled and laughed again. Jonathan got up and went to get something from the bag. A few seconds later, he brought 7 bottles of beer. Everyone asked where he found it.

"I just asked the cafeteria chefs and had a few favours," Jonathan said and gave each to everyone.

"For the better future!!" Jonathan said opening the bottle. Everyone smiled.

"Cheers!!! For the better future" Everyone cheers and starts drinking and talking to each other.

To be continued...