Chapter 5: Dilemma

( Third person point of view )

Nine years has passed since the zombie outbreak decimated humanity. Civilization as we knew it has vanished, leaving behind a world ravaged by the undead. Cities lie in ruins, abandoned and overrun with the infected, while small pockets of survivors cling to existence in remote, fortified enclaves.

The outbreak, which began suddenly and spread rapidly, overwhelmed governments and institutions, leaving the world in chaos.

In a large building surrounded by mini walls enough to kept Zombies from entering, the sound of gunfire could be heard from the guards watching the walls. A group threw a noise-making device at a distance, and the zombies quickly went to it. They took this opportunity to open the gate, allowing two trucks and one car to enter. Once the gate was closed, the other guards approached to check the contents of the trucks and their passengers. Soon, they proceeded to arrive at a building where many people were gathering. They cheered and shouted when the passengers disembarked.

"Another successful raid!" Karlo exclaimed as he got down and slapped the truck.

They were greeted by happy people who laughed.

"You've been gone for a while," Geo smiled as he held the hand of his son, who simply watched them.

"Thank goodness you returned safely," Ariela smiled as she hugged King.

King laughed.

"We didn't expect it would take us five days," King smiled as he sat down and picked up Geo's Son.

"How were you while we were gone, Baby boy?" King asked

"Uncle King, I'm too heavy to be carried. Please put me down," the little guy grumbled.

"Aw! Az has grown so much!" Tin said as he held his child.

"Daddy, I've grown too," Bea's child interjected as she approached them.

"Tin, you should put BJ down since you just came back from a raid," Bea said as their child willingly got down.

King also put Az down, and the children gathered around him to play while the adults organized the contents of the two trucks. In the raid, there were five of them: King, Karlo, J, Tin, and Jerry. They were delayed a few days because they went beyond the boundary.

King glanced around, his eyes scanning the familiar faces. Despite the constant threat outside, moments like these—coming back to a warm welcome, seeing the children play—were a reminder of what they were fighting for.

"We found some good supplies this time," he said, looking at Ariela. "Enough to last us a while."

Ariela nodded, relief washing over her face. "That's good to hear. Everyone's been anxious."

As the adults continued to unload the trucks, Karlo pulled Geo aside. "We came across something out there," he said quietly. "A new type of infected. Faster, smarter. We barely got away."

Geo's expression darkened. "We'll need to update the defense plans. Make sure everyone is ready."

"Already on it," Karlo assured. "But we need to keep an eye out. This changes everything."

The group busied themselves with unloading the trucks, sorting through the supplies they had managed to scavenge. Food, medicine, and other necessities were piled neatly, a stark reminder of the world's new reality. Amid the hustle, Rose, a quiet and observant woman, watched the children play. Her heart ached with the weight of the world they had been born into—one filled with fear and survival.

As the adults settled into a semblance of calm in a room. Rose stood up and called for their attention.

"Everyone, I think it's time we had a serious talk," she began, her voice steady but firm. "We've been focused on surviving, and that's important, but there's something else we need to consider."

The group fell silent, eyes turning towards her. Rose continued,

"It's been nine years since the outbreak. Our children have grown up in this world, but they've never truly understood it. They've been sheltered from the worst of it, but we can't protect them forever. We need to teach them about the world outside, about the harsh reality we face."

A murmur of agreement spread through them. Bea voice out, her face etched with concern. "What are you suggesting, Rose?"

"We need to educate them," Rose said,

" Teach them how to survive, yes, but also about the world that was and the world that is. They need to understand what happened and why. It's the only way they'll be prepared for what's out there."

Pwat, Rose husband nodded, his expression thoughtful. "She's right. We've done well to keep them safe, but knowledge is power. They need to know what we're up against."

King, after thinking deeply joined the conversation.

"We can start with basic survival skills. How to defend themselves, find food and water, and avoid danger. But we should also teach them about the past, about the world before the outbreak. They need to know there's more to life than just surviving."

Ariela stand up and approached the window looking at the Playground with her child playing with the other children, his laughter a bittersweet melody in the grim setting.

"It's a tough decision, but it's the right one. They deserve to know the truth."

Rose felt a surge of determination. "We can do this together. We'll create a curriculum, mix practical skills with history lessons. We'll give them the tools they need to rebuild a better world."

Bree shifted uneasily, her brow furrowed as Rose made her suggestion. She couldn't stay silent any longer, her voice breaking through the growing agreement.

"Rose, I understand your concern, but I disagree," Bree said firmly, her gaze steady.

"These children have already lost so much innocence. Teaching them about the brutality of this world—it's too much, too soon. They deserve a childhood, however fragile it may seem."

Rose met Bree's gaze, her expression softening with understanding but not yielding.

"I hear you, Bree. But ignorance won't protect them forever. We can't shield them from reality forever."

"But teaching them to fight?" Bree pressed, her voice tinged with concern.

"They're children, Rose. They should be learning to play, to laugh, not to defend themselves against horrors."

Rose nodded, acknowledging Bree's point. "I'm not suggesting we turn them into soldiers. But we've seen how vulnerable we are. They need basic skills to protect themselves if they ever have to."

J usually silent, spoke up. "I agree with Rose. Our children need to be prepared. We can't risk their safety by keeping them in the dark."

Tensions simmered between Rose and Bree, each advocating for different approaches to safeguarding the children's innocence amidst the harsh realities of their world.

"Bree, I understand your concern deeply," Peter interjected, his voice carrying a weight of experience. "But Rose is right. We can't afford to keep the children ignorant forever. They need to know how to stay safe."

Bree's gaze shifted to Peter, her expression pleading. "I just want them to have a chance at a childhood, Peter. To be carefree, even if it's just for a little while longer."

Rose approached Bree and hold her shoulder, her tone softened with empathy. "We all want that, Bree. But look around us. This world demands more from us and from our children. We can't deny them the knowledge they need to survive."

Karlo, who had been silently listening, spoke up with a pragmatic perspective. "We don't have the luxury of choosing between innocence and survival, do we? Our kids need to know what they're up against."