Their bond was inseparable, intertwined in a way that made it impossible for Hobe to imagine a life without his younger sister.
The mere thought of Hari's life being extinguished sent shivers down his spine. The very essence of his being relied on her existence.
The thought of losing Hari was unbearable to Hobe. He knew that if she were to perish, a part of him would die along with her.
The fear of being left alone in this desolate world, devoid of the one person who gave him strength and purpose, was suffocating.
Hobe made the decision to call his friend and ask them to cover his shift, ensuring that someone would be there to take care of the restaurant in his absence.
With a sense of responsibility, he dialed the number and explained the situation, grateful for the understanding and willingness of his friend to help out.
Next, Hobe reached out to his boss, with whom he had developed a strong rapport over time. Their relationship was built on trust and mutual respect, leading to Hobe being entrusted with the keys to the mall.
This privilege allowed him to open the restaurant as the earliest arrival and close it as the last one to leave.
Ah, yes, the grand dreams of Hobe.
With his hard-earned money, he thought he could just waltz into college with little Hari in tow. Picture that delightful scene: Hari, the sweet child, sitting quietly in a university lecture hall, absorbing knowledge like a little sponge.
Oh, how obedient and well-behaved she would be!
In Hobe's imagination, his life would be a seamless blend of higher education and the charming company of his sister.
Who needs a carefree college experience when you can have the joy of dragging a child to class?
It's the epitome of a glamorous lifestyle, really.
But wait, there's more! Hobe envisions himself juggling the demands of coursework while managing the chaos of their wretched existence.
Hobe quickly changed into his home clothes, and as he stood by the window, he noticed a man stumbling and trembling, as if he was injured. His body was covered in blood and wounds, and his gait was unsteady.
Squinting his eyes, Hobe observed the man's distressing condition. Just as he was about to rush outside to help, he saw his neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, approaching the injured man with a concerned expression on her face. She inquired about his well-being, clearly worried about his condition.
Hobe couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and curiosity. Mrs. Johnson was known for her kind-hearted nature and willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.
She seemed undeterred by the man's bloodied appearance and focused on understanding his situation.
But soon enough, the man viciously attacked Mrs. Johnson, causing her to fall backward, her back hitting the unforgiving pavement.
It was a horrifying sight as the man targeted her neck, his grip tightening with a deadly intent.
"Hey! Hey!!!" Hobe screamed, his voice filled with desperation, as he rushed out of the house.
"Hobe, what's happening?" Hari asked, her voice tinged with confusion and concern as she watched Hobe's frantic actions.
"Stay inside, Hari! Don't leave the house! Don't let anyone in except me! Understand?" Hobe commanded, his words fueled by a mix of fear and determination.
Hari nodded, her eyes wide with worry and obedience. She remained rooted to the spot, watching her brother's urgent movements with a knot of anxiety in her stomach.
Hobe sprinted towards the scene, his heart pounding in his chest. He had every intention of coming to Mrs. Johnson's aid, but as he drew closer, his worst fears materialized before his eyes.
The man had gruesomely torn Mrs. Johnson's throat apart, leaving her lifeless body lying on the ground, her severed windpipe hanging grotesquely from her ravaged neck.
Oh, fuck!
A surge of grief and rage coursed through Hobe's veins.
Hobe's focus quickly shifted to the assailant. The man, his face twisted with an insatiable hunger, turned his attention towards Hobe, his bloodied mouth opening in a sinister grin.
It was clear that this man was no longer human, but a savage predator driven solely by his primal instincts.
Hobe's eyes widened in disbelief. His body froze in an instant, overwhelmed by the horrifying sight before him.
Was this some sort of zombie movie being filmed? Was Mrs. Johnson participating in a twisted reality show and playing a prank on him?
Hobe glanced around, searching for any signs of cameras or crew members.
But there was nothing.
No cameras, no crew, just the gruesome scene unfolding before his eyes.
Fresh, crimson blood gushed onto the streets, the metallic scent filling the air. The violence escalated, becoming increasingly brutal.
The loud crunching sound of chewing mixed with the pungent odor of blood permeated the surroundings.
Overwhelmed by the sight and stench, Hobe clutched his stomach, feeling a wave of nausea engulf him. His head spun, his body growing light and drenched in cold sweat.
Unable to bear the gruesome spectacle any longer, Hobe collapsed onto the pavement, landing face-down. The contents of his stomach expelled violently, soiling his shirt with his own vomit.
Fear and confusion consumed him as he lay there, gasping for breath. Reality seemed to blur, the boundaries between nightmare and waking world merging into an unsettling haze.
Hobe couldn't comprehend what was happening. The events unfolding in front of him defied all rational explanation.
"Hobe!"
"Hobeeee!"
Hobe's ears strained to catch the desperate cries of his sister, Hari. Slowly, he lifted his heavy head, his vision blurred and disoriented.
"Hooobbbeee!!!" Hari's piercing scream echoed through the air as she sprinted towards him, her voice filled with panic and fear.
No. Please. Hobe pleaded silently, his heart sinking with dread.
Don't. I beg you. Don't. But his voice remained trapped within his constricted throat, unable to form a single word.
"Hobe!!! RUNNN!!!" Hari's voice cracked, her desperation evident as she pleaded for him to move. Her tears flowed uncontrollably, blending with the anguish in her cries. "RUNNN!!!"