I was the last one to take a shower, feeling the hot water as it rains on my body. It feels good, the stains and blood are being wash out.
I look down, as the shower rains on my hair and head. I sighed, as I look at my hands. "I… am alright?" I don't know what to feel, it happened so fast that I can't process it all at once.
Zombies suddenly came, start eating students tearing their flesh. I can also go back in time if I die… I have… died. For a hundred of times already. I have died you know? The feeling of their teeth as they eat me alive… just remembering it makes me tremble in fear.
"I know it's an advantage for me… I know…" but being eaten for a hundred of times, seeing my teacher and Alex got teared and scream a hundred of times…
Is this really an ability to be grateful for? I wondered aloud, the question hanging in the steam-filled air. But without it… we're already dead. But at what cost? The toll it took on my sanity, the scars it left on my souls.
The endless loop of death and resurrection had taken its toll on me. Each time I died, I felt a piece of my sanity slipping away. How many times could a person endure such trauma before breaking completely?
…
As I wonder over my unique ability in the midst of the chaos, questions flooded my mind. "Why me?" I whispered to myself, the uncertainty echoing in the bathroom with only the drop of water can be heard. "Why am I the one given this ability?"
The answer eluded me, hidden in the enigmatic workings of fate or chance. Perhaps it was luck, or maybe a cruel twist of destiny. Whatever the reason, I couldn't deny the burden it placed upon me. The weight of countless deaths and rebirths, the trauma of witnessing my friends torn apart time and again.
"I don't know why," I admitted to myself, a mix of frustration and resignation in my tone. "But I have to make the most of it." The realization settled in, the understanding that I couldn't dwell on the 'why' but rather focus on the 'how'.
How could I use this ability to protect those I cared about? How could I break free from the cycle of death and despair? How could I find a way to a semblance of normalcy in this new, terrifying world?
"Can I really do it? Can I protect them all...?" I whispered to myself, doubts lingering in my mind like shadows in the night. With a heavy sigh, I stepped out of the shower, the warm water now a distant memory, replaced by the cool embrace of fresh clothes. The fading sound of the water brought a sense of clarity amidst the turmoil within.
As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, doubts and fears danced behind my eyes. "Will I still be myself, even after all of this?" I questioned, my voice barely audible over the silence of the room.
But then, a glimmer of determination shone through. I straightened my posture, meeting my own gaze in the mirror. "Yes," I affirmed, the conviction growing stronger with each word. "I will still be myself. No matter what challenges or horrors I face, I won't lose sight of who I am."
With renewed resolve, I joined the others, preparing for dinner.
"You're in time, let's eat" The teacher said
"Yeah, thanks" I said then sat down
As we gathered for dinner, eating in a complete silent. The tension in the air was palpable as we sat in silence, each lost in our own thoughts. The clinking of utensils against plates seemed unnaturally loud, breaking the quiet with sharp bursts of sound. It was as if the weight of our recent experiences had settled upon us, casting a shadow over the meal.
Alicia's father attempted to lighten the mood with small talk, asking about our backgrounds and how we had ended up in this situation. His efforts, though well-intentioned, couldn't dispel the somber atmosphere that enveloped us.
I glanced around the table, meeting the eyes of each person present. Alex, usually jovial and full of energy, had a somber expression as he stared at his food. Alicia wore a forced smile, trying to mask her worries. The teacher's gaze was distant, lost in contemplation.
The food, while nourishing, seemed to lack flavor in this solemn setting. Each bite was a reminder of the harsh reality we faced outside these walls. The sounds of chewing and swallowing echoed in the quiet room, amplifying the awkwardness of the moment.
As the meal progressed, conversation remained minimal. We exchanged polite remarks and brief updates on our well-being, but the weight of unspoken fears hung heavy in the air. It was as if we were all waiting for something, unsure of what the future held but bracing ourselves for whatever may come.
After we finished eating, the silence persisted for a few moments longer. Then, Alicia's father cleared his throat, breaking the stillness.
"Let's clean up and prepare for the night," he said, his voice carrying a hint of determination. "After that, you should prepare your things. We will leave tomorrow"
With that, we began to clear the table, each lost in our own thoughts but united in the shared understanding that the challenges we faced were far from over.
Inside Alicia's father's room, he busied himself packing three bags—a pair of duffle bags and a backpack. As he organized his belongings, a knock on the door interrupted his preparations.
"It's me," Alicia's voice called out from outside.
"Come in," he replied.
Alicia entered, her expression filled with concern as she sat down on his bed. "Are you really going?" she asked, her worry evident in her voice.
"Yes, sorry," he responded, his tone reflecting his own unease about leaving.
"It's fine, father. I'm old enough to understand…" Alicia reassured him, though the worry lingered in her eyes.
Sitting beside her, he handed her a revolver. "Here, take this," he said. "Your grandfather gave this to me when I got married, even though you're not married yet. But I want you to have it, to defend yourself."
Alicia raised an eyebrow in a sarcastic manner. "Are you sure it's safe giving a kid a gun?" she joked.
"It's not if it's your kid," he replied with a faint smile.
A somber silence filled the room as they both processed the weight of the situation. "Return safe… father," Alicia said softly as she hugged him tightly.
"I will, I promise," he replied, returning her embrace.
Alicia's father finished packing his bags, making sure he had everything he needed for the trip to the clinic. He checked the shotgun one last time, ensuring it was loaded and ready for use if necessary.
As he stood up, ready to leave, Alicia spoke up again. "Father, please be careful out there. The world is dangerous now," she pleaded.
"I will, Alicia. Don't worry, I'll be back as soon as possible," he reassured her, his gaze filled with determination.
With a final embrace, Alicia's father left the room, shouldering his bags and heading out into the night. Alicia watched him go, a mix of worry and hope in her eyes.
His father left, without telling anyone about it.
…
As Alex and Alicia washed the plates together, Alicia initially protested, saying, "You don't have to help me, I can do this."
"It's fine, I love helping you out," Alex insisted, their hands working in unison to clean the dishes. A quiet settled over them until Alex softly broke the silence. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, noticing Alicia's unusual quietness and deep contemplation.
Alicia paused for a moment, her expression reflecting her inner turmoil. "I don't know, Alex. My little sister is sick, and Father is going to the clinic to get medicine and to find our mother," she confided, her voice trembling with worry and fear.
"What? I can help him—" Alex began to offer, but before he could finish, Alicia reached out and held his hand. "Please, don't leave me," she pleaded, her eyes brimming with tears.
Alex was taken aback by her vulnerability, but he responded with determination, "I promise." He wrapped his arms around her, offering comfort and assurance. "Thank you," Alicia whispered, clinging to him for support.
After the emotional moment, they finished washing the dishes in silence, their thoughts consumed by the uncertain future and the challenges that lay ahead.
I place the plates nearby, and left as I overheard them.