The morning sun rose, painting the small neighborhood in golden hues. For most of King County, it was another ordinary day. For Marcus, it marked the countdown to chaos. He'd saved a stranger from a walker the night before, confirming what he already knew—the outbreak had begun.
He had no intention of letting his family remain defenseless. Today, he would lay the foundation to ensure they survived.
A Subtle Start
At breakfast, Marcus sat across from his father, Jeffrey, sipping orange juice as his mind churned with strategies. He couldn't simply tell them everything; it was too soon, and they'd never believe him. Instead, he decided to guide them step by step.
"Dad," Marcus began, "what if we had a big storm or a blackout? Shouldn't we have some extra supplies at home, just in case?"
Jeffrey glanced up from his coffee, brow furrowed. "We just stocked up the other day."
"I mean more than food," Marcus pressed. "Things like flashlights, tools, and maybe a generator. It's better to have them and not need them, right?"
Jeffrey sighed. "You've been acting strange lately, kid. But fine. We'll take a trip to the hardware store after I finish work."
Marcus nodded, hiding his relief. Step one, in motion.
Teaching Carl
While Jeffrey left for the garage, Marcus headed to Rick's house. Lori was busy folding laundry, and Carl was outside playing with sticks.
"Hey, Carl," Marcus called, walking over.
Carl grinned. "Wanna play soldiers?"
Marcus smirked. "Sure, but let me teach you something first."
He picked up a stick and showed Carl how to hold it like a weapon. "This isn't just a toy. Pretend it's a sword. You want to keep it between you and whatever's attacking."
Carl mimicked him, his expression serious.
"Now swing," Marcus instructed, guiding him through the motions.
Carl practiced diligently, his small arms gaining confidence.
"Why do I need to know this?" Carl asked between swings.
"Because it's fun," Marcus said with a smile, though his mind added, and because one day, you'll need to fight for your life.
Subtle Warnings to Rick and Lori
Back inside, Marcus found Rick sitting at the kitchen table, sorting through a pile of work papers. He seemed tired, the weight of his job etched on his face.
"Uncle Rick," Marcus began cautiously, "do you think the town's safe?"
Rick looked up, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"Well, there's been a lot of weird stuff on the news. People getting hurt, riots… what if something happens here?"
Rick set his papers aside, studying Marcus. "You've been watching too much TV, bud. King County's quiet. We're fine."
Marcus nodded but didn't push further. Instead, he turned to Lori, who was tidying up the living room.
"Aunt Lori, do you have a first-aid kit at home?" Marcus asked.
"Of course," she replied. "Why?"
"Just wondering if it's stocked. You know, in case of an emergency."
Lori paused, considering his words. "I guess it's been a while since I checked. I'll look into it."
Small steps, Marcus thought. They'll thank me later.
The Hardware Store Trip
That evening, Marcus accompanied Jeffrey to the hardware store. While his father browsed for a replacement tool, Marcus quietly gathered supplies: duct tape, rope, heavy-duty gloves, tarps, a crowbar, and a few basic tools.
"What's all this for?" Jeffrey asked when he saw the cart.
"School project," Marcus lied smoothly.
Jeffrey shrugged. "You're a weird kid sometimes."
Marcus smirked. If only his father knew.
Testing Boundaries
When they returned home, Marcus hauled the supplies to his room and stashed them in his system inventory. The feature had proven invaluable, allowing him to store items without drawing attention.
He summoned the system interface:
Name: Marcus Grimes
Strength: 2
Agility/Dexterity: 2
Endurance: 2
Intelligence: 3
Wisdom: 2
Luck: 10 (Locked)
Skills:
Basic First Aid (Mastered)
Basic Mechanics (Mastered)
Close-Combat: Walker Neutralization (Novice)
Inventory Management (Novice)
Survivalist Knowledge (Novice)
Satisfied, Marcus turned his attention to his newly acquired crowbar. He tested its weight, swinging it experimentally.
Weapon Recognized: Crowbar
Close-Combat Skill Progression Increased
Marcus grinned. "That'll do."
Reaching Out to Jeffrey Again
After dinner, Marcus sat with his father in the garage, watching him tinker with an engine.
"Dad," Marcus said, "what would you do if everything fell apart?"
Jeffrey glanced at him. "What kind of question is that?"
"I mean, what if there were no police, no government? Just… chaos."
Jeffrey frowned, setting his wrench down. "Where's all this coming from, Marcus?"
"I don't know. Just a feeling," Marcus admitted.
Jeffrey sighed. "If that ever happened, I'd protect you. That's all that matters."
Marcus nodded, appreciating the sentiment but knowing it wouldn't be enough.
A Private Resolution
As night fell, Marcus returned to his room and reviewed his progress. He'd planted seeds of caution in his father, Rick, and Lori. Carl was learning basic defense, and the family was beginning to gather supplies, even if they didn't understand why.
Still, it wasn't enough. The walkers would come, and when they did, it wouldn't be warnings or hints that saved them. It would be action.
Marcus clenched his fists. "I need to push harder."
He would ensure the Grimes family was ready.