Cabin 4

Chapter 21: Sanctuary?

He lead me through a series of buildings until we reached the heart of the city. I stared, both amazed and confused, at the busyness. People in blue uniforms walk over to what looked like grimy homeless families with trays of food. We walk past this and head onto the animal shelter. We walk into the orange building to find tons of dogs in cages. Some sleeping, some yapping at me. Suddenly, a young woman with bright green hair walks through the door. A small ringing noise comes from the bell as she carries a dirty chihuahua inside.

"Hey Charles, we have a new stray," she says then looks at me. "New helper?"

Guessing that The Governor's real name is Charles, I say, "Um, you could say that. So uh, Charles," he narrows his eyes at me. "what is this?" I motion to the entire city.

Charles interrupts her just as she was about to open her mouth. "Well, it is a sanctuary." He says.

I smirk. "I could already tell by now," My face softens. "This is amazing. But, a sanctuary for what?"

"We will talk about that later," he says sternly. "Now, Jessica, this is Alex. She will help the dogs with you." Charles scoffs at her and walks out of the room. Jessica nods and sighs at his grumpiness and puts the chihuahua into a washing bin and turns on the water.

She smirks. "So are you gonna help me or are you just gonna stand there with that shocked face of yours?" I snap out of my daze and rush over to her.

* * *

"So, when I came back here, all the cages were open and the dogs were everywhere! One was even gnawing on my boot when I got inside!" Jess exclaims as the whole table bursts into laughter.

I wipe the tears from my eyes and my stomach hurts from laughing so much. My new family sits around a long table, eating a gourmet feast in celebration of my coming.

Charles sits in his chair, slumping. He hasn't laughed this whole time. "Is he always like this?" I whisper to Jess.

She nods and says, "He is never really the 'I am gonna tell a joke and hug everyone and spill my secrets to you all' kind of type." I blink a few times, then nod and look back at Charles. His eyebrows are forced into a permanent furrow. I hadn't realized how young he looks. Usually he looked about around the age of my father who is probably in his early 50's, but he must be around his late 30's and early 40's. His furrowed brows make him look around 50 years old. He looks up at me and I break the gaze.

I quickly look back down and blush a little. I look around the table and see all the new faces I am going to learn to love.

There is Will, a good-looking guy about around my age, who is a little nerdy. Ruby, the athletic and mischievous girl who is again, around my age. Then there is Jessica, Zeke, Noor, Georgie, Paul, and Bridget. There are many more, but I can't remember their names.

I am still learning more people, but it is just my first day. I sigh nostalgically. Jessica looks at me with concerned eyes. "Don't worry, the first day is always the hardest. It'll get easier here, you'll love it." She gives me a sad smile and starts to leave the table, so does everyone else.

Just as I am about to walk out the door, Charles stops me. "I need to talk to you." He says quietly. I nod slowly and follow him.

I bite my lip mindlessly and think about all the reasons why there is a sanctuary. But what is it saving people from? And if this is a sanctuary, why did Charles hurt me? Why did he treat Alyssa so badly? Why is he so nice to me though? Maybe this is how he treats everyone else. I shake my head. He was so grumpy around anyone else. So what is it about him? He is a mystery, and I will solve him, soon.