Peril

Eight

"Oh god." I whispered out from my breath.

Felix kept on walking from one corner to another, snapping his thin and long fingers. "Felix! Answer me. Was that a surrogate?" He stopped walking and looked at me.

"I don't know Claer. All I know is there is one me and one Felix Martins. You only have one brother and that is me."

"Or was that my secret twin?? Hahaha!" He laughed out loud.

"Seriously?" I put one hand on my hip. "It's not funny Felix. And I'm damn serious. So please, if you're pranking me or whatsoever, stop it."

"Sorry." He sheepishly smiled at me.

I looked around and saw the ragged wall & ceiling. "Where are we by the way?" I asked Felix. He was silent at first but then he answered, " In my hideout. Please don't tell anyone about this." He whispered. I nodded in response. I asked Felix if I could go out the room. He said yes but not out of the building. He said it was a small cabin with two floors.

I softly opened the door. Felix went outside the room first. He proceeded to the kitchen and I decided to visit the living room. When I reached the area, it was a total wreckage. The windows were stapled with wooden blocks. Curtains were already worn out. The sofa was full of dust and dirt. The stitches on the foam was visible. There was a wooden center table with an empty flower vase on top. The floor was also wood. I could see from its features, it was already very fragile. Termites already attacked it. If it was a wall, it would collapse any second.

I dusted off the sofa and sat down. I noticed there was an old tv. It had small buttons and a circle knob that could be turned. It was a box type television. I went near to it and examined it if it was still working. I could sense that something is telling me to turn on the television. Without no valid reason.

"It still works but there's no reception." Felix' voice echoed the room. I looked at the antenna and pulled it up.

"It only displays black and white crooked stripes." He said.

"I don't care." I continued with my business fixing the antenna. I plugged the tv plug on its socket. It sparked a bit. "Ouch." I said unintentionally.

"See? It's already busted. It's already zombie apocalypse Claer." Felix helped me. Then I turned the tv knob. It released unpleasant sounds. I lowed down the volume and tried to twist the knob. "Ugh, Claer turn it off. It's so noisy! The zombies might hear us." Felix kicked the television side. He started to walk away but the screen displayed a blur image. Not that clear but it was visible. "Wait! I got a bit of signal I think." Felix turned at my direction and looked at the screen. "You gotta be kidding me!?"  He turned the knob slowly.

"Gotcha." He murmured.

It displayed a room with dry green walls. It was full of computers, different kinds of computers. From boxtype computers to flat screens to holograms. It caught us both in awe. "I never knew someone is still airing this time. I mean zombies already destroyed every single thing on this planet." Felix said. I looked at him. "What?" He asked and raised his eyebrow.

"Maybe..."

"Maybe?"

"Maybe, that's the control center!" I stood up then looked outside the window. I could see zombies roaming outside. I can feel that we were so close to the control center. It seems like just steps away. "Ha, you're funny but I think you're right Claer!" Felix said.

" Felix."

"Yes?"

"Did you already explore the whole place nearby this cabin?" I looked outside the window and shut the curtains. He shooked his head and protested. "No. Not yet. The vicinity's too dangerous because of the zombies roaming everywhere."

" Now that I'm here, I think we should explore the place. I can feel that the control center is just nearby us." I told Felix.

" Good idea. So when will we start?" he raised a question.

"Tomorrow." I replied and asked "How many days have we stayed in the exterior already?"

"Twelve and a half."

"What!?" I freaked out a bit. "I thought I was just been here for a week. Now, we only have 27 days to find the control center." I paced back and forth.

"We should rest now, we gotta prepare for tomorrow. We need enough energy and sleep for the adventure tomorrow." Felix said.

"Oh yeah. Gotta slay and finish this game. Goodnight Felix." I gave him a manly hug and walked towards my room.

"Night lil sis." The way Felix said that reminded me of something.

I closed the door and lied down the wooden bed with torn foam and blanket. I looked up the ceiling and remembered my parents. I miss them so much. Especially my little sister, Erine. I wonder what she's doing right now.

I miss our "braiding each other's hair" moments. And those laughs and jokes we shared. I miss her.

So much.

Thoughts drove me crazy. I can't sleep no matter how close or shut my eyes were. My brain kept replaying wild memories.

My paranoia is out of control. People like Alex and Colton also occupied my thoughts. Until I was snapped out of my thoughts due to what happened next.

The door was ajar until it opened half way through. Felix peeped from the door. "Felix? Come in."

"No. I'm going to sleep already." He said. "I just passed by your room to check if you're fine."

"I'm fine, don't worry. It's just I miss mom and dad. And Erine." I looked away then back at Felix. I could feel tears forming from my eyes.

Felix walked towards me then embraced me. He rubbed my back. " What if, we won't win and survive this game Felix? We won't be able to see them again." I cried on his shoulder.

"Hushhh. Claer, we will win this thing. For mom,dad, and Erine. Think positive. Okay?" Felix broke the hug and looked at me straight in the eyes. He wiped the tears that stained my cheeks.

"Okay. But I'm scared Felix to be honest. I'm really scared." Felix hugged me again.

"Me too Claer. Me too. But we gotta stay strong and brave." He whispered.

Stay strong and brave. Mom, dad, and Erine, this game is for you. Me and Felix will win this thing.

I promise.

See you soon .