HIDEOUT

13. Family

Night had fallen, and the stars were twinkling in the sky. The group had made their way back down to Sophie's living room. As they settled in, Vicky pulled out his phone to check for any updates from his family in Paris. And his elder brother had sent him a text saying he was safe. He sighed from relief as they were safe, but his heart was heavy knowing that he couldn't be with them in such trying times.

Ashton, on the other hand, didn't have any family left. He lost his parents in a car accident when he was just a teenager. The memories of that fateful day flashed through his mind, and his eyes began to water. He didn't have any family besides his two friends. Alex and Vicky, who had become like brothers to him. The three of them had been through thick and thin together, and Ashton couldn't imagine surviving this apocalypse without them by his side.

Alex's parents had taken divorce and had got remarried, they were both rich so they had no problem in giving Alex all the materialistic things but they lacked to show him any love, which was apparently the reason why Alex would trouble others around him, for him his two friends mattered the most. He had tried calling his parents but both of them didn't pick up, they never actually did in these many years. It was difficult for him to comprehend why they wouldn't even care to check on him during this catastrophic event.

Sophie had been preparing the dinner for a while, and her attention to detail was evident in the way the dishes were plated. The aroma of the food wafted through the air and made everyone's mouth water. They all sat down at the small dining table, and Sophie served them the food. The meal was simple, yet delicious, and they all enjoyed it.

After they finished eating, Sophie went to the kitchen to clean the dishes feeling slightly tired, and Victor offered to help her. As they worked together, Sophie noticed how attentive Victor was towards her.

Once they were done, they all went back to the living room, and Sophie suggested that they use her car to gather supplies. She also warned them about her brother's arrival in the morning and the need to be cautious. They all nodded in agreement, and with nothing else to do, they all layed down on the bedding to sleep.

Sophie sat on the couch in the living room, the laptop screen casting a blue glow on her face as she scrolled through various websites and forums, searching for any new information on the outbreak. She couldn't shake off the nagging feeling of responsibility she felt for the safety of her three unexpected house guests.

She knew they were tough and resourceful, but she also knew that they were in a dangerous situation, one that could easily turn for the worse. So she kept her eyes peeled for any news, any developments that could help them.

Victor, on the other hand, was lying in his makeshift bed, staring at the ceiling. He knew he needed to rest, to recharge his body and mind for the challenges that lay ahead, but sleep just wouldn't come. He couldn't help but think of their uncertain future.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, trying to push those thoughts away, trying to focus on the present moment. But his mind kept wandering, and he knew that he wouldn't be able to get any sleep anytime soon. So he lay there, still and silent, pretending to be asleep, listening to the sounds of the night outside.