𝐀 𝐊𝐎𝐀𝐋𝐀'𝐒 𝐏𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 ── ( ray )

Chapter 32: The Seven Walls

At precisely 6 o'clock, the B06-32 shelter started the morning with loud clanging pots echoing through the hallways. A young lad sprinted through the silent hallways, ladder and frying pan in hand. He banged open the doors and emerged into a bedroom filled with bunkers, where his siblings and other children rested, and began clanging the utensils in their ears.

"GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE!!" yelled Chris, grinning from ear to ear. "Wake up! Breakfast's getting cold!"

The lights were smacked on soon after, followed by groggy yawns and exhausted groans. Thoma and Lani, who shared the top bunk, struggled to make their way down the bunk without tumbling over one another in their half-awake state.

Tired good mornings were exchanged among the group, children popping out from one room after another.

"Morning," said Pepe from another room directly across the hallway, rubbing his eyes. "You're so energetic as always, Chris," commented Rossi sleepily, stretching his arms wildly in the air.

Chris chortled gleefully as he ran back outside, leaving the others to freshen up before starting the day. The youngster scurried to the kitchen, where the older kids were preparing breakfast. He carelessly flung the pan and ladder onto the tabletop, which a panicked Don was able to catch before it hit the stove, and latched himself onto a young female's leg.

She turned and gave him a tired smile, picking him up and letting him settle in her arms. Chris clambered up and settled on her back, deciding to stay there until breakfast began.

"Chris," Ray drawled out from the other side of the room, as he placed the food servings on the table. "You're going to inconvenience Y/n. Breakfast won't start in time if we drag on like this."

Y/n waved it away, taking two bowls of stew in her hands, with Chris still attached to her back. "It's fine, Ray. He's not bothering me." She placed the bowls on the table near her and reached up to ruffle the kid's hair affectionately.

Ray - cranky whenever he first wakes up - lets out a small groan. Whether or not that groan was of frustration or jealousy, we may never know.

On cue, the other children started filing into the room one after another, claiming their seats. Soon, the dining room was bustling with overlapping conversations and cheery good mornings.

"Y/n," Ray started again, "Maybe-"

"I know," she turned, knowing full well he was about to point out Chris tugging her long braided hair loose. "If you're so worried, maybe you can look after him while I go tie this up."

Before Ray could protest, Y/n handed Chris over to him with a charming smile, before heading off to the restroom to fix her hair. Chris grinned at Ray, grabbing his hair in turn. The lad sighed -

"Why are you doing this on purpose, Chris."

"Because I can get you frustrated."

"Chris."

It's been a month and a half since we arrived here. Currently, we're a family of 63. Our personalities, ages and home farms are all different. But everyone still gets along.

Cooking, cleaning, and obtaining food. These and other tasks are all divided evenly. This place is smaller than the house, and we have less food. But we have fun every day, knowing we're safe.

Y/n came out from the restroom, fiddling with a split end absentmindedly. She found the younger ones playing with each other as they ate, and the older kids trying to keep them in line.

A smile grew on her face.

I have more friends and family. And I've learned more skills. That's why I'm really happy right now.