Broken World

9. Exploration

“Get ready to hear some real music,” Mark said.

“It’s been a while since I heard any music,” Kevin replied.    

Mark sat on the chair and looked at the crowd, then closed his eyes and started singing. 

You are so beautiful, shining in the night sky

Happiness was a thing one time

Playing, running, jumping in the grass fields

They turned to memories in a night

The beautiful night, where are you?

Everyone started clapping, and I followed them so as not to stand out. 

“He is so good,” Jane said, amazed. 

Unnecessary noise only attracts ghouls. It’s not like you can kill a ghoul with your soft voice. 

“You are the best,” Molly said, clapping, who was proud of her son.   

“Well, well, well, it's time he learns how to use a knife,” Jayden said, looking at her. 

“He doesn’t have to learn that, till he stays with us… he is safe.” 

“You won’t be around him forever, Mol” Jayden said. “It’s every man for himself, just like you said before.” 

“Come on, Jayden, we talked about this before. We will teach him when the right time comes,” Luis replied, trying to calm him. 

“And when is the right time, damn it?” Jayden shouted while getting up from the sofa. “After monsters destroy this place, or one of us dies? Molly, do you want Mark to look helpless before those flesh-eating monsters? Look at these kids. They don’t need to depend on anyone to survive. We have to make Mark strong.”

Everyone in the room was silent, and none of them spoke a word.

“Unlike these kids, our Mark doesn’t know the harsh world outside, and I don’t want him to be shaken once he sees it,” Jayden said, looking outside through the window. “Once you are out of these fences, knowing how to survive is a must.” 

“I always wanted to defend this place with my own hands, but I never took a single step outside cause I’m afraid of dying… I’m afraid of being eaten alive because I can’t defend myself,” Mark said in a low voice. “When I saw Jane and the others fighting, I realized that I have to grow up.” 

“The world out there is pretty rough… Living in denial can cause a lot of problems,” Jane replied, looking at him. 

“I will teach you to fight, pretty boy. You have to get strong,” Kevin said. “Do you guys know he has a crush on Jane?” 

“Wait, why would you say that, idiot?” Ivan screamed in disbelief. 

“What? Is that true?” Miles said, getting up from his seat.  

“What happened to everyone? Did I mess something up?” Kevin said, innocently, failing to read the room's atmosphere. 

“You messed everything, damn it!” Ivan screamed again. 

***

I spread my bed sheet on the ground near the window and gently laid down. I tried to sleep, but my eyes were wide open, and I came outside and sat on a chair and looked at the moon, which was shining bright.

Damn, for how long do I have to suffer from insomnia?

Just then, Ivan came outside. He looked here and there and walked up to me. 

“Can’t sleep, eh? Jane told me about your insomnia, sounds pretty rough for you.” 

“What about you?” 

“Unlike you, I can fall asleep anywhere and under any condition, that’s a talent I’m born with.”

“I envy you.” 

“Hey Erik… I’m… I’m sorry about what I said a few days back. I-I couldn’t control my anger and blamed you for what happened to Kevin. You helped us… risking your life… even though we just met. Looks like I have been a little ungrateful to you. Forgive me,” he said in a low voice. 

I looked at him. “I forgave you already, let’s work on getting you guys to Golden Woods.”  

He gave a smile as we entered the house. 

***

“Hey, still up?” Jane said, grabbing my blanket.

“What happened?” I asked, getting up. 

“I figured you would be awake. Mark wants to go outside to see the city. I want you to come with us.” 

“Are you serious? His mom would kill us if something happens to his cute little angel.”

She pulled me outside, he was standing near the gate, he waved his hand in excitement once he saw me.

“Stop, Jane, we aren’t leaving this place… not at night, it’s dangerous,” I tried to convince her. 

“Mark said, he wanted to show us the city, let’s go and look around. We have our own personal tour guide and besides we can gather some supplies for our journey,” she replied. 

“Did that guy ever leave this fence? He’s just lying.” 

“Come on guys, we don’t have much time,” Mark said, opening the fence door. 

Without no other option, I accompanied them to the city, and we walked in the streets while dodging the ghouls and making as little noise as possible. 

“So, what is the thing you wanted to show us?” Jane asked. 

“The casino. I grew up here all my life but never went inside, I want to check it for once.”

“Casino; the fastest way to lose all your money,” I let out. 

“It's stock marketing,” Jane replied. 

“At least, you learn something in stock marketing, Casino mostly requires luck to win,” I responded. 

We finally reached the casino. First, we walked around to make sure the place is safe. Once we were inside, I spotted a ghoul in one of the rooms, I smashed its head.   

“M-my brother was killed by monsters; he was a nice guy who died young. If you are mad with my mom, it’s not her fault. She doesn’t want to lose me,” Mark said in a low voice. 

“I would expect any parent to be like that. She’s protecting you. You are lucky,” Jane replied with a smile.