SOMETHING (en) √

Thirty-Four

TWO YEARS LATER…

The economy started to get back to normal with the help of other countries around. Professor William however, got arrested after everything was settled for operating the illegal lab. But since he managed to save the situation, his punishment got lightened up.

Nowa, Amber, Allan and Daniel got an honourable batch for their brave to be the volunteer in the mission that saved everyone. They got badges from his majesty the King. The giving ceremony went well today. As for the soldiers, they got a promotion. Two ranks higher than what they’re supposed to be. Sofea manages to learn medicine like what she wants. Radz and Shaf did their best in their new rank. Karn also did well being the best leader. And Daus created an awesome weapon like what he wished for. It brings him the confidence to continue everything he wants.

 Amber inherited his father’s business but now she’s connected to the military as well. Nowa and Allan are on their way to creating the game, based on a true story. For everyone to experience what they felt on the battlefield. Daniel, on the other hand, stops being a journalist and works with Nowa and Allan as a graphic designer for the game. For the time being, Allan decided to stay in Malaysia before going back to New Zealand. He will come back. He needs to come back to fulfil Maya’s wish. 

After the ceremony ended, they gathered together again, about to go somewhere important for them. They went there in three cars. Not long after that, they arrived.

“We’re here to visit all of you,” Nowa said once they arrived.

It’s a special memorial that the government made for Maya, Mike and Bella. They request them to do it, Despite everything they’re their important person and Mike did go to the battlefield. Bella lost her life while trying to hold on for the sake of everyone and Maya is the reason why they keep on moving. They put a few flowers around the memorial. They kneel in front of the memorial, wishing nothing for the best for their next life.

“We received our honourable badges today,” Daniel said.

“And we request to let you have it also,” Nowa added.

Nowa, Daniel and Allan put the badge inside their memorial. The rest of them patted their shoulders. Allan finally finds his other strength. Daniel watches him doing it. Maybe, it’s time for him to let go. Maybe he's stronger now. Allan put the rings inside the memorial. Both his and her rings. He puts it nicely, letting the memories locked in here.

Daniel also left something behind. A letter for her future. A letter that she didn’t manage to write but he wrote it for her instead. From his point of view of her life after the date. About how stronger she became in a matter of time. About How good she was on the battlefield. He also left the bracelet inside it.

And lastly, Nowa. But she didn’t leave anything behind. She doesn’t want to leave anything. She wants to keep everything. She’s not ready to let go of anything. 

^^^^^

“You okay?”, Daniel asked Allan as soon as they reached home.

“Yeah, am I not looking okay in your eyes?”, Allan asked back.

“I’m just asking. No need to be so grumpy.”

Daniel moves to the kitchen to get something to eat. Allan scratched his non-itchy head before walking to Daniel.

“I’m sorry,” he said.

“Shut up,” Daniel stuffed Allan’s mouth with a piece of bread.

“Daniel.”

“Shhh, go to sit.”

Allan just followed his word. Deep inside, Daniel was not mad at him. Things like this happen most of the time. Allan finds out that Daniel has delicate feelings after getting to know him even more. That’s why sometimes he snapped so easily and let it go as fast as he could.

^^^^^

“Will you be going to the shop today?”, Nowa asked, putting down her blazer.

“Nope, it’s close for today. I just want to chill out, watching TV or something,” Amber replied.

Nowa and Amber are now living together at Amber’s house. Nowa’s house already got repaired but Amber asked her to just live together with her. So, Nowa put her house on rent instead.

“So, what about you and Karn?”, Nowa asked.

“What about it?”

“Don’t try to hide anything from me, Amber. I see it.”

“See what?”

“He kept on checking you during the ceremony. Even during the apocalypse. He even follows your words the most!”

“Oh, erm, well…”

“What?!”

“We’re in the talking stage I guess.”

“Talking stage?! It’s been two years!”

“Yeah but only now that our life is at a normal pace. It’s like a reset. We got to know each other from the beginning.”

“I see. So, you like him?”

Amber just shrugged her shoulders. But her cheeks are blushing. Nowa just makes her disgusted face to Amber before getting slapped by her. 

^^^^^

A few days later, Nowa, Allan and Daniel are getting back to their work, creating the game. As for today, they would like to see the first draft of the infected that Daniel created.

“So, this is the first draft. I try to create it as close as I remember,” Daniel gave his laptop to them.

The trauma had a huge impact on him as time went by. He seems to keep on forgetting everything. The only infected that he really remembers is the Runner. They did get him to the psychiatrist to get him treated. Luckily, he’s fine about going there with the help of Allan. 

“I think you did a good job here. But maybe, you can edit this part right here a bit. I remember the Ferals had sharp claws to help them climb and everything,” Nowa said.

“Ahh alright! Will do.”

"So, what's the name?", Allan asked.

"The game?", Nowa asked back.

"Yeah."

"Let's name it... Something. Just Something."

They continue their discussion. They’re so serious about this that they make everyone put their names as the players. At the game credit, they put Maya, Mike and Bella's names as the fallen unfortunate. This game will bring them a new life. This game is a reminder to everyone. It will remind everyone of the tragic incident in Malaysia. And it will make everyone realize, to not repeat the same mistakes as Professor William did. It's the whole story that can be played by everyone. They want every generation to face the hardship that happened during the apocalypse so that they can appreciate everyone they have and won’t waste their time which will only make them lose their loved ones.

^^^^^

A/N: Don't worry, everything is fine 💜