The Dead Among Us

4. Behind the walls

 As I storm out of the building, Sabin is right on my tail. The bright, warm sun greets us as we step outside, revealing the small country town that takes my breath away. It's like a scene from a forgotten storybook, and time somehow stood still here. You would never believe zombies roamed on the outside.

Quaint little houses and cabins with crooked chimneys stand stoically, surrounded by all sorts of life. Farm animals are behind fences in some yards, and others hold gardens with beaming vegetation. Chickens and dogs walk amongst the townsfolk, who move about with a gentle lilt in their voices, exchanging nods and smiles as if part of a secret pact.

I feel an enigmatic air that shrouds the town as if the very cobblestones whisper untold secrets. The city exists in its own secluded sphere, untouched by the outside world. It's both unsettling and captivating, and I can't help but feel like an outsider peering into a foreign world.

Sabin notices me standing there, just absorbing everything in. I feel him tug on my sleeve.

"Get in the truck," he tells me.

I follow behind him towards the pickup parked close to the exit from which we just came. It's the same truck from last night, and as I walk behind the tailgate, I see a lot of blood splattered in the back. I wonder if it's from my hand or something else.

I am sitting in the passenger seat, my anticipation rising as he attempts to start the engine. The car sputters and coughs, and with each unsuccessful try, his frustration grows more palpable. I watch as he slams his palms against the steering wheel, muttering curses under his breath. Finally, the engine catches, and as we pull away, a cloud of dust billows in our wake.

During the brief drive, I marvel at the awe-inspiring sight that unfolds before me. The village is shielded by sturdy walls that stand sentinel on all sides, punctuated by watchtowers and vigilant guards. Nestled snugly amidst the rugged cliffs and the glistening expanse of the sea, the small coastal village is a wonder to behold, I must admit.

The unbroken expanse of water meets the walls, save for where the waves crash against the rocks below, the salty sea breeze carrying hints of distant lands. The town is a maze of dirt roads, winding between charming stone buildings adorned with colorful facades that seem to dance in the coastal sunlight.

The truck rolls to a stop, but I'm too focused on the stunning lighthouse to our right, its red and white stripes gleaming in the daylight. Sabin shifts into park, while I find myself captivated by the sight, unable to tear my gaze away. I sense his anticipation for me to jump out as he glances at me, making a subtle clearing of his throat noise.

I turn to him, then out in front of us through the windshield. A group of guards stand at the gate, their rifles slung over their shoulders and walkie-talkies attached to their belt clips. With a quick hand signal from Sabin, they make their way to a control station and open the gates, revealing the expanse of the woods beyond.

Not wanting to waste anyone else's time, I gather my belongings and unlatch the truck door. As my boot touches the earth, my left foot hesitates on the step of the vehicle. Fear suddenly grips me about what lies beyond those gates. 

What monsters lie in wake for me to pass by? Where would I even go? The thought of facing the unknown is terrifying. I pause, not wanting to venture into the scary world all alone.

I peer at Sabin, my reluctance evident as I ask, "Where's the nearest city?"

"West... But you won't find nothin' but the devils or raiders there..." he answers grimly.

I glance back at the dense woods, then back at him, and then back to the woods again, feeling torn. 

"What would happen if I chose to stay?" I blurt out, the words escaping before I can fully process them, as if my tongue and my fear are in collusion.

He doesn't say anything; he runs his hand down his face and chin, then interlocks his fingers behind his head, resting his head back. I watch as he closes his eyes, deep in thought.

Right when I give up on him answering my question, he speaks, and his response catches me off guard.

"You'll be my responsibility..."

"What does that mean?" I ask, my brows crinkled in my forehead.

"That you'll live with me... Do as I say..."

I climb back into the truck, take a seat, and close the door. His eyes finally open, maybe in hopes that his vehicle is vacant.

"Why are you being so vague?" I press, leaning in close. "What will I have to do? Work?"

"No, I mean yes, but not—Look, we have rules here in Bronzeclaw. Pierre Bobelli runs our society. I brought you here, which means I'm responsible for you here."

"Responsible how?"

"Look, I don't want this responsibility... Just fucking take your freedom while you have the chance." His hand is gesturing out the window to the woods.

I follow his fingers out to the wilderness. Where I've called home all my life and now suddenly feels so alien and threatening. I don't want that anymore. Sometimes, I didn't like it, even with my father. I definitely don't want it without him.

I look at Sabin; his eyes are pleading. But why? I'm the one who has to obey him, apparently.

"I choose to stay here," I mutter, and he exhales loudly and dramatically. "If you don't want me to live with you, can I stay with someone else?" I ask, trying to help his situation as much as mine. 

He stares for a long moment, so long it's getting weird. Finally, he shifts to reverse and throws his arm around to the back of my seat, twisting his body around to see out the rear window as he backs away from the gate.

"Trust me, you don't want that," is all he finally says.