The Dead Among Us

Different stories

Fabia's POV

A few weeks have passed since the dinner. I haven't seen Jason or his family since, and I'm dreading when I do.

I've been in bed most of the time, healing. When I try to help around the house and do my slave duties, Sabin or Pedro usually jump on my case to let my ribs recover.

The nights have become a battleground for me. Sleeping is so uncomfortable, and whenever I'm alone, I'm besieged by terrifying nightmares of the infiltrators each time I close my eyes. This has led to Sabin sleeping with me, a necessity to prevent me from waking the entire household. It's a strange situation; it feels like a tangible barrier separates us beneath the sheets.

The good news is I'm adjusting to this interesting family I've become a part of. They are a unique blend of personalities and habits, and each day, I learn something new about them. It's been a rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm starting to find my place.

Benji comes into my room after school most days; she seems to enjoy getting my attention. Sometimes, she's a little too rowdy for me to keep up with, especially in my condition. She also has a knack for veering off-topic mid-story, which throws me for a loop every time she's talking.

And Kenji, the sweet kid, always comes to the door and says with a wave and smile, "Hi, Miss Fabia!" when they get home. It sounds silly, but I think he likes me for standing up to Jason.

I don't see Jon much, but Pedro comes in to check on me often. The man is a gentle soul and an angel, much like Kenji, unlike everyone else in this community.

Speaking of the community, I've yet to hear how Eliza is, and it's eating me alive. I can't shake off this feeling of worry, and it's affecting me more than I thought it would. When I ask Manny, he always gives me the same answer: he doesn't know, and he hasn't seen her around.

***

I'm flipping through one of Kenji's books on the couch. I have already tidied up and Pedro advised against attempting dinner. I guess he has something planned. The kids are at school, and the men are working.

As the door swings open, I barely give it a second thought, considering it is lunchtime. The men occasionally return home to have a meal if circumstances allow.

When I gaze upwards, my heart skips a beat; it's none other than then Jason and Chief.

"T-Rex!" Chief calls out enthusiastically, waltzing towards me with a bag in his hand.

I still don't get the nickname.

I don't say anything; I stare at them nervously. Jason casually leans against the walls, observing our every move, while Chief makes his way over to me, checking on my hand as he kneels down in front of me.

Snatching the book out of my hand, he firmly guides my hand to rest on his propped knee.

He asks me with a hint of amusement but also concern, "You gonna puke again?"

"I don't know...probably if it's nasty..." I mumble.

"Weak belly," he jests in a playful tone with a chuckle. I must say he's in a weird, goofy mood. Next, he turns his head to Jason, "Grab the trash, Junior."

Jason lets out a frustrated sigh as he makes his way to the kitchen. He then raises his voice, saying, "That is not my name!"

Chief laughs again and starts getting his tools out of his bag, prepping them on the couch right next to me.

"It's your name today," he taunts under his breath and then flashes me a wink.

Did he smoke some crack or something before coming here?