𝐀𝐒𝐘𝐋𝐔𝐌

chapter three

As the stranger had mentioned, his home wasn't that far.

Tucked away between two normal buildings was a one story building that more closely resembled a trailer home than the suburban home surrounding it.

It had an unusually large gravel driveway, a truck with a wooden back parked in it.

The house itself wasn't in a terrible spot. It was a fair distance from any shade that wasn't casted by the house itself. This meant that once night starts any zombies shouldn't notice you. The sides of the house was carefully boarded up at the base as well as the windows. With a few inches left for light between the window’s boarding.

One thing you thought was weird but hardly thought about was the fact the many obviously used bandages were nailed around the house. They grew in quantity near the windows and door.

You were beginning to regret following this stranger, but for a hideout this is fairly good, it was a little worth it. You hope it'll stay worth it when you meet this strangers room mate.

The stranger stepped up the few steps and knocked on the door several times.

Heavy footsteps approached the door in a way that made your stomach sink a little. You kept a tight grip on Gabriel. Just how big was this supposed roommate.

The door was opened launguidly, “Who-” the man began before stopping to look at the bandaged boy.

Oh.

My.

God.

You were expecting a big guy but this guy was big. He was tall, much taller than you and dwarfed all of you. His muscles were visibly firm and his abbed stomach was easy to see under his black tank.

He had many scars on his body that we're evidently old and his stern grey eyes really had you shaking.

It was weird though that, in a way, despite being nearly physically polar opposites, both this new man and the stranger you met earlier look similar. Both had messy black hair and long lashes. A similar, with the bandaged boy being a bit paler, complexion.

Well, you guess his appearance doesn't matter. The fact was this man gets to determine life or death for you.

“Fern, who are they?” The large man asked the bandaged boy. His voice was deep and yet surprisingly gentle.

The bandaged boy, Fern, seemed to think for a moment.

He turned around too look at you and Gabriel, “Mm... I dont know...” he spoke.

Huh?! What does he mean he doesn't know? He brought you here!

The large man sighed, rubbing his forehead, “It's no good to discuss things here. Come inside.” he opened the door for the three of you.

The interior was neat, with surprising appliances that stood out considering the home they were in. It seems this large man seems to have already been ready to combat an apocalypse.

However, looking down the hallway (which was relatively close considering the homes small size) revealed only three rooms. Despite all three rooms being on the same side of hallway with their interiors being out of view, the very last one seemed to have pieces of garbage spilling out.

“Owen, ‘m hungry.” Fern spoke you the large man.

So his name was Owen? Seems uncharacteristic given his sheer size.

“Theres fruit leather.” Owen responded simply, “And we have more important things to discuss.” he pointed out, locking the front door with several different locks.