Shadow Beasts *Rewrite, Slow Updates*

IV

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Let's see if you guys can do the math, how old is Catherine now? And how old is Jaden? Comment down below if you know (^ω^)!
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4 years later

As I made my way through the abandoned train tunnel, I started noticing more people around. Usually there was about 30 to 40 people who survived the attack. But many more people had arrived, and I didn't know them.

I got to the supplies stands and saw Erin, the owner of the food stand. She was my friend, and she would always give me a little extra food for free.

"Hey Erin, did more people arrive?" I asked.

"Oh, good morning Cath. Yea, more people came over to us. They are all survivors of the Anchors too. Apparently they have been going to many small towns and killing off everyone. I hate them so much. Stupid maniacs." She replied, her smile fading at the end of her sentence.

"Wait, they have all been attacked too? I thought The Anchors were just attacking big cities, with more people and money." I asked.

"Nope. Now they are legit serial killers, just destroying everything they see, no matter how young and innocent their victim is."

I got chills down my spine, remembering that I was in that spot too. When I was face to face with a actual serial killer. Face to face with death. If it weren't for Jaden I would have died. The thought of him cleared my mind and warmed my heart up.

"Um hellooo, earth to Catherine! Girl are you okay? You seem really distracted." Erin snapped me back to reality.

"Oh um, sorry. I was just thinking about something. Can I have two packets of sunflower seeds and two canned meals?" I asked, trying my best to not zone out again.

"Yea sure, it will be $10.26 for you today." She replied, reaching to some baskets behind her.

I grabbed some money from my pockets and gave it to her. She bagged up my things and gave them to me.

"Thanks Cath. Have a good day." She said smiling big at me.

"Thanks Erin, see you around." I replied waving goodbye.

I started walking back towards the exit.

"Oh and happy birthday Cath!" I heard Erin yell behind me.

I looked back and mouthed 'thank you' to her and smiled big. I checked my bag, and just like always, she gave me extra food. But today she gave me even more. She gave me two cupcakes, one candle, four packets of sunflower seeds, and four canned meals. I grinned to myself and walked back home.

As I walked through the streets I definitely noticed more people around. There was some women talking to each other by a flower store, some kids were fighting each other, and some girls flirting with a group of boys. I looked up and saw the dark orange sky. There was some dark clouds scattered randomly. Those stupid Anchors threw many smoke bombs and destroyed our skies. Now there was no more bright sun or pretty blue days, but dark grey clouds and even darker weather. I got home and opened the door slowly. When I left the house, Jaden was still asleep so I tried not to wake him up.

I was surprised when I saw the living room filled with colored tissue paper and a pretty banner that said, 'Happy B-day Cath!'. I looked over towards the doorway of the kitchen and saw Jaden holding a beautiful small cake with cute pastel colors and pearls. Jaden was dressed in a nice button up shirt and some dark jeans. He was wearing his old grey converse. He also wore a huge smile and warm eyes.

"Happy birthday Cath!" He said joyfully, walking towards me.

He put the cake on the table and came to give me a hug. He smelled fresh and clean. I dropped the bags of food and returned the hug.