CHAPTER XV
Mon and I went to a café near our college hostel, where I ordered her favorite milk tea. As we sat down, Mon asked me why I was treating her. I smiled and said, "I just felt like taking someone as understanding as you out for a treat, and you came to mind." Mon's expression turned curious, and she asked, "What about Malvika?" I quickly clarified, "Malvika is just a friend, nothing more." Mon's eyes sparkled with amusement as she teased, "Oh, is that so?" I nodded, feeling a bit nervous.
Mon's demeanor changed, and she asked, "Can I ask you something?" I nodded eagerly, my voice filled with anticipation. Mon's eyes locked onto mine, and she asked, "What is it?" I took a deep breath and blurted out my confession. "Mon, would you be my girlfriend? I've liked you for a long time. If you don't like girls, it's okay, I just needed to tell you." Mon's eyes widened in shock, and she froze, a burger halfway to her mouth.
As she stared at me, I wondered if I had misread the situation entirely. Was I wrong about Mon? The thought of Malvika's potential reaction swirled in my mind, making me feel uneasy. Mon took a bite of her burger, chewed slowly, and then spoke, her voice filled with emotion. "I thought you liked Malvika, but you proposed to me? Sam, Sam, answer me." I hesitated, unsure of how to respond.
Mon's grip on my hands was warm and gentle as she said, "Just sitting here with you after what you've said means I care about you deeply. I'll accept that you like me, but I have to admit, I love you." Her words sent a rush of emotions through me. I saw the sincerity in her eyes, and my heart skipped a beat. Despite the genuine love shining in Mon's eyes, I couldn't shake off the feeling of guilt and the potential consequences of my actions, especially considering Malvika's feelings towards Mon.
As Mon wrapped her arms around me, her face lit up with joy, and I forced a smile, trying to maintain the facade. The memory of her happiness still brings a smile to my face, but at that moment, I knew I was trapped in a web of my own making.
As I think about Mon, it's like the first rainbow after a long, dry spell - a burst of color and beauty in my life. Her presence made my journey, which was once fraught with difficulties, feel somehow easier. The memories of our time together brought me back to life, reminding me of the joy and love that I had thought was lost forever.
In the past five years, the trauma of the nurse massacre had left me scarred, and even the slightest reminder would bring back the pain and anguish. It felt like the wounds would never heal, like the cuts on my body would forever be a reminder of the horrors I had endured. But Mon's presence changed everything. She brought light into my darkness, and her love gave me the strength to face my demons.
With Mon by my side, I felt like I could finally start to heal. The weight of my past didn't disappear, but it became more bearable. Her love was a balm to my soul, soothing the pain and calming the fears that had haunted me for so long. As I look back, I realize that Mon didn't just bring happiness into my life; she brought hope. She showed me that even in the darkest moments, there could be beauty and joy.
The memories of our time together are etched in my mind like a precious treasure. I cherish every moment, every laugh, and every tear we shared. Mon's love was a reminder that life is precious, and that even in the face of adversity, we can find happiness and love. As I reflect on our journey, I'm grateful for the time we had together, and I'm reminded that love can be a powerful healer, one that can mend even the deepest wounds.
I snapped out of my reverie, only to find my teammates staring at me, their faces etched with amusement. I realized I had been attempting to squeeze through a narrow opening in the wall, lost in my own thoughts. I often got so caught up in my own world that I forgot about my surroundings. Aliyana chuckled, her voice laced with teasing, "Sam, you're going to be the team head, fighting off zombies with your trusty stick, aren't you?" I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I sheepishly replied, "I was just thinking about something."
Just then, a zombie lunged at Aliyana, and she shrieked, leaping onto me for protection. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around her, holding her tight. As the zombie was about to attack, Looka swiftly intervened, dispatching the undead creature with ease. With Aliyana still clinging to me, I couldn't help but smile, "Now, who's the real hero here?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Looka chuckled, "You two can sort out who's the boss later. For now, let's focus on saving the villagers." Aliyana slid off me, her eyes sparkling with mischief, "Yeah, Sam, you can be the team head, and I'll be your trusty sidekick." I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, "Sure, sure, let's just get moving before more zombies show up."
As we ventured deeper into the zombie-infested area, our banter and camaraderie helped to keep our spirits high. Despite the danger that lurked around every corner, we worked together seamlessly, our movements practiced and precise. I led the way, my sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger, while Aliyana and all team followed closely behind, our senses on high alert.
The adrenaline rush of fighting off zombies was exhilarating, but it was the moments like these, when we laughed and joked together, that reminded me of the bond we shared as teammates. We were more than just a team; we were a family, united in our quest to survive and protect each other. And as we battled our way through the hordes of undead, I knew that together, we could overcome any obstacle that came our way.
As we ventured deeper into the village, a majestic mansion loomed in the distance, its grandeur captivating our attention. Suddenly, a villager sprinted towards us, his frantic expression a harbinger of doom. "Their herd is approaching; please leave immediately!" he urged, his voice laced with desperation. We swiftly readied ourselves, our hearts racing with anticipation. A horde of wild boars, infected with the zombie virus, emerged on the horizon, their eyes glowing with an unnatural hunger.
Aliyana's eyes widened in horror, "Oh my God, the virus is affecting animals too?" Her voice trembled with fear. I nodded grimly, recalling the zombie dogs we encountered on our way to California. "Yes, I've seen it before," I said, my voice steady despite the growing unease.
August's voice cracked with concern, "I don't think we're prepared for this. We should find shelter and devise a solid plan." Haider concurred, his eyes scanning the surroundings, "We're here to save others, not become prey ourselves." Daniel's fear was palpable, his face pale and sweaty. Robin's plea to Aliyana echoed his sentiments, "Please, let's hide somewhere." Looka's decisive tone put an end to the debate, "If that's what everyone wants, let's go."
Elisa's pleading gaze met mine, and I nodded in agreement, "Aliyana, we should listen to them." With a reluctant sigh, Aliyana acquiesced, "Fine, let's go." We turned to flee, but the infected boars were relentless, their snarls and grunts growing louder. Ariana, lagging behind, fell prey to the snarling beasts. We reached the mansion gates, slamming them shut behind us, and began scanning our new surroundings.
The adrenaline rush and fear gave way to relief and guilt over Ariana's fate. As we caught our breath, our priority shifted to securing the mansion and devising a plan to survive this zombie-infested world. The imposing structure loomed before us, its secrets and safety awaiting discovery. We stood there, panting, our eyes locked on the gates, praying that they would hold against the horde of infected boars. The silence was oppressive, punctuated only by the distant snarls and grunts of the boars. We knew we had to move forward, to find a way to survive in this new world. But for now, we stood still, frozen in grief and fear.
To be continue....