Stepping carefully down the corridor, Alex followed Erica toward the shelter's dining hall. The hall stretched wide and long, its high ceilings trapping the faint morning light and the low hum of generators. Only a handful of survivors were scattered about, seated at tables or quietly moving to and from the kitchen. The vastness of the space was almost overwhelming—but somehow, it felt protective, the kind of shelter that could hold you while the world outside still raged.
At the counter, a young man stood with calm authority, ladling simple bowls of food: steamed rice, a thick vegetable stew dotted with vegetables, and warm slices of bread. A tin cup of tea sat on each tray. Larry, tall and strong, with a gentle air that carried quiet authority, looked up as the two approached.
He glanced at Alex as they approached. "You must be the new one," he said, voice steady. "I'm Larry—cousin to Erica and Eric."
Alex nodded, offering a small, cautious smile. "I'm Alex. Nice to meet you."
Larry nodded, leaning lightly against the counter. "I know it's a lot to take in. You just arrived, everything's strange, and… well, we're all trying to survive here, same as you. But you've done alright so far. That ditch thing—you handled it." He gave a small, approving nod. "Not everyone would have made it through that."
Alex felt a faint warmth at Larry's words, a rare recognition he wasn't used to hearing. "Thanks," he murmured.
Larry smiled, more openly this time. "Good. Now, don't worry too much about Erica. She's strong, but she's my cousin too, so I need you to look out for her." He tilted his head toward Erica. "Take care of her, alright?"
Alex offered a small nod. "I will, sir."
Larry chuckled at his formality."You can be free around me. Don't be so formal"
Alex nodded again.
Erica, already gathering a bowl, gave a faint smile. "Yes. We'll be careful."
Larry simply nodded, returning to the line of trays.
After collecting their plates, Alex and Erica moved toward one of the long tables near the center of the dining hall. The space felt larger than it needed to be, the emptiness stretching between the few occupied tables. They sat down quietly, the clatter of cutlery echoing more than it should have.
They ate in silence, the calm hum of the generators and the occasional clink of spoon against bowl filling the hall. Alex focused on the warmth of the food, tasting the simple flavors, feeling the rare sensation of normalcy.
Not long after, Eric entered the hall.
"Found you," he said lightly.
Erica looked up. "Morning."
Eric gave a nod and headed for the counter. He picked up a plate, exchanged a brief greeting with Larry, then returned and took the seat beside Erica.
They ate for a while without speaking, the rhythm of the meal unhurried. For a while silence befell. The trio looked as if the were ravaging through their minds, looking for a discussion that could make things feel more normal.
"I wish the fall never happened," Erica said suddenly, her voice low.
Eric let out a short breath. "Yeah. Things were simpler before."
Alex glanced up. "Where are we getting supplies from?" he asked. "I mean… where do we even start?"
Eric shrugged. "Any shop that still looks standing. Grocery stores, pharmacies. Whatever we can find."
He paused, then added with a faint smile, "Not like there's anyone left behind the counter to tell us to pay."
For a moment, they laughed—quietly, carefully—like they were afraid the sound might travel too far.
They finished quickly after that.
When they were done, they carried their plates to the far end of the counter where used dishes were being stacked. Larry looked up as they approached.
"Take care out there," he said, his eyes lingering on the three adolescents for a second longer.
Alex nodded. "We will."
They waved as they left the dining hall.
Just outside, a man stepped into their path. He looked to be in his late twenties, dressed simply in a blue shirt and brown trousers. His posture was relaxed, matching the calm look on his face.
"Eric?" he asked.
Eric stopped. "Yeah?"
"Commander Jason needs you," the man said. "We're checking new rooms—trying to figure out how many more people this place can hold."
Eric hesitated, then turned to Alex and Erica. "Looks like you'll have to go on without me."
Erica frowned. "Are you sure?"
Eric nodded, his tone apologetic. "I'll catch up later. Just… be careful."
Before leaving, they passed through what had once been the hotel's reception area. A small crate sat near the desk, and Eric handed each of them a pistol.
"Just in case," he said.
They exchanged a look, then accepted the weapons. They watched as Erica walked behind the man and disappeared into a corridor.
As Alex and Erica headed toward the gate, a familiar shape moved into view.
"Ash," Alex said softly.
The dog trotted over and stopped beside him. Alex knelt, running his hand through Ash's fur, grounding himself in the simple, steady warmth. After a moment, he stood again.
He looked at Erica. She met his gaze and gave a small shrug.
"Ready?" Alex asked.
"Yeah," she replied.
Together, they walked through the gate and into what remained of a world that had once been alive with noise and movement—now quiet, broken, and waiting.