Should we?

After her long slumber she woke up the next day to the same world she is used to now for days. Thankfully it is peaceful and despite the sun still being absent she could still hear the birds chirp outside. She made her way downstairs searching for Jonathan. Jonathan is sitting on a chair near the window with a 2x4 wood being held tightly by his hands. Catherine didn't even need to ask him, she already knows that he stayed up all night watching over the house. She greeted him asking how he is, he only replied that he's okay. Catherine asked him if he wanted anything but he replied that he's okay. She made her way to her kitchen to grab anything she can eat for the morning. There wasn't a lot of option but she has to make do with what she has.

Jonathan came upto to her telling her how she was these past days especially when she heard the announcement. She told him everything even the fact that she almost missed it when she was hurrying it up for the rehearsal. Jonathan shared his experience as well, she was on the way to the rehearsal as well when he heard the announcement on the radio of his pickup truck. He made his way back home and there his mother was scared about the announcement. Jonathan has been through enough already and Catherine didn't want him to be reminded about his mother again so she shifted the topic on what she thinks is the best course of action right now, to stay inside or to go somewhere else. Jonathan isn't sure of it yet because they are protected by the house from the UFBO's unlike when they're outside, but he does know that eventually they have to go outside because their supplies aren't going to last forever. Catherine pitched his idea of going to her parents house. Jonathan saw the benefits of it as it is surrounded by trees which can give them cover from the UFBO's but at the same time, it would be harder to maintain the supply since there are a lot of them and it will be both risky and deadly to venture out since there is still quite a distance to travel, specially by foot.

Catherine did see his point but she wanted to see her family , but she couldn't just leave Jonathan alone. Jonathan did said that they do have to figure it out soon since he doesn't think that anyone would really come and save them. Catherine assured him that they will, but in the meantime they should rest and see all the options that they have. Catherine wanted to bring up something to Jonathan but, she's not entirely sure that she can trust him with it. They've been friends for a long time, bestfriends even, but she still wants to be safe.

The day was starting to drag too long, without any electricity there is really only so much that you can do. Catherine is continuing her painting immersed once again in her own little world. Jonathan is trying to find something to do in her house, by exercising, watching the outside and laying down when he's tired. He would've been laying down all day if he hasn't noticed something weird outside. At first he thought it was the UFBO's but upon a closer look he realized that there are looters outside and they are armed. He slowly made it to the garage to tell Catherine who is shocked when she heard about it. He told her to watch the back door and he'll be on the look out in the front. Jonathan can see them going inside the house besides the one infront of them. They're talking to each other but in a low voice making them inaudible. Jonathan is trying his best to not be seen but to monitor them at the same time just to see if they'll head their next. They've been inside the other house for a while and from the looks of it, it's either they couldn't find anything or they're trying to get what they could. They can only both hope that they got what they could so the house will be spared.

After a while it almost looked like that they were gone and a sense of relief is starting to wash over them. Until one of them came out, followed by another. They were far away but Jonathan can clearly see that they are disappointed, "fuck", Jonathan gasped as they look directly at the House probably thinking of looting it next. Jonathan alarmed Catherine and he asked her where the 1911 is. Catherine, who is now panicking hastily told him that its at the garage. He told her to get it now and as they are likely going to head to the house next. The looters talked for a while more than likely looking at their options, but from the looks of it they have made up their minds. They started walking towards the house slowly and carefully making sure that they don't make any noise. Jonathan told her to ready her gun, as they are going to stand their ground. The looters were almost infront of the house, until they stopped dead in their tracks while looking above them and by that it is clear what they saw. They rushed to get away while holding fear in their faces, Jonathan tried to see where they are going and they went inside the house they just looted but it was too late for them they tried to close the door but the UFBOs they saw catch up to them and in while the last thing they both heard from them is the echo of gunshots and screams. Jonathan closed the curtain as he can hear more of them outside. Catherine told him that they can stay in the garage for a while just until the UFBO's go away. They both went in there and sat down on the floor. They can hear the UFBO's running and walking on the roof and the outside. Thankfully, Catherine's garage doors are somewhat thick which they hope masks their smell and the noise outside.

Jonathan noticed Catherine's painting standing just next to them. He took a good look at it to fully see what her painting is about. Just by looking at it, he knows why she is doing it. A smiled formed on his face before uttering the words, "You never told me that you could paint". Catherine who is scared and worried was confused at first, but she then came to realize what he is talking about.

"Oh that? I just never thought that I still could , it's been a while since I painted again.", Catherine replied in a soft and low voice.

"Well maybe after all this you could paint some, who knows you might make a fortune", Jonathan replied in the same soft and low voice.

"That has been my dream since I was a kid, but reality came and it just became impossible for me.", Catherine replied with a sheer amount of sadness in her face.

"I think you're missing out on something, who knows maybe after all this the two of you will be sitting in a Mansion", Jonathan jokingly replied.

"You really are a Joker aren't you?", Catherine replied with a smile on her face.

They talked for a while seemingly blissful to what is going on outside, silently laughing, smiling and telling jokes to each other. They both made themselves comfortable and happy in the dire situation they are in, making sure that they still make the most of it, distracting each other from the reality that is going on.

Time passed without them even realizing it. The UFBO's have passed and night is coming. Catherine asked Jonathan if he wanted to eat now. Jonathan accepted her offer and they both sat down for their meal. They continued talking to each other and most of their conversations are about their past days, what happened when they were kids and how so much has changed in the following years. A pause started and Jonathan wanted to bring something up, Catherine noticed this and asked him what is wrong. Jonathan tried to pick up his words first but she did told her that maybe it is best if they leave, for him they are sitting ducks in the house and that maybe sooner or later someone or something might get to them. He added that maybe it's best if they leave soon and head for her parents, he told her to notify them and Joseph as well if he can catch up to them while they are on the way.

Catherine is surprised but happy at the same time, she is surprised that Jonathan wanted to leave, but happy that she might atleast see her family again. She messaged them but she didn't get a reply from either. They both started talking about the things that they will need to bring and leave, Catherine is all set already but they are still figuring what she can add and what Jonathan can bring as well. Jonathan volunteered to take the can foods as well as all the other foods and stuff that Catherine couldn't bring at first. After all that is settled, they both went on their way to rest. They plan to go out tomorrow but they will still see if they can and they will still finalize all the stuff that they can bring. It might've made Catherine happy, but she is still scared about going out, but she is confident that they can make it and despite what may happen, for her atleast, she can endure with her family and loved ones.