Chapter 15 (Eye on You)

Chapter 15: Eye on You

Ethan Warren

December, 2022

Seven months after outbreak

The Apartment, Minnesota

Season 1

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"What are your names?" I asked as we sat down at the table. Everyone had their guns pointed at the new people. The tension in the room was palpable as the newcomers exchanged wary glances. Sensing their unease, I tried to ease the atmosphere by offering a reassuring smile. "We just want to make sure everyone's safe here," I added, hoping to foster a sense of trust among us all.

"I am Lucas Buckley; this is my friend Olivia and her cousin Camila. We're from Wisconsin, but we've been running for quite a while now. I promise we do not mean any harm." Lucas's voice quivered slightly as he spoke, his eyes darting around the room to gauge everyone's reaction. Olivia and Camila stood close by, their expressions a mix of weariness and vulnerability. It was clear that they had been through a lot, and their plea for understanding hung in the air, waiting for someone to break the tension and offer them a chance at safety.

"Is there anyone else?"

"No, it's been just us for quite a while now. In the beginning, there was a community, but not everyone made it out," Lucas said, a devastated look flushed on his face.

"Hello," Rudi greeted, trying to grab Olivia's attention, "how many weeks are you?" She didn't respond; her focus stayed on the wood tiles of the floor, and her hand was placed gently on her stomach. Rudi backed off in confusion. Neither of the women has said anything since they arrived. I just couldn't figure out why. Rudi wondered if there was something more going on with Olivia and Lucas. He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, as if there were secrets being kept from him.

"I can put up some sort of shelter in the back," Aaron offered.

"That would be great; thanks, Aaron." I said. The man smiled, and I finally set my gun down, and the rest did the same. "Dinner's at 7; you're welcome to join, but you'll get smaller portions."

"Ethan," Rudi said with that look in his eyes, "the baby." I thought about it carefully. This baby wasn't going to be ours, so why did it matter? But I felt bad for making Rudi sad; I didn't want him to be upset over something that I so selfishly deemed pointless.

"Fine, she'll get the same as us."

"Thank you so much, young sir," the man bowed before grabbing Olivia's hand, rather roughly, and going outside. Khai put up some branches and a blanket on top outside to make a makeshift tent; the blanket was full of Rudi's blood, but we didn't really care how it looked.

"Just because we're showing you kindness does not mean that will always be the case. You try anything, and I promise you, you'll regret it," I threatened.

The three of them moved into their fort almost immediately after it was set up. I wondered if this really was the right play or if we had made a huge mistake.

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Rudolph Alinsky

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"You should name him Amon," I overheard Lucas suggest from inside their fort as I brought in more firewood. It was late at night; I don't think they expected anyone to be out at this hour. At first, I even felt rather guilty for eavesdropping. But curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn't resist listening to their conversation. As I stood there, hidden in the shadows, I couldn't help but question whether our decision to build this fort would lead to unforeseen consequences.

"That's not a very Christian name," Camila chimed in.

"Shut up, we're not Christian people, Camil. People just like to hear a man of God; it tricks their mind because how could a preacher possibly worship the Lord and be a threat at the same time?" My heart dropped as I heard the words coming from this man's mouth. I know I should have told Ethan sooner, but if he kicked them out, the baby would be in so much danger.

"You should stop playing that role. It gets old after a while. What is this, like the fifth group you've tried it on?" Camila asked; her voice was soft, and her Mexican accent was strong.

"If it gets us close to them, it works. They're a bunch of kids; they'd believe anything. You saw how easily they welcomed us with open arms."

"The leader threatened you."

"An empty threat; besides, when did I ever give you permission to question my judgment? You're only alive because of me. You only live because I let you."

"What if it's a girl? I kind of like the name Juna; my grandmother's name was June," Olivia said softly, completely changing the conversation. Olivia's voice carried a hint of nostalgia as she mentioned her grandmother's name. The sudden shift in topic caught the others off guard, momentarily diverting their attention from the previous intense discussion.

"That's a terrible name; besides, it's not a girl," Lucas practically shouted. I could just feel Olivia's expression fully change. What the hell was wrong with this man?

I couldn't listen to any more; I know I should have, but it was just too much all at once.