Chapter 8 (Loveland)
Chapter 8: Loveland
Ethan Warren
May, 2023
One year after outbreak
Omaha, Nebraska
Season 2
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Steve conveniently had a van that he parked in an alley behind the store. Steve's van was not only filled with supplies but also served as a means of transportation for the community. Steve took great care in maintaining and organizing the van, ensuring it was ready to help those in need. I couldn't help but feel relieved knowing that even if Steve turned out to be untrustworthy, our hunger would still be alleviated.
Aaron, Edin, Rudi, and Juna drove in the old car behind us, partly because there wasn't enough room but mostly because I didn't want them to be anywhere near this man. As we continued on our journey, the old car struggled to keep up with the van's speed. Despite the discomfort, I knew it was a necessary precaution to keep them safe from any potential harm that Steve might cause. Steve also had a tin of baby formula on hand, which he offered to share with us. It was a small act of kindness amidst the tension. Hearing the bliss of silence without Juna's cries made me smile for the first time in days.
Steve told me to drive on Pacific St. for a few miles. Khai sat behind him with a knife to his throat. He didn't seem nervous, but he didn't know us. If I had given Khai the order to kill him, he'd be dead without question; at least I hope that's what would happen. We've never really killed anyone, and even though Khai's hand was tight around the knife, I wondered if she'd really be able to go through with it if it came to that. I did, but I regret what killing Calvin did to us.
"Turn left at 80th St."
"And another left at Leavenworth St., and then a left at Loveland Dr. That's when you'll see the walls." He wasn't lying. There really were walls; now it would just come down to the fact of how the people were. Whether they were welcoming or hostile, that was the unknown variable. We had prepared ourselves for the worst, but deep down, I hoped that they would understand our intentions and offer us refuge. "You can take anything from the van, but I assure you there are supplies inside. There's even enough formula to last her until she can eat solid food."
"Thank you, Steve, but even after everything, I still don't trust you or your people. A little food won't necessarily change that." Steve looked disappointed but not surprised by my response. He understood the skepticism that lingered in the air, a result of months of mistrust and betrayal.
"I know you don't, but a little food could at least help to bridge the gap between us. It's a small gesture, but it's a start towards rebuilding trust." Steve's words hung in the air, hopeful yet uncertain. He grinned, "Just let me get out first; I'll tell them to open the gate."
"No, that's not happening," I said, strictly. "If they're really your people, they'll open it by just seeing you sitting here. You better give them a pretty smile so they don't think we're here to rob them." He looked a little frightened by my words. I don't blame him; it kind of startled me as well. But deep down, I knew that this bold approach was necessary.
He made eye contact with the gatekeeper; he smiled and waved, and soon after, the gates began to open.
I have to admit, I was nervous. We didn't come this far just to be killed in our sleep. We also weren't at all prepared to take over this place if we had to. We might be able to if we had the ammo and knew who to trust, but I still wasn't sure if I was ready to put my family at risk again. All I could hope was that I was making the right choice, but I had no idea what that was supposed to look like.
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Khai Reaver
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I think Rudi was feeling unsure of Ethan's leadership because he asked me to write down what I thought of him. To be honest, lately I've not been sure what my opinion of Ethan Warren is. He's disoriented. He's lost too much and is afraid to lose more, so he's on edge. He's making decisions that I fear he will regret. He should have talked it over with the group about going here, but it's not necessarily his fault; it's all of ours as well. None of us question his choices; we go along with them. I, primarily. I feel like an obedient dog to him. It disgusts me, but I can't help it. I guess I just feel like out of all the people here, he's the most fit to lead, even if his leadership has flaws. Maybe a person could describe my devotion to him as loyalty, but personally, I think I'm just naive. I don't think he's going to get us all killed, but nothing good can come out of his behavior. He is reckless and unpredictable, and it puts us all at risk. I fear that if we continue to blindly follow him, we may end up paying a heavy price for our loyalty.