Chapter 9 (Loveland Part 2)

Chapter 2: Loveland Part 2

Ethan Warren

May, 2023

One year after outbreak

Loveland Nebraska

Season 2

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"So how long were you out there?"

"I don't see how that matters." I responded. I was being interviewed by a woman who knows me, but I don't know her. I already hated this place. I didn't see the point of any of this "initiation ceremony." "I mean, what's the purpose of making us go through all this?" I questioned, feeling frustrated. The woman paused for a moment before replying, "I assure you, it does matter. You can be out there for too long. I know; I've seen people who have. Ethan, you threatened to kill an unarmed man for baby food that he didn't even have. I promise I'm not mad; I understand completely. I'm just trying to help." I took a deep breath, trying to process her words. It was true that my desperation had driven me to extreme measures, but I couldn't shake off the feeling of resentment toward her. However, her genuine concern and understanding made me wonder if there was more to it than I initially thought.

"Why should I tell you about myself when I don't know a thing about you?" I asked, my voice laced with skepticism. She smiled softly, her eyes filled with empathy.

"Fair enough. My name is Catherine Wood. I am the leader of this community. We strive to create a safe and supportive environment for every survivor we find out there. Our goal is to help each other grow and heal, and I believe that by sharing our stories, we can find common ground and build stronger connections." Her words resonated with me, causing a flicker of curiosity to replace some of the resentment I had been holding onto.

"Who made you the leader?" I interrogated. I still couldn't bring myself to trust her; something seemed off. Something about everyone I've met already seemed off. Steve, for his insistence, seemed too hopeful and innocent. And a man named Deshawn, who greeted us on our way in, didn't ask enough questions.

"When everything went to shit the people of this town turned to me. I had the idea to build the wall."

"Anyone could've had that idea."

"Yes, I understand, but the people here have looked to me for answers from the start. I assume your people have too. I look forward to hearing about you from them. I plan to interview them as well, if you'll allow me."

"We might not be staying long enough for that." Truthfully, I wanted to stay. If this place really was all it was commercialized to be, then it was a place we needed. It would be nice to feel a sense of normalcy for once. It would hopefully feel like how the world felt before the dead controlled it.

"I understand. You're unconvinced, and that's completely valid, but please, if you do plan to leave, at least stay for dinner. And let our doctor take a look at everyone. Especially the baby, just to make sure she's healthy. You're also welcome to take a look around the town. Though I would love to finish our little chat before you explore, if you would be so kind," her softly spoken British accent sent chills down my spine. I didn't want to be here, but I couldn't come up with a reason as to why.

"Fine." I reluctantly agreed, realizing that it wouldn't hurt to have a doctor check on everyone. Plus, exploring the town might distract me from my unease.

"Perfect. Now, how old were you in the beginning?"

"17."

"Ah, a young age to be burdened with such responsibility," she remarked sympathetically. "Where did it start for you?"

"In a school."

"What school?"

"Armstrong High School. It's in Minnesota."

"What made you come to Nebraska?"

"Nothing was left for us in Minnesota. We wanted to find something."

"What did you want to find?"

I hesitated, saying, "I don't know." I feel she understood me; she didn't carry on the topic, and I was grateful for that. Her questions made me reflect on myself. Why were we here? Why did I bring them here? I couldn't help but wonder if I had made the right decision for my family.

"You are the leader of your group, correct? What made you the leader of them?"

"I don't know." I replied honestly, feeling a pang of uncertainty. "I guess it just happened naturally." As I spoke, I couldn't help but question my own abilities as a leader. Was I truly capable of guiding my family towards a better life?

"Do you see yourself as someone they should look to?"

"No." I admitted, my voice was filled with self-doubt.

"Why's that?"

"I don't know how to keep them alive."

"Walls can keep them alive. This place can. I understand how you must be feeling, Ethan. You feel like everything is your responsibility, but it isn't. You need to be able to accept others help, or all of your family will be dead." She said that last bit while looking me directly in the eye. I was afraid, but I couldn't leave. I knew my people would resent me if I sent us back out there without even giving this place a chance. If I were to force us back into the painful heat without a good reason or without exploring all possible options, I would be risking their lives even more. So we stayed, but the fear would never fully go away.