A monster among us...

It's Been 6 hours on the road, we have not spot a good place to rest and this guy's are still in slumber. What the hell did Ruffy did to them.

Dan sat at the front seat beside me now sleeping, we switch driving activity. he has been driving for the past 4 hours straight. So I took over.

Moment later

The truck keep jercking on the way. I stopped and refuel It. We hit the road again.

After 4 hours of driving I finally spot a building. It's in the middle of nowhere, worst of it, its surrounded by forest. I pack in front of it, wake Dan up.

John: Dan, hey

Dan: hmm?

John: can you keep an eye on these guy's I wanna take a peak.

Dan: No prob mhen you are the boss.

I chukled

I grab my hand gun and walk into the building, I search through it. Looks like a supermarket but what the hell is it doing in a place like this. Calling it a supermarket there is no single thing here everything has been looted. People will do anything for free stuff. There are dried blood on the walls, empty can food littering everywhere. Some people have lived here. How do I know? I see their bones. Maybe they starve to death. Who knows. It's save enough though.

John: well we've found a save place tonight.

I went back to the truck and call out Dan.

John: Dan it's save.

No answer.

John: hey, Dan?

Still no answer

Then I increase my voice.

John: DAN.

Dan: yes, yes, am up, am up.

John: you scared me dude.

Dan: sorry about that bro. So what's up.

John: (frown my face)( pointing to the building)it's safe.

Dan: okay let's grab em.

I carry Xia on my shoulder. And Dan carry Jack.

We lay them down on the ground in our new temporary home.

As we walk back to the truck.

Dan: Dude how are you doing with that arm.

John: well it still painful though. I can still use it.

Demonstrating by using some kung-fu move.

Dan: cool, hey where Did you learn those moves?

John: it's a long story but not today.

Dan: hey come on tell me.

John: maybe next time. Am tired. I need to rest.

Dan: well you deserve it.

When we get to the truck, we unload some of the food stuff for the night. And we went back in.

We sat down, munch down some food. After the meal we talk about the previous event and more.

After some minutes I slept off.

Flash

Age 13

Night

Raining

Lighting then thunder sound.

Two people are arguing in the room. The door is slightly open.

Aunty Linda (moms younger sister): I can't take him.

Aunty hunband (Neil): but we can't leave him to live on his own.

Aunty linda: why can't we. He is old enough to take care of himself.

Neil: He is 13 years old. We can't let him live on street. You know he does not have any other family except us.

Aunty Linda: So what?

Neil: you have acquired all the property his parent kept for him and you still want him to live on street. This is unfair.

Aunty Linda: And so what. I don't care.

Neil: look.... (he glance at the door and saw me.

Aunty Linda rush at me picked me up and threw me outside.

Aunty linda: I hate you, I can't stand you. just get the Fuck out of my life.

After 3 min outside. I walk away. I can still hear them arguing. Wondering under the rain. Thinking of all what she said to me despite how my parent cherish them, help them when they are in need. AND now it's feels like I have No one but myself.

Ohhhh it Cold and freezing.

I walk aimless to where I can

.. Leading me to a forest and after a long distance I Found a place to hide in a dark corner Like a cave. I stay there for 2 months, that were I live. Am already getting use to it. One faithful morning. A blind old man was passing by while I was eating some fruit, he ask if he can have some.

I wave my hand in front of him.

John: ( how the hell can he see me)

John: no problem. Come join me.

He sat down with me.

John: You know what? take all am full.

I stood up, go to my cave bring him some water.

Oldman : thank you, you are so kind.

After eating.

Old man: you are a good boy, how about your parent.

John: My parent? Oh, (look down), they died in an accident.

Oldman: oh so you are an orphan. What a pity.

John: well it's life.

Oldman: what do you think about coming to live with me. I will give you food everyday bathe you up and you will look nice and fresh.

John: (my hand on my chin.) Am sorry but this is so sudden and I don't know you. It's feel awkward.

Oldman: I know, but the ball is in your Court, its your decision am not forcing you.

He stood up.

Oldman: Thanks for the meal. I really enjoyed it.

Leaving.

Step step step step step.

Oldman: you finally made your decision. Well your new journey start.

PRESENT..i open my eyes.

JOHN: Journey. I miss the old man.

I close it back and slept off.

A girly voice woke me up.

Morning.

I open my eyes

John: Morning?

I sit up.

Girl voice: and how was your night?

John: it fine, (I clear my eyes) wait, Xia?

Xia: yes.

I stood up and hug her. She want to push me away but hesitate. Then.

Xia: hey get off me.

John: sorry I got carried away. How are you feeling.

Xia: am fine thanks to you.

John: thanks to me? what are you talking about.

Xia: your friend there told us everything.

Dan: you are welcome.

John: Dan? Geez what's wrong with your face. It all swell up.

Xia: he pass his boundary.

John: wow that's.... Wow..... I mean harsh.

Dan: I won't give up.

I check around

John: where is Jack

Xia: he is outside by the truck

Outside.

Jack was smoking

John: Jack?

He look back

Jack: hey kid. How have you been. ( he open up his arms)

I rush towards him and hug him then I release him.

John: there is nothing more beautiful than freedom.

Jack. Yep there is

John: and what is that.

Jack: cigarettes.

John: let me have some.

He tossed a cigarette to me, I grab it in mid air light it up and inhale then exhale.

John: Ahh this is more like it.

Xia and Dan came out afterwards, we form a cycle.

Jack: So tell me why we are not going to your house again John.

John: (exhales) Well I found Megan and things did not work out as I thought it would. So maybe some other time.

Jack: Alright.

Xia: So what are we going to do. It's boring.

Dan: well my lady, I know of a wonderful place created for beauties like you.

Jack move closer to my ear and whisper.

Jack: This guy life is short.

I whisper back.

John: I know. right?

Dan: Hey what are you guys saying

Jack: We are just planning your funeral. No big deal.

Dan: Jack. It's you?

Jack: me, nah, she not my taste.

Dan: Well John it can't be you right?

John: Hey just stop it alright.

Xia face was down.

Xia: am going back inside when you come up with something let me know.

Xia walk back to the building.

Dan: Was it something I said?

John: Dude just, (sigh) don't worry mhen. You are good. She just need a little time.

Dan show a confuse expresion

Jack took a glance at my broken hand.

Jack: shheeeesshh your hands not looking good you sure that going to heal.

John: eventually yeah.

Suddenly,

John: ouch. (I held my head.)

Jack and Dan: what's wrong.

John: nah nothing just a little headache. I think its the cigarette.

I Threw it away.

I feel a little dizzy.

John: you know what guys? am going inside, I think I need a rest.

Dan: rest? But you just woke up.

Jack: are you sure you feel okay?

John: Am fine guys I really am. Thanks for your concern.

I keep walking to the building, Jack and Dan keep on starring at me as I walk back to the building. then gradually I began To walk slowly and finally fell down.

4:30pm

When I woke up. The sun is setting. I sit up. They all sat outside, turn their back on me.

John: what's going on? why are we outside?

They all turn back immediately.

Dan: John you are up, how are you feeling.

John: great why did you ask.

Xia: Your broken hand how does it feels, is it still painful.

John: of cause it's pain....... Wait a minute. The pain. The pain is gone. Did you guys did this.

I was surprised. I unband the hand and bend it side ways and upward. Testing the pain but it's all gone and it's fix completely.

Xia: so you don't know what happen.

John: what did you mean.

Xia point to the truck.

I stood up. Get close to the truck. It destroyed, every single part of it has been destroyed.

John: What? who did this?

Jack: the devil himself.

John: where is he. How dare he did this to our only way of moving out of here. Fuck!!!

They all look at them self

Dan: John.... You did it.

John: what. (laughing) wait stop with your joke Dan. Common we all know I've been sleeping the whole time. Only I was surprised how I did not get to hear as everything went down to this extent.

Xia and jack: it's you.

John: what?..... This is not funny guys. What are you talking about.

Xia: Remember when you fell unconscious.

John: I fell unconscious?.... Wait yeah that true, I was feeling dizzy and headache.

Xia: we all know that it's was not you but you did messed up everything.

Jack: not only did you destroy the car you also plough the building to the ground.

I look back and to my surprise, the building, a 10 feet building known to be ex shopping complex.

John: you guys please be serious, I don't like prank. Please.

Jack put his cigarette in his mouth inhale and exhale. If you don't believe us, at least you trust your broken arm and bruised leg.

I could not believe my ears, I was totally dumb found.

Dan: what surprise me most was that, you did not attack us, it like you are blameing yourself on something you have done in the past. Something you regret your whole life.

I keep my face down look at my two arms.

John: this..... I don't know what to say guys. If I truly did this am really sorry, I don't have the memories of it. It's all blank... am a monster...

Jack: Nah don't worry John, am just happy you are on our side. Finally , no one is gonna bully us no more we got a monster among us. No offence. you may be a monster but our Monster...

John: non taken

Xia: hey if you are blaming yourself for rippers death. Don't worry I forgive you. It's necessary of you to do that. You save me that day. I was so carried away and blind that I don't know where am going to. Thanks a lot.

John: hey don't say it like that, I never got to tell you how sorry I am. I really wish it did not turn out that way. I am sorry.

Tears form in her eye. She raise her eyes up to avoid showing that she is crying.

Xia: it's fine, that life. May his soul rest in peace. I know that we will see each other soon.

John: (sad face) yeah.

Dan: Who is ripper....

Jack: you guys, should just shut the fuck up. How dare you brought this up. Bring it together.

He called us close and we hug each other. Dan wanted to join the group hug but was Shy. Jack pull him together.

Jack: welcome to the family.

After some moment the scene shows where the four of us sat on the ground and gazeing at the wonderful sunset.

After some minute of silence.

Dan start Stretching his neck forward then use his hand to provide shade on his face. It look like he saw something far away.

Dan: Guys, guys, Level 2 Mutant and it's coming fast.