CHAPTER FIVE: THE PREPPER'S HAVEN

Before the Fall

Before the world turned to hell, Fatoye Nathan had already seen the writing on the wall.

A former military engineer, he had spent years studying survival tactics, watching governments crumble, and stockpiling supplies.

His home two-story cabin in the middle of nowhere was more than just a house. It was a fortress.

While others mocked his paranoia, Nathan had prepared for the worst.

And then, the world ended.

When the first outbreaks hit, Nathan sealed his property off. He watched from security cameras as society collapsed cities burning, people turning into monsters.

For weeks, he kept his gates shut. No one in, no one out.

Survivors came. Some begged for help. Others tried to take what was his.

None succeeded.

But now, two men had unknowingly wandered onto his land.

And Nathan had to decide to let them live.

Jace wiped the sweat from his forehead as he and Kunle trudged along the dirt road.

They had been walking for hours. No food. No water.

Reed groaned. "I swear, if we don't find something soon, I'm gonna----"

A gun cocked.

Both men froze. From the trees, a voice called out. "Turn around. Slow."

Jace and Kunle did as they were told.

A man stood before them---tall, rugged, wearing tactical gear, and aiming a scoped rifle straight at them.

"Who are you?" Nathan asked.

Jace raised his hands. "Just travelers."

Kunle sighed. "Yeah. Hungry travelers."

 Nathan studied them. He saw the exhaustion in their faces, the dirt on their clothes

They weren't threats.

"Come on," Nathan finally said. "I got food."

Jace blinked. "Wait?"

Nathan shrugged. "You'll owe me a story, though."

Kunle grinned. "Hell, I'll sing if it means I get to eat."

Nathan led them through the reinforced gates, past tripwires, and camouflaged defenses.

Inside, Jace and Kunle's jaws dropped.

The place was untouched.

Kunle whistled. "Damn, man. You were ready for this."

He handed them each a bowl of hot stew.

Jace took a bite and nearly groaned. "Holy hell, this is good."

Kunle chugged water like a dying man.

Nathan sat across from them, arms folded. "Now... your turn. What's your story?

Jace exhaled. "It's a long one."

Nathan leaned back. "I've got time."

And so, Jace and Kunle told him everything.

About the outbreak. The loss. The journey. The Egun-Egun.

Nathan listened, nodding occasionally.

When they finished, he finally spoke.

"You're heading south," he said. "Dangerous road."

Jace nodded, "We don't have a choice."

 Nathan sighed, standing up. "Then you're gonna need more than just a good story."

At dawn, Nathan stood by the gates, handing Jace a backpack full of supplies.

"Food. Ammunition. A map."

Kunle grinned. "Man, if I weren't so tired, I'd hug."

Nathan smirked. "Try it, and I'll shoot you."

Jace shook his hand. "Thank you."

Nathan nodded. "Be careful out there."

With that, Jace and Kunle rode back into the wasteland-stronger, supplied, and ready for what lay ahead.

TO BE CONTINUED...