Chapter 70: Talking with Parents

Adrian sat on the bed in-between his parents.

"So, what happened at Boracay? I thought it was safe when you called. I was supposed to head there when some circumstances happened."

"We actually don’t know either," Maria said as she recalled her memories of the previous events. "At first it was a simple lockdown and quarantine. But five days later, zombies appeared on the island along with the black monster..."

Adrian knew what she was referring to, the Hunter.

"We believe it came from one of the ships that docked in Boracay," Daniel added, picking up where Maria left off. "At first, it was contained. The authorities were still there, managing the situation. They told everyone to stay inside, said it was under control."

Adrian listened without interrupting.

"But then it spread," Maria continued. "Fast. Faster than anything we’ve seen before. People started disappearing. Not just infected... taken."

She paused, her grip tightening slightly on Adrian’s arm.

"That thing," she said quietly. "The black one. It wasn’t like the others. It was so fast and strong, it defeated the police forces. So we escaped the evacuation center and headed to other buildings along with other survivors. We locked ourselves there, waiting for rescue. But we know that it will take too long and possibly might not happen as there are zombies everywhere."

"Not until we heard explosions," Daniel said, his voice lowering slightly as he went back to that moment. "At first, it was distant. One, maybe two...then more."

Maria nodded beside him.

"I thought it was the military," she said. "Like they finally came back to retake the island."

Daniel gave a short breath.

"That’s what everyone thought," he added. "Then we heard it."

He glanced at Adrian.

"The jet."

Adrian didn’t react outwardly.

But he knew.

Daniel simply nodded.

Maria looked down for a moment, remembering.

"It gave people hope," she said quietly. "For a second... we thought it was over."

Daniel leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on his knees.

"But it didn’t stop there," he said. "After the jet, we heard rotor blades. Helicopters. And that is where we decided to come to the roof and fired a flare to signal them. We didn’t even know if they would see it. We just... took the chance."

"There were others with us," she added. "Some didn’t want to go up. Said it was too risky. That those things might be drawn to the noise. But we put our faith that this might be a rescue. And it was, so I’m thankful for it. I saw my fellow survivors being processed too."

"Yeah, they were rescued as well. But the politician along with you, the congressman, is kind of giving us a bad impression of him. Is he that arrogant?"

"Ah, that man," Daniel said, letting out a quiet breath as he leaned back slightly. "He’s been like that the whole time."

Maria gave a small, tired nod.

"Even before things got bad," she added. "He kept trying to take control. Telling people what to do, who should move first, who should stay. Like it was still... normal."

Daniel shook his head faintly.

"At first, people listened," he said. "He spoke with confidence. Said he had connections, that help was coming because of him. But as things got worse..."

He trailed off for a second.

"...people started seeing through it."

Adrian listened, expression steady.

"What happened?" he asked.

Maria answered.

"He prioritized himself," she said. "When supplies ran low, he made sure he got what he needed first. Food. Water. Even space inside the rooms."

Daniel added, "And when the infected started getting closer, he tried to push others forward. Told them to check areas, to ’secure paths’... but really, he just didn’t want to take the risk himself."

"I see...so that’s the kind of man he was huh? Well, so long that he doesn’t cause some headaches to the higher-ups, they’ll tolerate him," Adrian chuckled and then added. "Oh, if you need anything, just call me okay? We have supplies that can last us for six months since we just raided and scavenged a supermarket and there are many more scavenging missions in the future. I’ll be a part of it."

"What do you mean, ’part of it’? You are telling me you’ll go out there?"

"Father, it’s for the survival of this camp. We need fuel, food, and supplies to keep everyone alive," Adrian said.

"Isn’t it dangerous."

"It is dangerous father, but I’m capable. You don’t have to worry about me. The important thing is that we are together, and I’m going to contribute in any way I can to make it that way. Because since we are limited in supplies, those who are seen as useless could potentially be thrown off. Let me carry your struggles from here on out."

The words settled between them.

Daniel looked at him for a long moment, weighing the way he spoke like someone who had already made the decision long before saying it out loud.

Then he exhaled.

"...Alright," he said.

Maria turned to him slightly.

"Daniel—"

He shook his head once.

"He’s not asking," Daniel said quietly. "He’s telling us what he’s already doing."

Maria looked back at Adrian.

There was worry in her eyes.

But also something else, understanding.

She reached for his hand again.

"...Just be careful," she said.

Adrian nodded.

"I will."

Daniel added, "And don’t take unnecessary risks. You said you’re capable, so act like it."

"I will," Adrian repeated.

Adrian shifted slightly, glancing around the room.

His eyes moved over the beds, the supplies stacked in the corner, the bare walls.

Then back to them.

"...Sorry about this," he said.

Maria blinked.

"For what?"

"The accommodations," Adrian replied. "It’s basic. Just two beds. The bathroom is shared outside. We’re still expanding the housing, so this is temporary."

Maria looked around again.

Then back at him.

Her expression softened.

"Adrian," she said, "this is more than what we had out there."

Daniel nodded.

"We had nothing," he added. "No security. No guarantee we’d even make it through the night."

He tapped the bed lightly with his hand.

"This is a roof," he said. "That’s already enough."

Maria gave a small smile.

"We’re safe," she said. "That’s what matters."

Adrian held their gaze for a second.

Then nodded.

"...You’ll be transferred to a better unit once space opens up," he said.

Maria shook her head lightly.

"We’re fine here."

Daniel added, "Focus on the others first. The ones who need it more."

"Alright..."