Capítulo 37: Chapter 37: Morning Preparations and Protective Charms

Ryo and Sakura rested until noon, their bodies still weary from the events of the previous night. When they finally woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. They took a refreshing shower together, letting the warm water wash away some of the tension. After drying off and dressing, they sat down for a simple breakfast, savoring the quiet moments of normalcy.

After breakfast, Sakura decided to check through the stash of clothes Ryo had gathered for her. She sorted through the garments, trying on different outfits and examining them in the mirror. The room soon became a small fashion show as she modeled various styles, occasionally laughing at the more outlandish pieces.

Meanwhile, Ryo was busy with his own task. He retrieved a small, clean piece of cloth and pricked his finger, letting a few drops of his blood soak into the fabric. Carefully, he began to sew the cloth into a small charm, similar to a Japanese omamori. His movements were precise and deliberate, crafting the charm with the intent of protecting Sakura from the mutated zombies. He knew his blood was toxic to the creatures, and he hoped this charm would offer her some level of safety.

Once he finished, he approached Sakura, who was still engrossed in her clothing exploration. "Sakura," he said gently, interrupting her. "I made something for you."

Sakura looked up, curiosity in her eyes. "What is it?"

Ryo held out the small charm. "It's a protective charm. I want you to wear it all the time."

She took the charm, examining it closely. "Why? What's in it?"

Ryo hesitated, not wanting to scare her with the details. "Just trust me on this. It's important. Don't open it, okay? Just keep it with you."

Sakura studied his face, sensing the seriousness in his tone. "Okay, Ryo. I trust you." She slipped the charm over her head, the small omamori resting against her chest.

Feeling a wave of relief, Ryo turned his attention to their weapons. He meticulously cleaned and maintained the guns, ensuring they were in perfect working order. After finishing with the weapons, he moved on to checking their food supplies. They had enough provisions to last about a year, which was a comforting thought. He also checked their stockpile of bottled water, making sure everything was in order.

With the interior secure, Ryo knew they needed to fortify the outside. He began installing window grilles to add an extra layer of protection against the creatures. As he worked, Sakura watched him from inside, a look of worry on her face.

"Ryo, are you sure you should be doing this alone? What if something happens to you?" she called out through the open window.

Ryo paused and looked up at her, smiling reassuringly. "Don't worry, Sakura. I'll be fine. Just stay inside and keep an eye out. I need to make sure we're as safe as possible."

Reluctantly, Sakura nodded, her concern still evident. "Okay, but please be careful."

"I will," he promised, returning to his task with renewed determination.

As the sun began to set, Ryo finally finished installing the last of the grilles. He wiped the sweat from his brow and headed back inside, feeling a sense of accomplishment. They were now more secure, and he felt better knowing Sakura had the protective charm with her.

Sakura met him at the door, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Thank you, Ryo. For everything."

He hugged her back, feeling the weight of responsibility but also the strength of their bond. "We're in this together, Sakura. I'll do whatever it takes to keep us safe."

They settled in for the evening, their home now a bit more fortified against the dangers outside. As they prepared for bed, Ryo couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered from the previous night. But with Sakura by his side and their preparations in place, he felt a renewed sense of hope and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead.