Bab 96: [96] Dream home in the making
The three of us walked side by side down the desolate streets of Banff, the midday sun casting long shadows on the ground. I could feel my heart racing with anticipation as I considered our prospects. The idea of finally having a place to call home in this tumultuous world filled me with an indescribable sense of excitement.
"Twelve more trips, huh?" Cassidy mused, her eyes tracing the cracks in the pavement. "That sounds... manageable."
Kaya nodded in agreement. "As long as we remain cautious, it is feasible."
I looked at both of them, a sense of camaraderie flooding through me. I knew that neither of them would back down from a challenge. We were in this together, and we would make it work.
"I know it seems daunting," I admitted, my gaze drifting back towards the direction of the house we'd chosen. "But we can make this work. We just need to be smart about it."
"Each trip needs to count," I continued, turning back to face them. "We can't afford any mistakes. But if we do this right, if we stick to the plan... we could have a home. A real home. Something we've all been craving for."
Cassidy grinned at that, a twinkle in her eyes. "Yeah," she said, her tone filled with quiet determination. "A home... that sounds nice."
Kaya, on the other hand, was more reserved. "We will need to be prepared," she said, her gaze steady. "The dangers will not lessen. But, I agree. It is a risk worth taking."
"We're in this together," I added, a promise echoed in my words. "We watch each other's backs, and we'll get through this."
***
Settling down in the small confines of our motel room, we gathered around the worn-out coffee table. The room had an air of anticipation, the five of us enclosed in the silence, the flickering bulb casting long, dancing shadows on the walls.
"I guess we've got some good news to share," I started, the corners of my mouth twitching up into a small smile. "We found a house today. A place we might be able to call home."
Hazuki's brows shot up, surprise evident on her face. "Really? You mean... a real house?"
Yan-Hua's eyes mirrored the same surprise. "But how... with what?"
"We went into town," Cassidy chimed in, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Talked to a realtor and all. There's this house at the outskirts, it's pretty run down, but it's got potential."
Kaya nodded in agreement. "We believe with a little bit of effort, it could turn into a good home for us."
Yan-Hua leaned forward, her eyes flicking between us. "But... How can we afford it?"
"The scavenging," I said simply. "We've been gathering resources, not just for survival, but for this. For a chance at a home. It's not going to be easy, but we can make it work."
"Ah senpai, you went on another scavenging trip with Cody?" Hazuki asked, a look of concern flickering in her eyes.
"Yes," I responded, my gaze steady. "It's risky, but it's our best bet at gathering the resources we need. Not just for survival, but to give us a chance at a better life."
Cassidy chimed in, her tone matter-of-fact, "It's not a pleasure cruise, but we're careful. We've got our systems, and Chang's... peculiarity helps a lot."
Kaya simply nodded, her gaze hard but her expression determined. She didn't enjoy the risks any more than the rest of us did, but she understood their necessity.
"Twelve more trips like today's, and we'll have enough to afford the house," I continued, my tone steady. "Along with enough left over to cover our daily needs."
The room fell silent as the girls digested the information, their eyes flickering with a myriad of emotions - concern, determination, hope.
Finally, Yan-Hua broke the silence, her voice quiet but firm, "If you believe we can do this, then we will. We trust you, Chang."
Hazuki nodded, her hand instinctively reaching out to grip mine. "We're in this together," she said, echoing Yan-Hua's sentiment. "Whatever it takes."
"And we're not just surviving," I added, giving Hazuki's hand a reassuring squeeze. "We're building a future here. For all of us."
I then held out a book to Hazuki, a playful smile tugging at the corners of my mouth.
"I seem to remember a certain someone telling me that all it would take for her to consider joining my... let's call it 'extended family'... was a hot shower and a good book," I teased, my eyes sparkling with mischief.
A faint blush colored Hazuki's cheeks as she took the novel from my hand, her fingers lightly brushing against mine. She tried to mask her surprise, her mouth curving into a small smile.
"I did say that, didn't I?" she replied, her voice soft. She looked down at the book, her smile broadening as she recognized the title. "I didn't expect you to remember."
"I remember everything you say," I said with a grin.
Hazuki's smile turned warm, her blush deepening. "Well... thank you, Chang," she murmured, her gaze lingering on me for a moment longer than usual.
"You're welcome, Hazuki. And remember," I added, leaning in a bit closer, my voice lowering to a near-whisper, "we're only halfway there."
Her eyes met mine, the surprise replaced with a spark of anticipation. "I'm looking forward to seeing how you plan to fulfill the rest of that promise," she replied, her voice steady.
"You'll see." I winked.
Q: What will be your dream home in a zombie apocalypse?
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