Chapter 19: You would even say it glows

Rudolph Alinsky

December 2022

Seven months after outbreak

Apartment, Minnesota

Season 1

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It's been a week and I still haven't told Ethan or anyone about the new people. I've been trying to let Olivia warm up to me because maybe I was wrong about Lucas. Maybe there was a deeper story that I wasn't hearing.

"I know I won't make it in this world, Rudi," Olivia sighed as we sat together on the roof, the fresh, calming snow falling over us.

"Don't say that," I let out a slight laugh filled with sadness. I hated when people talk like this because it reminded me of myself.

"It's true. I'm not fit for this world. I've seen how your group is and while I know you probably won't all make it, some of you will. Enough of you."

"You're probably right."

"I am, and the best part is you're good people. You need to stay that way, even if the world feels like it's pushing down on you in every way possible." I smiled, her words were comforting to me. "I want you to take care of my baby. It can't be me, I know it can't. She'll never make it with me. You have a kind heart, Rudi,  you can teach her what she needs to learn."

"I don't know, Via," I hesitated.

"Yes you do."

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Ethan Warren

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Khai, Aiden, Dallen, and I went hunting this morning, got ourselves a decent sized buck for the Christmas dinner tonight. Amy and Ash cooked it in the fire we built in the backyard.

I wasn't inviting Lucas or Camila to the dinner. The only reason I was letting Olivia join is because Rudi made me. He looks at Lucas differently than how he did when he first arrived. Anger filled his eyes now but he also seemed a little afraid.

Rudi stayed by Olivia's side a lot now. He pulled a knife on Lucas when he tried to touch her arm. Thats when I knew something was wrong. But I didn't ask, after all, I couldn't ruin Rudi's favorite holiday.

I feel like I have a habit of trying to not intervene. I try to tell myself it's a good thing but I know it's not. If I'm supposed to be the leader, I have to keep this group from turning on each other. I have to stop looking the other way.

"I'm going to go cut down a tree, Aiden found an ax on his and Rudi's last supply run," Khai said, I swear her eyes glowed as the words came from her mouth.

" We don't even have any lights," I said. I couldn't bring myself to fully veto the idea of having a Christmas tree, I liked the idea too.

"It's only a little past noon. Aiden and Rudi can go on a run. There's bound to be some somewhere. Who would take a bunch of colorful lights when it's the apocalypse?"

"Someone like us. But sure, do what you want. I'll talk to Aiden." Khai smiled and ran out the door in a hurry.

In the meantime, I went to go find Aiden. I thought he'd be in the kitchen with Edin but the two of them haven't been talking much recently.

He was outside with Ashton, he was teaching him how to hold a gun properly.

"Aiden!" I yelled, making Ash jump a bit.

"Yeah?" he responded, slowly walking my way.

"Can you go on a run, just you and Rudi?"

"Sure, what for? You out of toothpaste again?"

"No," I laughed, "Khai wants to decorate a tree, she was hoping you could pick up some lights."

"Of course she has some obscure idea like that. Ash, we'll continue this tomorrow!"