Inside the cafeteria, the three boys were still stunned. The silence was eerie, thick as a heavy cloud.
It was then that Arika noticed something. The dark-haired boy, sitting a few feet away, was glancing at his cell phone every few seconds, as if waiting for an urgent message. There was tension in his movements, a restrained anxiety. He was probably expecting a call... from someone important.
Although she hadn't liked him at first because of his arrogant attitude, something in his expression made her change her mind. If her friend were in a similar situation, she would also be on the verge of collapse.
Cautiously, Arika approached and sat down next to her.
— It looks like you're waiting for a call. You keep looking at your cell phone for a while... That person must be very important to you— she said in a soft voice.
The boy clenched his jaw and looked away.
—It's none of your business— he replied coldly, without looking at her.
Arika didn't flinch; she understood his frustration.
—If you don't want to talk, that's fine— he said, standing up. Before walking away, she gave him one last look—. Relax, I'm sure he's safe. Don't write him off yet.
The boy sighed. After a brief silence, his voice stopped her:
— Okay, you win. But whatever I say... don't go around talking about it.
— Of course, I won't say a word— Arika nodded, smiling sincerely, before sitting back down.
For the first time, the tension between them seemed to relax.
— He works with me. In a company a few blocks from here— said the boy, scanning the place with his eyes, as if he suddenly felt oblivious to everything—. He's my secretary.
Arika arched an eyebrow in surprise.
—Your secretary?
—Yes... but it's not just that— he murmured, fiddling with her cell phone—. He's been by my side for years. Always helping me, even when I wasn't exactly easy to deal with...
She fell silent, clutching the phone tightly.
—He's more than an employee. I think of him as a brother... and I don't know if I'll ever see him again.
Arika sensed the pain in his voice. She gave him a gentle push on the arm, trying to ease the tension, adding.
—If he could put up with you for so many years without quitting, it's probably because he's a very persistent person with great determination.
—Hey... what are you saying? Are you saying that I'm unbearable?
—Not exactly... although a little bit— she answered with an amused smile—. But if he's that determined, he's not going to give up so easily. They won't get him without a fight first. I'm sure they'll meet again.
He looked at her with mock indignation.
— What a combination... you insult me and then encourage me. Very balanced.
—That's me —she said shrugging her shoulders —. Realistic, but with a touch of hope.
He looked down, though he no longer seemed upset. His expression softened.
—You're definitely weird.
—Thank you. I get that a lot.
He watched her silently for a few seconds, as if trying to understand her fully. Finally, he sighed with a small, longing smile.
—I hope you're right... and I can see him again.
Arika smiled as she noticed that his expression changed: he no longer looked so tense, and his face was slightly calm.
—Why are you looking at me like that? —he asked, looking up.
—Nothing —she replied, smiling —. You just look better that way. Calmer.
— Yeah, well... I guess I'm feeling a little better now. Thank you.
— See? You even look cuter when you're not so grumpy and grumpy— he added with a giggle.
He glanced sideways at her, feigning annoyance to hide that he was embarrassed by her words.
—I don't know what you're talking about... And if you're going to keep making those comments, you'd better leave.
—All right, all right — she said, throwing up her hands—. I'll shut my mouth.
—Well … —he muttered, lowering his eyes, thoughtfully.
Arika settled back in the chair, waiting without saying anything. The moment had an unexpected calm, but she didn't want to break it.
—Hey … — he said suddenly, in a softer tone—. I'm not used to talking to someone like this. Hardly anyone, really.
She looked at him, curious.
—How so?
—So... open. — He rubbed the back of his neck, somewhat uncomfortably—. I'm always defensive. But with you it's different. I feel like I don't have to pretend.
Arika blinked, surprised by his frankness, then smiled.
— When you're on edge, sometimes you let your guard down unintentionally. It's not uncommon... it's human.
He let out a small laugh, as if that idea was too simple for him to be real.
—Maybe.
The silence that followed was different from before. Not tense, but comfortable. As if they both needed a moment to process what they were sharing.
—If it's any consolation... I don't talk to just anyone like that either— Arika said, lowering her gaze—. But I think I understand better now why you were so upset.
He looked at her for a second before nodding slowly.
—And for not giving up on someone as... complicated as me.
She gave him a warm smile.
— You're not that complicated. You just need a little practice.
—Practice?
— Yes. At being nice. But you're doing well.
—Great. Now I feel flattered and scolded at the same time.
—Pfff... sorry, although it's probably a bit of both — she said, laughing.
And he, for the first time all afternoon, laughed too. It was a short, hearty laugh... but real.
Silence settled between them again, but this time it wasn't tense. It was like a comfortable pause, a truce.
The boy sighed again, lowering his gaze. Finally, he put the cell phone down on the table and rubbed his hands together, visibly uncomfortable.
—Hey... I wanted to apologize for the way I spoke to you earlier —he said softly—. I was rude. I wasn't at my best, but that doesn't excuse it.
Arika blinked, surprised. She hadn't expected an apology. She thought about making a joke, as she usually did, but opted for something more sincere.
—It's okay. I want to apologize too—she replied, leaning back in her chair—. I got carried away... but I was hurt by what you said.
He watched her silently, waiting for her to continue.
—To you, your secretary is like a brother. To me, my friend is like a sister. She's always been with me... and I couldn't stand it when you spoke ill of her.
The boy nodded slowly, her words touching him more than he would have admitted aloud.
—I understand... and I accept your apology.
A new silence fell between them, but this time it was different. It was not distance, but understanding. Something in the atmosphere had changed.
Arika smiled at him, and he smiled back a slight, sincere smile.
From that moment on, the tension between them disappeared. Their relationship became calmer, almost natural, as if that brief conversation had broken down an invisible barrier between them.
Then, Reize returned from the warehouse with a tray in his hands. He had gone to get something to eat for everyone. Seeing that Arika and the other boy seemed to be conversing more calmly, he frowned slightly. Before, the tension between them was evident, but now they were talking naturally.
Although he found it strange, he felt relief that the atmosphere had relaxed.
He walked over and set the tray on the table.
—I see they're getting along better already— she commented with a smile—. That's a relief.
Arika nodded and looked at the boy next to her.
—Yes, although… — she paused and then frowned I still don't know his name.
Reize blinked in surprise and then laughed.
— Really? Well, I guess this is a good time to ask.
Arika turned to the boy, who was watching her with a neutral expression.
— You're right. What's your name?
He was silent for a few seconds before answering in a calm voice:
—Koen.
—Well, Koen—dijo Reize, señalándose a sí mismo—. Yo soy Reize, y ella es Arika.
—Koen, huh? —Arika smiled a little smile—. Well, I guess we know each other a little better now.
—Yeah... I guess—he muttered, looking away.
—Great, now that we know what to call each other, we can eat in peace—Reize commented, handing them each a sandwich.
With their hunger built up, the three began to eat in silence, enjoying a quiet moment in the midst of the chaos.
After finishing their sandwich and drink, Reize looked at Koen curiously.
—Koen, would you like some dessert?
Koen was thoughtful for a moment before shrugging.
—Okay.
Reize nodded and headed to the counter, returning shortly after with an apple pie. Arika, remembering what had happened that morning, hesitated for a moment.
—Maybe you'd prefer something else… —she suggested cautiously.
Koen looked at her and shook his head.
—No, it's okay. This time... I want to try it before I judge it.
Arika raised her eyebrows in surprise, then nodded with a slight smile.
When Koen took the first bite, his expression gave him away immediately. Despite his apparent indifference, he clearly liked it.
—It seems to be to your taste —Arika commented with an amused smile.
Koen tensed, as if just realizing that his reaction had betrayed him. Embarrassed, he nodded and, avoiding looking directly at her, stood up awkwardly.
— I'm going to help Reize wash the dishes.
Arika let out a laugh.
As they finished putting away the dishes, a notification came to all three of their cell phones. The simultaneous ringing caused them to exchange uncertain looks before checking their screens.
The lively mood faded immediately as they read the message:
"This is a message from the national government. All citizens are asked to stay indoors and not to go out due to the spread of an unknown virus that has caused multiple incidents in the country. It is recommended to avoid all contact with infected people, as they exhibit highly aggressive behavior. We are doing everything possible to rescue the survivors, but until then they should take shelter and follow safety instructions."
Silence fell over the place.
At another point in the city, the woman's husband was at home, calling insistently for his wife. Each fading dial tone with no answer increased his distress.
— Come on... answer...— he murmured, running a trembling hand over his face.
But there was no answer.
Frustrated, he checked his phone once more and saw the last message his wife had sent him. Something in his chest tightened. He didn't think twice. He went to his office, opened one of the desk drawers and pulled out the gun he had stored for emergencies. With determination, he loaded it and left the house.
Just then, his cell phone vibrated with a notification. Unlocking it, he read the government message:
"This is a message from the national government. All citizens are asked to stay indoors and not to go out due to the spread of an unknown virus that has caused multiple incidents in the country. It has been confirmed that the infection is transmitted through bites from the infected, who exhibit highly aggressive behavior. Please avoid all contact with them. We are doing everything possible to rescue the survivors, but until then you should take shelter and follow safety instructions."
Fear hit him squarely. But more than fear, he felt urgency.
— No... I can't stay here. I have to find them.
He tightened his grip on the gun and started to run.
Meanwhile, the little girl kept running with all her strength. Her legs hurt, her breathing was erratic, but she didn't stop. In the distance, she could see her house.
— Dad! — she cried out, hoping that her father was there, waiting for her.
But she was not alone. Those things were also going in the same direction.
Terror paralyzed her for a second, and in that carelessness, she tripped over a stone. Her body fell heavily against the ground, hitting her knees and palms.
The pain made her groan, but she couldn't stop herself. She tried to get up, but when she looked up, she saw that one of those creatures was already almost on top of her.
Her eyes widened in horror. She wanted to move, but her body did not respond.
The infected snarled and extended its rotting hands towards her.
Desperately, she closed her eyes tightly and covered her head with her arms.
"Please... someone help me."