"How did the photo become clear..." As he was thinking this, the diary started to flip on its own. Petrified, he dropped it to the ground. The pages flipped to the side where the recent entry was done, and words started to appear out of nowhere.
"Oh my god... what is this..." His curiosity overcame his fear. Squatting down, he read the contents. It said, 'Chen made me stay in a room all alone. I was scared, but he stayed with me. Then a scary lady came in and started to ask questions. Turns out she was not that scary... Chen is crazy.'
"This diary really likes to diss Chen," he mumbled and picked it up when the writing stopped. He looked at it back to front. There was nothing special about it. It was simply a leather-bound book.
"Lunch is ready." Zara came in right at that time.
"Hey, can you look at this?" He handed the book to her. "The writing just appeared out of nowhere. How is it possible?"
Frowning, Zara took the book and looked at the cover. "It looks old."
"It is... I think."
She flipped it open casually and read through the contents. "Ahahaha... oh my god, this is too hilarious!" She giggled, holding it close. "You're right, Chen is crazy!"
"I didn't write that." He pouted.
"Okay, I believe you." She didn't sound like she believed him.
"Chen!" She ran out of the room with a grin. "You're a scary person."
"No..." Skyy ran after her and plucked the book out of her hand.
Zou Chen saw them playing with a frown. "Get here while the food is hot," he scolded at them.
Zara giggled and ran over, pinching her brother's ears. Chen glared at her, while Skyy stood by the table hesitantly. There were six people sitting at the dining table – two old couples, two women, and the pair of siblings. Skyy hesitantly gazed at the two empty seats.
"What are you standing around for? Come here," Chen patted the chair beside him. Skyy hesitantly hopped on it and looked around at the new faces.
"Here." The old man who was on the other side held him with a serving. "Chen, I heard you bullied the child on the way here."
Chen's eyes widened. "I never did that. Zara is lying."
"No, Gramps, he hit him." As if on cue, Skyy nodded. "He did hit me. Right here," he pointed to his neck.
"He was acting like a fanatic. More zombies would have been attracted by him. I just knocked him out. It's not like I bullied him." Chen grumbled, chewing on his food.
Skyy peered at him through his lashes. "It still hurts..."
Chen paused. "I'll massage it for you. Now eat."
Skyy broke out into a big smile. "In exchange, can I have a bit more food?"
"Eat all you want." He handed the huge bowl to him. Skyy happily took the bowl and ate the potatoes happily. The old couple happily smiled. "How old are you, child?"
"Hmm, me?" Skyy raised a brow. "I'm eighteen."
"Oh, five years younger than Chen." The old lady lamented. "Do you still wish to go back to your base?"
Skyy's eyes widened. "No! I ran away from the base. I will never go back there."
"Then how about you stay here, in our home? I can cook you delicious food every day. You see, these brats do not enjoy eating as much as you do. I really like seeing people enjoy my food." She gently touched his hand. "Is it okay with you?"
Skyy nodded like he was pounding ginger. "Yes! But..." He hesitantly gazed at Chen. "I want Kyle."
"We'll bring your friend here."
"Thank you!" Skyy jumped up and hugged her. "You're so sweet!"