Chapter 28: 28: A New Dawn

As the first light of dawn filtered through the makeshift windows of his rooftop sanctuary, Ryo stirred from his slumber. With a sense of purpose, he rose from his bed and began his morning routine.

After a quick shower to wash away the remnants of sleep, Ryo set about preparing breakfast for himself and his unexpected guest. The aroma of cooking food filled the small space, a welcome change from the stale air that often lingered in the aftermath of the apocalypse.

As he worked, he heard a rustling from the makeshift bed where the girl lay. With a subtle gesture, he signaled for her to remain quiet, lest they attract unwanted attention from the roaming undead.

To his relief, the girl seemed to understand, her movements cautious as she sat up and surveyed her surroundings. Sensing her confusion, Ryo offered her a reassuring smile before motioning towards the bathroom area.

"Go take a shower," he whispered softly, his voice barely above a murmur. "It's not safe for you to stay dirty."

The girl nodded in understanding, her expression a mix of gratitude and apprehension. Taking the towel that Ryo offered, she made her way to the bathroom, the sound of running water soon filling the room.

While the girl showered, Ryo finished preparing breakfast, the sizzle of cooking food punctuating the silence. He glanced towards the bathroom door, hoping that the simple act of cleanliness would bring some measure of comfort to the girl in this uncertain world.

After what seemed like an eternity, the bathroom door creaked open, and the girl emerged, her hair damp and her skin flushed from the warmth of the water. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes flickering uncertainly towards Ryo.

"It's okay," he reassured her, gesturing towards the table where breakfast awaited. "Come eat."

The girl approached cautiously, her movements hesitant as she settled into the seat opposite Ryo. With a sense of camaraderie that transcended words, they shared the simple meal together, a silent understanding passing between them.

As they ate, the girl's gaze lingered on Ryo's clothes, her expression questioning. With a wry smile, he realized the absurdity of the situation—they were both survivors in a world turned upside down, making do with whatever they had.

"Sorry, I only have men's clothes," Ryo apologized, gesturing towards his own attire. "But you're welcome to borrow whatever you need."

Grateful for the offer, the girl nodded in appreciation, her eyes reflecting a newfound sense of hope. In that moment, Ryo knew that despite the challenges that lay ahead, they would face them together, forging a bond that transcended the darkness of their surroundings.

As the morning sunlight streamed through the cracks in the makeshift walls, casting soft patterns on the floor, Ryo and the girl sat across from each other, their breakfast forgotten as they engaged in conversation.

"What's your name?" Ryo asked gently, his tone soft and reassuring.

The girl hesitated for a moment, her gaze dropping to the table before meeting Ryo's eyes. "Sakura," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ryo nodded in acknowledgment before continuing. "How old are you, Sakura?"

The girl hesitated once again, her fingers nervously tracing the edge of her plate. "Eighteen," she replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Ryo sensed her hesitation but chose not to press further. Instead, he shifted the conversation to a less sensitive topic. "How long have you been trapped there?"

Sakura's eyes clouded with sorrow as she recounted the days spent in isolation. "I'm not sure," she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "It feels like forever. I lost track of time a while ago."

Ryo listened intently, his heart heavy with empathy for the girl sitting across from him. "Where are your parents?" he asked gently.

A tear welled up in Sakura's eye as she spoke, her voice choked with emotion. "They... they were at work when it happened," she replied, her words barely audible. "I saw the news... and then everything went to chaos. I don't know if they're still alive..." S~eaʀᴄh the NôᴠeFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Ryo reached across the table, offering Sakura a comforting hand. "I'm sorry," he murmured, his voice filled with compassion. "I can't imagine how hard it must be for you."

Sakura nodded, her tears now flowing freely down her cheeks. "I've been living off whatever I could find," she confessed, her voice barely a whisper. "Eating and drinking just enough to survive. When the food ran out, I started searching the building... and I found that storage room."

Ryo listened in silence as Sakura recounted her struggle for survival, his heart aching for the hardships she had endured alone. As she spoke, he felt a surge of admiration for her resilience in the face of adversity.

After a moment of shared silence, Ryo rose from his seat and crossed the room to where Sakura sat. Gently, he pulled her into his arms, offering her the comfort of his embrace. "You're not alone anymore," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth. "We'll get through this together."

Sakura nodded, her tears gradually subsiding as she leaned into Ryo's embrace. And as they sat together in the dim light of dawn, the weight of their shared burdens felt just a little lighter, buoyed by the strength of their newfound companionship.