Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The mall was quiet. Too quiet.

Halos lahat ng tindahan wala ng laman — bare shelves, broken glass, scattered plastic bags na parang mga multo ng mundong nawala.

Jhoanna crouched low, gripping the rusted steel pipe she used as a weapon.

Isa lang ang patakaran niya: huwag magtiwala kahit kanino.

She was about to check the pharmacy corner when—

A sudden crash.

Her body froze. Shit. She tightened her grip and moved silently toward the noise.

At doon niya nakita.

A girl, around her age, struggling to shove a shelf aside. Dark hair clung to her face, her arm bleeding from a fresh wound. She was clutching a beaten-up backpack like it was more precious than her own pulse.

The girl whipped around, eyes blazing when she saw Jhoanna.

“‘Wag kang lalapit…” she hissed, voice shaking but defiant.

Jhoanna raised her pipe a little. Cool, detached.

“Relax. Wala akong pake sa gamit mo.”

“Oh talaga?” The girl’s gaze flicked over her, sharp despite the limp in her stance. “Everyone wants something.”

For a moment, neither moved. They stared at each other, strangers sizing each other up, both ready to fight, neither willing to flinch.

“Kung uhaw ka, may tubig sa may baba,” Jhoanna muttered. “Pero kung gusto mong mabuhay, kailangan mong umalis ngayon. Raiders are on the way.”

Raiders. Mga hindi infected. Pero mga pumapatay ng kapwa nila.

Sila halos ang umubos sa lahat ng mga natitirang tao.

The girl arched a brow. “And how exactly do you know that?”

“Ilang araw na akong nandito,” Jhoanna shot back. Then, after a pause, her lips curved in the faintest smirk. “And you’re too loud.”

The girl smirked right back, despite the blood staining her sleeve. “So you were watching me?” That landed like a hit Jhoanna wasn’t ready for. Her throat tightened; she masked it with a scoff, gripping her pipe tighter. Smart mouth. Great.

Before she could answer, heavy boots clanged in the stairwell below. Voices. Men shouting, cruel laughter echoing. Raiders.

The girl stiffened, clutching her bag tighter. Jhoanna’s instincts screamed: leave her. Walk away.

But when those frightened eyes locked on hers. Stubborn, but trembling. Jhoanna swore under her breath and ran towards her and grabbed her wrist.

“Hoy—!”

“Shut up if you wanna live.”

They ran, footsteps pounding in sync. The girl limped, but refused to slow them down. At one point, she almost slipped — and Jhoanna’s arm shot out, steadying her waist. For a heartbeat, Colet’s weight pressed against her, warm and breathless.

“Don’t touch me,” the girl muttered, cheeks flushed.

“Mag-ingat ka kasi,” Jhoanna snapped back, but she didn’t let go until they reached the alley.

They leaned against the wall, gasping for air. Sweat clung to Jhoanna’s brow; the girl brushed hair from her face, eyes glittering with adrenaline. Instead of fear, she gave Jhoanna a crooked grin.

“Salamat. I owe you one.”

Jhoanna rolled her eyes, scanning the street. “Don’t thank me yet. Hindi pa tayo ligtas talaga.”

“Hmm.” The girl tilted her head, studying her. “You’ve got a name, o tatawagin na lang kitang… tubo girl?”

Jhoanna glared, but her ears burned. “Jhoanna.”

“Jhoanna,” the girl repeated, her voice soft, lingering on the syllables like a secret. Then she smirked, teeth flashing.

“Colet. Nice to meet you… partner.”

Jhoanna cursed under her breath, gripping her pipe again, but her pulse betrayed her. Too fast, too loud. This girl was going to be trouble.

And yet, even when the alley fell silent, Jhoanna realized she was still holding Colet’s wrist.

—

Jhoanna and Colet didn’t stop moving until the sun dipped behind the jagged skyline.

Jhoanna walked in front, pipe steady in her hand, 2 daggers hanging on her belt, every step calculated. Behind her, Colet, with an axe attached on her backpack.

Every so often, Jhoanna glanced back. Hindi dahil concern siya, but because weak links get you killed.

“Kung gusto mong mabuhay, kailangan mong gamutin ‘yang sugat mo,” Jhoanna muttered finally.

“Alam ko, pero ayos lang to galos lang,” Colet said. “Concerned ka ba?”

“Hindi. Wala akong pake. Ayoko lang na mamatay ka sa harap ko mismo.”

“Ang dami mong sinabi pwede namang oo o hindi nalang.”

Napailing nalang si Jhoanna.

By nightfall, they found shelter in the ruins of a dusty bookstore. The windows were cracked, shelves broken, but it was quiet.

Okay na ‘yun sa kanila. Kesa abutin ng gabi sa daan.

Jhoanna shoved chairs against the door. Then, without a word, she tore a strip from her shirt and tossed it to Colet.

“Para sa sugat mo.”

Colet blinked, momentarily disarmed. “Akala ko wala kang pake?”

“Wala nga.” Jhoanna avoided her eyes.

Colet chuckled softly, shaking her head as she tied the bandage. “Sure ka ba diyan?”

Tinignan na siya ni Jhoanna.

“Joke lang,” Ngumiti si Colet ng kaunti. “Thank you. Meron pa nga pala ako nito oh.” At binuksan ni Colet ang bag niya.

May ilang mga biscuit doon at tubig.

Umupo naman si Jhoanna sa sahig kagaya ni Colet.

They ate in silence — stale crackers, lukewarm water. Eventually, Colet spoke up.

“So… nasaan ka nung nagsimula yung outbreak?”

Jhoanna shot her a look. “What do you mean?”

“Like… ako I was in law school. Patapos na nga eh. Kainis nga, may quiz pa ko sa prof kong super strict.” She laughed quietly, though it sounded hollow. “Akala ko ‘yun na yung pinakamasamang araw ko. Di kasi ako nakapag-review. Inuna kong uminom.” Natawa siya sa kwento niya.

Tinuloy ni Colet ang pag-kwento. “Sobrang bilis ng pangyayari. Ang daming namatay kaagad. Ang daming naging infected. Ilang linggo palang. Parang hindi pa nagsi-sync in sa’kin lahat kasi biruin mo? Halos wala ng survivors. Ikaw? Nasaan ka nun?”

But Jhoanna didn’t answer right away. Her eyes lowered to the floor. “I wasn’t in school. I was… somewhere else. Different.”

“Different good or different bad?” Colet pressed, tilting her head.

Jhoanna’s lips pressed into a line. After a pause, she muttered, “Bad.”

And that was it. No details. No names. Just the single word that hung in the dusty air.

Colet leaned back, sensing the wall Jhoanna had put up. “Hmmm, okay,” she said with a grin, “secretive ka pala.”

“Careful,” Jhoanna countered, “mahirap ba para sa chismosang kagaya mo?”

“Hindi ah!” Colet giggled softly, muffling the sound with her hand. “Curious lang. You’re… interesting.”

Jhoanna frowned, caught off-guard. “Interesting?”

“Yeah.” Colet’s eyes softened. “Yung tipong mahirap basahin. Mysterious. Pero grabe ka ah, nasayang laway ko dun.”

“Sino ba kasing nagsabi na dumaldal ka?”

“Ang sungit mo naman,” napangisi si Colet, “pero alam mo…’yan tipo ko.”

Jhoanna rolled her eyes, but the heat crawling up her neck betrayed her. “Magpahinga ka na nga.”

Later, as they sat across from each other in the moonlight, Colet hummed a tune under her breath. Jhoanna’s brow furrowed.
“Anong kanta ‘yan?”

“Wala. Something I used to sing… dati pa. Before.”

Jhoanna wanted to ask more. But she didn’t. Instead, she lay back against the wall, letting the faint melody linger between them.

The next morning.

They rose with the pale gray light, the bookstore colder than the night before. Jhoanna was already awake, pipe in hand, scanning the street through a cracked window. Colet stirred groggily, hair messy, squinting against the weak sun.

“Gising ka na pala,” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.

“Hindi ako natulog,” Jhoanna replied. “Hindi safe na tumagal dito.”

Colet sighed, dragging herself up. “Bakit ‘di mo manlang ako sinabihan?”

“Sarap ng tulog mo eh. Ayos lang ‘yun. Ready ka na ba?”

Tumango lang si Colet.

They gathered their supplies and slipped back into the empty streets.

The city was a skeleton — abandoned cars rusting in place, buildings hollowed out, the air thick with silence.

For a while, all they heard were their footsteps and the occasional flap of wings from crows overhead.

Then Colet broke the quiet.

“Jhoanna.”

Jhoanna grunted in response.

“Kung… if things were different. Where do you think you’d be right now?”

Jhoanna kept walking, her shoulders stiff. “Doesn’t matter. Things aren’t different.”

“Grabe ka. Hypothetical lang.”

After a beat, Jhoanna muttered, almost reluctant: “Home. Probably.”

Colet tilted her head, studying her. “Home, huh. Ako… baka sa gig. Anong araw na ba ngayon? Kung sabado… ayun baka nasa gig or nag-aaral…”

“Gig?”

“Yeah. Kumakanta ako minsan with friends. Open mics, ganon. Not pro, pero… masaya.” Her lips curved into a soft smile. “I miss that.”

Jhoanna stayed quiet. But something in her chest twisted at the image of Colet in another life — smiling, singing, alive in a way this world didn’t allow.

They turned a corner into an abandoned neighborhood. Houses loomed silent, windows shattered, front doors hanging loose. The air was too still.

“Stay close,” Jhoanna murmured.

Colet rolled her eyes but inched nearer anyway.

That’s when they heard it — faint, hushed voices. Not groans, not the shuffle of the infected, but human.

Jhoanna immediately raised a hand, signaling Colet to stop.

They crouched behind a crumbling fence.

The voices came from ahead, near a wrecked jeep half-swallowed by vines.

“Bilis, Sheena, baka mahuli tayo,” a sharp whisper cut through the silence.

“Relax, Mikha,” a lighter voice replied. “They don’t look dangerous…”

Jhoanna and Colet exchanged a loaded glance. Instinctively, both raised their weapons.

“Sino nandyan?” Colet said, voice hard.

The voices stilled. For a moment, the whole street seemed to hold its breath.

Then came a nervous giggle. An annoyed sigh.

And two figures stepped out from the shadows.

Chapter Text

The air was sharp with silence as two new figures stepped out from behind the wrecked jeep.

The first girl looked younger, her hair tied back messily, oversized jacket swallowing her frame.

She held a small kitchen knife awkwardly in both hands, but her wide eyes gave her away, more scared than dangerous.

Beside her, the other one moved differently, sharper, heavier.

Baseball bat in her grip, gaze cold and calculating.

She scanned Jhoanna and Colet like she was measuring threats.

Jhoanna instinctively stepped forward, pipe raised, blocking Colet from view. “Stay where you are.”

“Relax,” the softer girl said quickly, hands up. “We’re not infected.” Her voice trembled but carried sincerity.

“I’m Sheena. This is Mikha.”

“Don’t tell them our names,” Mikha snapped, glaring at her. Then, to Colet and Jhoanna: “We don’t know you. You don’t know us. Keep it that way.”

Colet peeked out from behind Jhoanna’s shoulder, "Sabihin mo rin pangalan natin."

“Shut up,” Jhoanna hissed at her under her breath.

Mikha’s eyes narrowed at the exchange. “Are you two alone?”

Jhoanna didn’t answer right away. Her grip on the pipe tightened.

Trust was a luxury she wasn’t willing to hand out.

But Sheena stepped forward, her expression almost pleading. “Ilang araw na kaming nagtatago. We just… we heard voices. Akala namin—” She faltered, glancing at Mikha. “…akala namin safe na kami.”

The wind rattled the hollow windows of the houses around them. For a moment, no one moved.

Finally, Colet’s voice broke the tension. “Safe’s a strong word,” she said lightly. “Pero at least ngayon apat na tayo. Mas madami, mas masaya, diba?” Jhoanna shot her a look that screamed shut up, but Sheena’s face brightened slightly at the words.

Mikha, however, didn’t look convinced. She pointed her bat toward them. “Mas marami, mas maingay. Mas madaling mapansin. You think that’s safer?”

“Depends,” Colet countered with a tilt of her head. “On who you’re with.” For a second, Mikha and Colet’s eyes locked.

Then Jhoanna stepped between them, cutting the tension like a blade. “We’re wasting time here,” Jhoanna said coldly. “If you’re tagging along, keep up. If not, stay out of our way.” Sheena nodded quickly, clutching her knife tighter.

Mikha muttered something under her breath but followed.

And just like that, the group of two became four. Fragile, uneasy, stitched together by circumstance.

That night. They found shelter in a half-collapsed house.

They made a small fire, flickering shadows across their faces.

Sheena sat close to Colet, whispering nervously about how she and Mikha had been scavenging the last few days, sticking together because there was no one else.

Nalaman ni Colet na magkasama sa dorm yung dalawa at mula noon ay hindi na nag-hiwalay.

Talagang sila nalang natira. Kagaya niya. Meanwhile, Mikha leaned against the farthest wall, her bat resting beside her, eyes never leaving Jhoanna.

The two of them didn’t speak but the silence between them was louder than words.

Maya-maya ay tumayo na si Colet para makapagpahinga na yung pinakabata sa kanila.

Across the room, Colet sat and nudged Jhoanna’s shoulder lightly. “Looks like you found your twin,” she whispered with a mischievous grin, nodding at Mikha who’s now sitting beside Sheena and gently placing the younger’s head on her shoulder.

“Shut. Up.” But Colet only chuckled, her laughter soft in the dead quiet of the night. Hanggang sa makatulog na yung dalawa sa harapan nila.

Tinignan ni Colet si Jhoanna, “Matulog ka na.” Mahinang sabi niya. “Ako naman magbabantay.”

Tumango naman si Jhoanna bago pumikit at sinandal ang likod at ulo niya sa pader.

—

Jhoanna stands alone at the corridor, sterile glass walls lining both sides.

Inside one chamber, a figure moves—humanoid, but wrong.

She heard static buzzes.

Then a male voice.

Hindi niya masyadong maintindihan at marinig.

Before she can react, the floor vibrates.

Alarms scream. Red lights flash.

Inside the chamber, the figure lunges.

Glass groans, cracks forming spiderwebs.

Naguguluhan si Jhoanna sa mga nangyayari.

Pero sinimulan niya na maglakad ng mabilis. Kahit hindi niya alam kung saan siya pupunta.

The alarm in the building kept on going.

Gas bursts from vents.

She stopped running when she sees a hand slam the glass—too human, too fast.

Then everything cuts to black.

—

Nagising bigla si Jhoanna.

She looked around, at nandito pa rin siya.

Kasama nila Colet, Sheena at Mikha.

The fire crackled softly.

Colet had already dozed off, and Mikha was half-awake, keeping guard.

She looked at Jhoanna, “Ginising ako ni Colet, ako raw muna mag-bantay ‘di na raw niya kaya yung antok.”

Napatango nalang si Jhoanna.

Parang naubusan siya ng mga salita at nabalot ng takot.

Ngunit hindi mo mahahalata ‘yun sa kanya.

“Tulog ka na ulit.” Sabi ni Mikha pero hindi na ‘to nakatingin sa kanya.

“Kailangan na nating umalis kapag pasikat na yung araw.”

“Gigisingin nalang kita, Jhoanna.”

The next day.

The four of them moved down the broken street in silence, each step crunching over scattered glass and gravel.

Jhoanna led, her pipe raised, eyes sharp on every corner.

Mikha walked a few paces behind, bat slung over her shoulder.

The tension between them was thick enough to choke on.

“Too open,” Mikha muttered finally, scanning the wide street. “We should’ve gone through the alleys.”

“Cornered tayo dun,” Jhoanna shot back without looking.

“At least may cover. Dito, we’re bait.”

Jhoanna spun slightly, her glare slicing across the space between them.

“I’ve survived this long because I know where to walk.” Mikha smirked, unbothered.

“Same.” Behind them, Colet and Sheena exchanged glances.

Sheena looked uneasy, clutching her knife tighter, while Colet bit her bottom lip.

“Wow,” Colet muttered under her breath. “Hindi na tumigil.” Nagsisimula na siyang mainis.

Jhoanna heard her but didn’t rise to it. Instead, she pushed forward, voice clipped. “We need supplies. Nearest pharmacy should be around this block.”

“Assuming hindi pa na-loot,” Mikha added dryly.

Sheena sighed. “Can you two not measure who’s the better survivor for like five minutes?”

Neither Jhoanna nor Mikha replied.

—

Inside the pharmacy.

The place was dim, shelves half-empty, wrappers and broken glass littering the floor.

But there are some stuff that they can still get.

“Sheena, dito ka nalang sa may pinto,” Jhoanna instructed. “Mikha, check the back shelves.”

“Excuse me?” Mikha raised a brow, hands on her hips. “You don’t get to just order me around.”

Jhoanna straightened, pipe tapping lightly against her leg. “Pwede ba, huwag na tayo magsayang ng oras?”

The air stilled. Even Colet turned her head, watching with interest while she kept on putting things inside her bag.

“Please, don’t start,” Jhoanna warned, tone low.

Mikha stepped closer, eyes unflinching. “I’m not starting. I’m reminding you na hindi lang ikaw ang may instinct. Kung lahat ng plano manggagaling lang sayo, what’s the point of calling this a group?”

For a heartbeat, Jhoanna and Mikha just stood there, inches apart, tension crackling between them.

Sheena, nervously from the doorway, tried to break the silence. “Um… maybe we can just—”

Crash.

A bottle rolled off a shelf and shattered on the floor.

Everyone froze. From outside, faint groans rose, followed by the uneven drag of feet against pavement.

Jhoanna’s grip tightened on her pipe. “Narinig nila tayo.”

Mikha stepped forward, bat ready, a dangerous gleam in her eyes. “Finally. Something worth hitting.”

“Shut up and move!” Jhoanna barked, shoving Mikha toward the back exit.

Mikha glared but didn’t resist this time, grabbing Sheena by the arm as they ran.

The sound of infected grew louder behind them, guttural, inhuman, closing in.

They burst out into the alley behind the pharmacy.

Breath ragged, sweat streaking their faces, the four of them pressed against the brick wall, listening to the chaos just a few meters away.

Colet, still catching her breath, muttered, “This is what happens when people think they’re the only leader in the room.” Pertaining to the two.

Nainis na siya sa dalawa dahil kanina pa ito nagtatalo, ito tuloy inabot nila.

Jhoanna shot her a sharp look, but Mikha chuckled darkly. “Finally, someone said it.”

“Mikhs hindi ka nakakatulong,” Sheena whispered urgently, eyes darting to the corner where shadows writhed.

The groans were closer now.

Jhoanna looked at Mikha. “Cover our back.” Then to Colet: “You take Sheena. Keep her safe.”

Colet squared her shoulders, defiant. “I don’t need orders.”

Jhoanna leaned in, voice low, sharp. “It’s not an order. It’s trust. Don’t waste it.”

For a moment, Colet froze, stunned by the weight in Jhoanna’s eyes.

Then she swallowed and shook her head. “No, Jho. Ako nalang. Dito ka nalang kay Sheena.”

Mikha, already swinging her bat against the alley wall to draw the infected away, smirked. “About time you said something smart.”

Colet rolled her eyes, axe raised. “Tapusin na natin to, gutom na ‘ko.” And together, for the first time, the four of them moved in sync.

Chapter Text

Dust rains down as a wall collapses somewhere above.

Jhoanna snaps back to reality, pipe raised, ears ringing.

They’re in the subway now, running for their lives. Mikha and Colet lead ahead, Jhoanna and Sheena close behind them.

Mikha yelled, “Three on the left!”

Mikha swings her bat, skull cracking with a wet thud. Sheena grabs her shoulder, pulling her away before another infected lunges.

Colet ducks low, her axe flashing, slashing through an arm that reaches too close.

“Go! Go!” Colet shouts, shoving something to block the corridor as they sprint down the stairs.

Their footsteps echo against metal and concrete. Wild, frantic, alive.

The tunnel opens up, flickering with dying emergency lights.

They are all running so fast.

Jhoanna stops only when her shoulder slams into a rusted rail. She hisses softly, blood smearing her sleeve.

Colet notices immediately. “Jho, may dugo..”

Jhoanna wipes at it, shaking her head. “Okay lang, hindi gaanong masakit.”

Colet steps closer, already tearing a strip from her own sleeve. Her forehead creased. 

She presses the cloth against the wound. “Wag na matigas ulo, okay? Okay lang humingi ng tulong.”

Jhoanna’s breath catches. For a moment, they just stare at each other—the chaos outside fading into silence.

Then Colet ties the fabric tighter and steps back, jaw clenched but eyes soft.

“Huwag kang ganyan maka-tingin, Colet..” 

“Ha?”

“Na parang may pakialam ka.”

Colet smirks faintly, hiding the tremor in her voice. “Meron naman talaga.”

A few meters away, Mikha and Sheena stand guard, catching their breath.

Sheena glances sideways. “Okay ka lang, Mikhs?”

“You keep asking that.” Sabi ni Mikha habang hinahabol hininga niya.

“Ang gaslaw mo kasi kumilos, lagi mo ko pinag-aalala.” 

Laughs under her breath “I didn't want them to go near you.”

Sheena rolls her eyes but her lips twitch into a smile. “Focus, malandi ka.”

Mikha chuckles, adjusting her grip on the bat. “Aye, ma’am.”

A low growl reverberates through the tunnel.. far but growing closer.

Jhoanna straightens. “Ayan nanaman sila.”

“Then we keep on moving.” Sabi ni Colet habang patuloy na naglalakad, mas bumagal, mas maingat.

Tumigil si Mikha at tinignan muna ang paligid nila, “Service exit, two blocks east, if the map’s right.” 

“Paano kung marami na nakaharang?” Sabi ni Sheena. 

Nagkibit-balikat na lamang si Jhoanna, “Edi tanggalin. Bahala na. Kung kailangan mag-hukay, maghuhukay.” 

The four of them started to take off again, shoes splashing through shallow water, breaths syncing in the dark.

For the first time, they’re not just running, they’re moving as one.

Later, it was just silence.

Malapit na sila makalabas at mukhang walang kahit infected o kung anuman doon.

The tunnel behind them fades into shadow.

A single drop of blood slides off Jhoanna’s bandage, hitting the damp floor.

It sizzles faintly before soaking into the ground.

None of them noticed.

—

Lumabas sila sa subway exit at nakita ang paligid na parang sinira ng baha o lindol—sirang mga kongkreto, maraming basag na salamin na kumikislap sa liwanag ng umaga. 

Amoy ng usok at kalawang ang humahalo sa alikabok.

Habang umaahon sila mula sa sirang lagusan ng estasyon, napalibutan sila ng mga gusaling halos wala na ang kalahati. 

May mga signage pa ring nakalaylay, kumakapit sa isang kalawangin na poste, na parang ayaw sumuko.

Tahimik lang si Jhoanna habang nagmamasid. Sa kamay niya, hawak pa rin ang pipe na halos kasin-gaspang na ng balat niya.

“Stay close,” sabi niya, mababa ang boses, pero sapat para marinig ng lahat.

Sumunod agad si Colet, isang hakbang sa likod. “Grabe, ang tahimik,” bulong niya, sabay tingin sa paligid. “Nakakapanibago. Usually, by now may sumisigaw na ng ‘run!’ or ‘shit!’”

Bahagyang natawa si Mikha, pilit na pinipigilan pero halatang kinagat ang labi para ‘di mahalata. “Huwag kang magsalita ng ganyan,” sagot niya. “Usually, pag may nagsabi ng ganyan, may sumasabog.”

Napalunok si Colet.

Mikha and Sheena were a few steps ahead, maingat na nag-scan ng paligid. Sheena raised her hand, signaling a stop. “May gumagalaw dun,” sabi niya. 

Lahat agad sila nagtaas ng sandata, pero nang tumigil ang anino, nakita nilang hindi iyon infected.

Isang babaeng halos kaedad nila, marumi ang damit, may maliit na satchel at hawak na notebook. May alikabok sa mukha, pero hindi ikakaila na maganda pa rin at halata pa rin ang kabataan sa mata. 

“Wait!” sigaw ng babae, mabilis na tinaas ang dalawang kamay. “I’m not— I’m not one of them!”

Tahimik lang si Jhoanna, pero unti-unting binaba ang hawak. “Mag-isa ka lang?” tanong niya, dahan-dahang lumapit.

Tumango ang babae. “Oo.” 

“Ano yan?” Tanong naman ni Colet, pertaining to the notebook that the girl was holding.

“I draw maps—mga lugar na safe. Or at least, dati safe.”

Lumapit si Colet, nakahalukipkip. “Ikaw ba ‘yung dahilan kung bakit may chalk markings sa kanto ng Pasong Tamo? ‘Yung may X tapos may arrow?”

Tumingin si Jhoanna sa kanya, parang nagtatanong. 

“Yun yung sinundan ko kaya ako napadpad dun sa mall, at dun kita nakilala.” Paliwanag niya dito.

Parang nabuhayan ‘yung babae. “Yeah! Ako ‘yun! Nakatulong ba?”

“Medyo,” sagot ni Colet, nakangiti. “Kung hindi dahil dun, ‘di ko makikilala si Jho- ah! Bakit ka nanununtok?”

Jhoanna rolled her eyes pero hindi maitago ang bahagyang ngiti. “Ano nga palang pangalan mo?”

“Aiah,” sagot niya. “Ikaw?”

“Jhoanna.” Tumuro siya sa likod. “Sila Colet. Mikha. Sheena.”

Tumango si Aiah, parang nagrerehistro ng mga mukha. “Nice to meet you. Uh… kung may plano kayong umalis dito, may alam akong safehouse, medyo malayo nga lang. Papunta sa north.”

“Bakit mo pa hindi tinirhan?” tanong ni Sheena, curious.

Napayuko si Aiah, dahan-dahang sinarado ang notebook. “Because I don’t stay long anywhere. Hindi maganda ‘yung mangyari pag nagtatagal ako.”

Tahimik ang lahat ng ilang segundo. Hangin lang at langitngit ng metal ang narinig.

Colet glanced at Jhoanna. “So? Tatanggapin natin siya?”

Jhoanna didn’t answer right away. Instead, naglakad siya papunta sa kabilang side ng kalye, tinignan ang paligid — mga gusaling parang sinusunog ng araw, mga basag na bintana na ginagawang pugad ng mga uwak. 

May graffiti pa sa dingding: WE TRIED TO RUN. THEY DIDN’T LET US.

Umihip ang hangin, nagdala ng amoy ng sunog na goma. “We move in ten minutes,” sabi ni Jhoanna, hindi tumitingin sa kanila. “Kung may safehouse talaga, we’ll find out. Pero pag nagkamali ka, I’ll make sure you regret it.”

“Sige. Pero nagsasabi naman ako ng totoo.” Sabi ni Aiah. “Pwede tayo magtulungan.” 

Tinignan ni Jhoanna ang iba niyang kasama. Wala namang ibang sinabi pa sina Sheena at Mikha at pinapanood lang sila.

“Tara na.”

Habang naglalakad sila papunta sa direksyong sinabi ni Aiah, nagiging mas makapal ang usok. Marami nang nasunog na gusali, at bawat kanto ay may ilang mga bakas, mga lumang dugo sa aspalto.

Mikha whistled softly. “Kung sino man yung nagsimula ng outbreak na ‘to, dapat mamatay nalang sila.”

“Hindi mo sure kung buhay pa.” Pagbibiro ni Sheena. “Grabe ‘no sa hilig ko manood ng zombie apocalypse, hindi ko akalain na mararanasan ko pala to sa totoong buhay.” 

She kept talking. “Alam niyo, hindi ko pa rin gets… paano ba nagsimula ‘to? One day, and all of a sudden, the streets were full of… you know…” She waved vaguely toward the distant groans.

Jhoanna exhaled slowly, choosing her words carefully. “I don’t think it started overnight. Outbreaks like this… usually may mga lab experiments siguro na involved, or a mutation na nag-evolve sa environment. Neural pathogens, like… viruses that manipulate the brain. They find ways to survive kahit labas na sa host. Hindi ko sure, pero iba kasi itsura nila, diba? Medyo mukhang tao pa rin. Hindi mukhang bangkay.”

Sheena’s brow furrowed. “So tingin mo, ginawa ‘to ng tao?”

“Maybe,” Jhoanna said. Her gaze flicked to the shadows, then back to Sheena. “There were studies on brain regeneration, repairing nerve damage… things meant to help people. Pero minsan, kapag may error, kahit maliit lang, nagiging unpredictable ang outcome.”

Mikha asked this time. “So hindi galing sa hayop lang?”

Jhoanna shrugged. “Possible na combination ng viral adaptation at neural mutation, basically, something that wants to survive no matter what.”

Sheena swallowed. “Kahit patay na ‘yung host?”

Jhoanna didn’t answer right away. She kept her eyes on a distant, flickering shadow between two collapsed buildings. 

A quiet shiver ran through the group. The wind shifted, carrying a faint metallic tang.

Aiah glanced at her notebook. “How do you know all that?”

Jhoanna answered slowly, “I studied Biology. Mahilig lang din talaga ako magbasa ng mga research archives.”

But the weight behind her eyes said otherwise.

They moved in silence for a few steps. Colet walked beside her, gripping her axe tighter, glancing at Jhoanna now and then. 

Something about the way she carried herself, even calm, made her uneasy, protective at the same time.

Up ahead, the building Aiah had pointed out looked like it had survived the chaos better than most. The flickering light suggested someone was inside—or maybe just a lamp that still had power.

“We should still stay alert,” Aiah murmured, shoulders tensing. “We don’t know what’s waiting.”

Sheena shot her a side glance. “You sound like you already know too much.”

Aiah just smiled faintly, eyes on the darkened streets beyond. “I told you I’ve been here.”

Hanggang sa may tunog na narinig si Mikha mula sa likod ng gusali, mabigat na parang may humihinga nang hindi tama.

“Uh, guys,” sabi ni Mikha, itinaas ang baseball bat na hawak niya. “May bisita yata tayo.”

Jhoanna agad kinuha ulit ang panlaban niya, sinalubong ang tingin ni Colet. “At least nakapahinga kahit onti”

“See?” sabi ni Colet, half-grinning habang naghanda sa kung ano man ang paparating. “Sabi ko na eh, hindi kompleto ang araw natin pag walang patayan.”

At doon na nila nakita ang ilang mga infected. 

—

Sa wakas, nakarating sila sa isang lumang bodega, mataas ang kisame, puro kalawangin na mga bakal at may amoy ng lumang langis.

Dito raw, sabi ni Aiah, sila pwedeng magpahinga sandali. 

Sa gitna ng sahig, inilatag ni Aiah ang notebook niya. Marami nang pahina ang nalukot, pero malinaw pa rin ang mga linya ng lapis: mga kanto, tunnel, checkpoint, at mga pulang X na may mga notes sa tabi: unsafe, collapsed, infected-heavy.

“Grabe,” sabi ni Mikha habang nakasandal sa haligi, pinapanood si Aiah mag-explain. “Ikaw lang gumawa niyan lahat?”

Tumango si Aiah, nakangiti ng kaunti. “Yeah. I started a few days nung narealize ko na hindi lang to basta bastang virus. Sinusubukan kong tandaan kung saan ako nakadaan, saan ako muntik mamatay. Useful din minsan.”

Napatawa si Sheena. “Useful daw, muntik mamatay dun sa kanina.”

Sabat ni Colet, sabay tingin kay Jhoanna na tahimik na nakayuko rin sa mapa. “So, ano plano natin, boss?”

“Kung totoo ‘tong mapa,” sagot ni Jhoanna habang nag-aayos ng flashlight para mas maliwanag,

“may daan papunta sa lumang clinic sa north. Pwede nating i-check ‘yon. Baka may gamit pa.”

“Clinic?” tanong ni Sheena. “As in may mga meds?”

“Kung swertihin,” sagot ni Jhoanna. “Pero hindi ako umaasa.”

Habang nag-uusap sila, si Colet napapatingin lang paminsan-minsan kina Aiah at Jhoanna. Lalo na nang lumapit si Aiah para ituro mismo ang ruta—halos dikit na ang balikat nila ni Jhoanna habang nagkukwentuhan.

“See this line?” sabi ni Aiah, tinuturo ang sketch. “Ito ‘yung route na ginamit ko last week. Medyo tahimik pa, walang swarm.”

“Smart move,” sagot ni Jhoanna, nag-angat ng tingin. “You’re good at this.”

“Thanks,” sabi ni Aiah, bahagyang ngumiti. “You don’t survive this long without a bit of luck and stubbornness.”

Napakunot lang ng kaunti ang noo ni Colet. Napansin ‘yon ni Sheena, at agad siyang sumimangot ng pilya. “Uy,” bulong ni Sheena, saktong naririnig lang ni Colet. “Ngumingiti si Jho, oh. Rare sight ‘yan ‘no?”

“Tigil mo ‘yan,” iritableng sagot ni Colet, pero nakalingon pa rin kina Aiah.

“Selos ba ‘yan?” dagdag pa ni Sheena, halos matawa na.

“Hindi ah,” sabat agad ni Colet, masyadong mabilis. “Lakas nanaman ng trip mo, Sheena.”

“Nagseselos ka nga?” pang-aasar pa ni Sheena. “Kasi parang ikaw lang ‘tong biglang tahimik.”

Sumulyap si Colet, nakataas kilay. “Sheena, gusto mo bang ikaw ‘yung iwan sa labas mamaya pag dumami ‘yung infected?”

“Uy, defensive,” pagsabay ni Mikha sa asaran mula sa likod.

“Shut up,” sabi ni Colet, sabay kuha ng bote ng tubig at uminom nang mabilis, parang para lang may magawa.

Habang tuloy ang banter nila, napayuko si Jhoanna, mas nilapitan si Aiah para tingnan ulit ang sketch. “Okay, kung dito tayo dadaan,” sabi niya, “kailangan natin mag-ingat dito sa may bridge area. Usually may mga nakatambay na infected sa ilalim.”

Tumango si Aiah. “Tama ka. Pero may isa pang daan, mas mahaba nga lang.”

“Mahaba pero kung safe,” sabi ni Jhoanna. “I’ll take that.”

Nakangiti lang si Aiah. “You sound like someone who’s lost people before.”

Tahimik si Jhoanna sandali, bago dahan-dahang tumingin sa kanya. “Lahat naman tayo nawalan.”

May saglit na katahimikan. Tanging ingay ng malayong kulog at pag-ikot ng hangin sa mga sirang bintana ang naririnig.

Ilang minuto pagkatapos noon.

Habang nag-aayos na sila ng gamit para umalis, may narinig silang kaluskos sa labas. Mahina lang sa una, pero naging serye ng mga sunod-sunod na yapak.

“Teka,” bulong ni Mikha, kinuha ang bat. “Naririnig n’yo ‘yun?”

Tahimik lahat.

Isa. Dalawa. Tatlo.

Isang malakas na kalabog mula sa pinto.

BAM!

“Shit!” sigaw ni Sheena, sabay atras.

“Alerto kayo!” utos agad ni Jhoanna, kinuha ang tubo at tumayo sa harap. Si Colet, nasa tabi niya, hawak na ang palakol. 

Si Mikha at Sheena sa likod, naka-handa na protektahan si Aiah na mabilis sinarado ang hawak na notebook.

Pumasok ang tatlong infected, hindi ganoon karami, pero mabibilis. Mga dating tao, ngayon ay puro galos, putol ang daliri, at mata na parang basag na salamin.

“Eto yung sinasabi kong zombies.” sabi ni Sheena.

Sumigaw si Jhoanna, “Aiah, stay behind!” 

“Got it!” sagot niya, sabay kuha ng bakal sa gilid.

Tumakbo ang isa sa unahan, pero sinalubong agad ni Colet—isang mabilis na hiwa sa leeg, sabay tadyak. Bumagsak ‘yung katawan, pero sumunod agad ang isa pa.

“Jho, sa kaliwa mo!” sigaw ni Mikha.

Agad umikot si Jhoanna, tinamaan ng tubo niya yung ulo ng infected. CRACK. 

Bumagsak ito pero hawak pa rin ng mahigpit ang braso niya.

“Putang—” hindi pa natatapos ni Jhoanna ‘yung mura nang biglang lumapit si Colet at tinulak siya palayo, sabay putol sa ulo nung infected.

Tumilapon ‘yung ulo, tumama sa pisngi ni Colet yung dugo nito.

“Ayos ka lang?” sabi ni Colet, hinihingal pero nakangiti. “May kapalit na to sa susunod ah.”

“Ewan ko sa’yo. Gusto mo bang salamat o suntok?” sagot ni Jhoanna.

“Depende kung anong mas masarap,” balik ni Colet.

“Focus!” sigaw ni Sheena, habang sabay nilang tinapos ‘yung huling infected.

Pagkatapos ng ilang segundo, tumahimik ulit ang paligid. Humihinga silang lahat ng malalim, pinagpapawisan, pero buhay.

Si Colet agad lumapit kay Jhoanna, tiningnan ang braso nito. “Nasugatan ka ba?” Seryoso na niyang tanong.

“Hindi,” sagot ni Jhoanna, umiwas ng tingin.

“Tinitingnan ko lang,” sabi ni Colet, pero ‘yung boses niya, bahagyang mas malambot. “Next time, mag-ingat, okay? ‘Wag ka gaanong sumugod.”

“Tinutulungan mo ba ‘ko o pinapagalitan?”

“Both.”

Napailing si Jhoanna, pero may ngiti sa gilid ng labi. “Baliw ka talaga.”

Sa likod nila, narinig ni Sheena si Mikha na mahina pang bulong, “Ayan nanaman silang dalawa oh.” 

“Parang teleserye na may patayan,” balik ni Mikha, sabay tawa. “Kiss na ‘yan mamaya.”

“Shut up,” halos sabay pa na sabi ni Colet at Jhoanna.

—

Madilim na nang tuluyan silang makahanap ng ligtas na taguan.

Sa isang lumang apartment building sa gilid ng main road, halos gumuho na pero may ilang silid pa ring matibay.

Umakyat sila sa ikalawang palapag, tahimik lang, bawat yapak nag-iingay sa alikabok.

Pagpasok nila sa isang kwarto, halos walang laman kundi sirang kama, may kurtinang sira, at ang ilaw ng buwan na pumapasok sa bintana.

Doon sila magpapalipas ng gabi.

Wala nang nagsasalita, lahat pagod.

Si Mikha, unang bumagsak sa sahig, ginawang unan ang bag niya. “Wake me up kung may lilipad na zombie,” biro pa niya bago pumikit.

Si Sheena napangiti, humiga rin sa tabi niya. “Kung lilipad man, ikaw muna target, ikaw may pinakamalakas na hilik.”

“Tulog na, Shee.” sagot ni Mikha, sabay irap at pumikit.

Si Aiah naman, naupo sa gilid, nilabas ulit ang notebook at dahan-dahang gumuhit. Tahimik lang. Halatang sanay na magtrabaho kahit pagod.

Jhoanna, on the other hand is sitting near the doorway, her hands playing with her daggers. 

Si Colet naman, tahimik lang sa tabi niya, nakayuko rin, pero parang mababali na ang leeg dahil panay ang tingin.

“Hindi ka pa rin mapakali?” tanong ni Colet, basag sa katahimikan.

“Baka ikaw d’yan. Kanina ka pa tingin ng tingin sa’kin. Crush mo ba ‘ko?” 

Mahinang natawa si Colet. “Kapal din pala ng apog mo ‘no? O baka kulang ka yata sa tulog.”

“Sanay na ako,” sagot ni Jhoanna, hindi tumitingin. “Pag masyadong tahimik, mas nakakaramdam ako ng panganib.”

“Wala nang panganib dito,” sabi ni Colet, sabay abot ng bote ng tubig. “For now.”

Tinanggap ni Jhoanna. “Salamat.”

Tahimik sandali.

Ang tanging maririnig lang ay huni ng hangin sa labas, at ang mahinang tunog ng lapis ni Aiah sa papel.

“Alam mo,” sabi bigla ni Colet, mababa ang boses, “hindi ko alam kung paano mo nakakayanan ‘to. Laging alerto, laging may dala-dalang bigat.”

“Ganun talaga pag sanay ka nang mawalan,” sagot ni Jhoanna, halos pabulong.

Tumigil si Colet. “You lost someone?”

Hindi agad sumagot si Jhoanna. Tinitigan lang ‘yung bintana, kung saan kumikintab ang liwanag ng buwan sa basag na salamin.

“Marami,” sabi niya sa wakas. “And I don’t plan on adding more names.”

Tumingin si Colet sa kanya—‘yung tingin na parang gusto niyang intindihin kung anong ibig sabihin noon.

“Kasama ba ako sa listahan ng ayaw mong mawala?” tanong ni Colet, pilit pinapalabas na biro, pero ramdam ang kabog sa tono niya.

Ngumiti si Jhoanna ng tumawa ng mahina. “Ikaw pa.”

Tahimik ulit. Pero ngayon, hindi na mabigat.

Dahan-dahan, umusog si Colet palapit, at nang hindi na makatiis, marahan niyang pinasandal si Jhoanna sa balikat niya.

Mainit. Tahimik. Pero ‘yung simpleng contact, parang kumalma si Jhoanna.

“Matulog ka na,” bulong ni Colet. “Ako muna magbabantay.”

“Akala ko ikaw ‘yung madaldal,” sagot ni Jhoanna, pero hindi na umaalis sa pagkakasandal.

“Hindi ako madaldal,” balik ni Colet, halos ngiti na lang ‘yung boses. “Pinipili ko lang kung kanino ako magsasalita.”

Lumingon si Jhoanna saglit, halos ilang pulgada lang ang pagitan ng mukha nila.

“Masama ‘yan,” bulong niya. “Baka mapili mo ‘yung mali.”

“Eh kung tama naman pala ‘yung napili ko?” sagot ni Colet, walang alinlangan.

Saglit silang nagkatitigan.

‘Yung klase ng tinginan na matagal, puno ng hindi nasasabi, pero ramdam sa pagitan ng tibok ng dibdib.

Bago pa tuluyang mahulog ‘yung sandali, biglang nagsalita si Aiah mula sa gilid, hindi inaalis ang tingin sa sketch niya.

“Hey,” sabi ni Aiah, mahina. “I marked something here. May symbol na parang military emblem sa may clinic area. Hindi ko sigurado kung government building o base ng mga—”

Bigla siyang napatigil nang mapansing parehong nakatingin sa kanya sina Jhoanna at Colet, halos dikit pa rin.

“Oh. Uh. Sorry. Bad timing?”

Napailing si Colet, natatawa. “Galing mo talaga, Aiah.”

Si Jhoanna naman, medyo umiwas ng tingin, sabay ubo kunwari. “Okay, balik tayo sa mapa.”

Ngumiti si Aiah, parang hindi sigurado kung ano bang naistorbo niya, pero tumuloy pa rin. “Anyway, kung totoo ‘to, baka may signal source pa. I saw a blinking light before, baka transmission tower.”

Tumingin si Jhoanna. “Signal?”

“Yeah,” sagot ni Aiah, sabay turo sa drawing. “Baka may buhay pa sa north. Or… may ibang nakakaalam kung ano talagang nangyari.”

Tahimik lahat. Kahit si Mikha, kahit tulog, gumalaw ng onti.

Sa labas, umalon ang hangin. May kaluskos ng papel, mahinang tunog ng bubong na tinatamaan ng ulan.

At sa gitna ng lahat ng iyon, si Jhoanna napatingin lang sa mapa, pero ang mata niya, malalim.

Parang alam niya ‘yung sagot.

Parang siya mismo ang tinatago ng mundong ito.

—

Tahimik na uli ang buong silid.

Ang mga ilaw sa labas kumikislap lang mula sa malayong poste, habang sa loob, puro paghinga lang ng mga pagod na katawan.

Si Mikha nakapikit, pero ‘yung kamay niya nakahawak pa rin sa baseball bat niya.

Si Sheena, nakatalukbong ng jacket, mahimbing na pero nakayakap ng mahigpit kay Mikha.

Si Aiah, nakasandal sa pader, tulog na rin, ‘yung notebook nakapatong sa dibdib niya, may pahina pang nakabukas, puno ng linya ng mapa at mga notes na hindi pa tapos.

And in the middle of it all, Jhoanna and Colet are still awake. 

“Dapat matulog ka na,” bulong ni Colet, mahina, halos ayaw basagin ‘yung katahimikan.

“Hindi ako mapakali,” sagot ni Jhoanna. “Parang… may something sa hangin. Parang bago dumating ‘yung bagyo.”

“Lagi kang may pakiramdam,” sabi ni Colet, medyo natatawa pero may pag-aalala sa boses. “Baka naman gutom ka lang.”

Napailing si Jhoanna, pero nakangiti na. 

“Fine,” balik ni Colet, sabay sandig uli ng ulo ni Jhoanna sa balikat niya. “Pero kahit anong instinct mo, kailangan mo pa ring magpahinga. Hindi mo kayang maging sandigan kung lagi kang pagod.”

Sandigan.

Hindi alam ni Jhoanna kung bakit, pero tumama sa kanya ‘yung salita.

Kasi sa tagal niyang nilalabanan ang mundo mag-isa, ngayon lang may nagsabi noon sa kanya.

Tahimik lang siya, pero sa loob-loob niya, may kung anong unti-unting lumalambot.

Parang sa gitna ng sirang siyudad, may maliit na parte ng katahimikan na pwede pa ring pagkatiwalaan.

—

The low hum of the fluorescent lights filled the room — steady, almost hypnotic.

White walls. Stainless counters. The air was too cold, too clean.

May halong amoy ng disinfectant at kaba na parang kumakapit sa balat.

“Sample 49, neural growth rate… 237%” Jhoanna murmured, halos pabulong, habang tina-type ang data sa console.

The lab was quiet except for the beeping of machines and the soft rustle of lab coats. Everyone looked exhausted, eyes hollow from too many sleepless nights. 

Kaya wala halos nakapansin sa boses niya. Lahat pagod, para silang mga robot kung kumilos.

It was supposed to be another routine overnight shift — monitor readings, check containment levels, log results.

Nothing new.

Then something flickered. 

The monitor for Chamber D… blip. Then static.

She frowned. “What the…”

She leaned closer. Through the distortion, may silhouette na kumikilos. Mali ang galaw. Parang tao, pero parang hindi.

Her throat tightened.

“Sequence 4-B shows irregular movement,” she whispered into her recorder, kamay nanginginig habang pinipindot ang mic.

“Recommend suspension of testing—”

Before she could finish, a burst of static filled the speaker. Then, a voice — low, commanding, at walang halong emosyon.

“Proceed anyway.”

Napasinghap siya. “Sir, that’s against protocol. The readings—”

“Proceed,” the voice repeated, this time colder. “That’s an order.”

For a moment, no one spoke.

Even the air felt heavier.

Then the intercom came alive again — a monotone voice from Control.

“Containment Chamber D experiencing pressure variance. Stand by.”

Pressure variance.

Her stomach dropped.

She remembered the briefing — that was the polite way of saying something’s leaking.

At sa gilid ng kwarto, nakabukas ang logbook.

Nakasulat dito:

PROJECT DAWN — Lead: J. Robles.

—

Napakapit si Jhoanna sa tubo niya nang mahigpit.

Saglit niyang ipinikit ang mga mata, pinipilit kalimutan ang boses na bumabalik-balik sa isip niya.

“You’re not sleeping?” tanong ni Colet, groggy pero nagising.

“Hindi pa,” sagot ni Jhoanna. “Bantay muna ako.”

“Samahan sana kita kaso hindi ko na kaya yung antok, Jho,” sagot ni Colet, pabulong, bago muling pumikit. “Wake me if the world ends.”

Napangiti si Jhoanna, mahina. “Too late for that.”

Tumingin siya sa labas, sa malayong dilim ng siyudad kung saan kumikislap ang mga ilaw ng mga nasirang gusali, parang mga bituin na pilit pang umaapoy.

At sa ilalim ng lahat ng iyon, dala pa rin niya ‘yung bigat ng nakaraan na hindi niya masabi kahit kanino.

The next night was too quiet.

Walang ugong ng hangin, walang pagala-galang mga infected sa paligid, parang pahinga lang ng mundo bago muling sumabog.

They had taken shelter sa isang half-collapsed diner along the highway. 

The sign outside still flickered weakly, “Lucky’s Grill” — how ironic, considering how unlucky the world had become.

Inside, faint light from a broken window fell across their faces.

Mikha and Sheena sat on the counter, sharing a packet of old crackers, whispering about something that made Sheena giggle softly. 

Jhoanna glanced at them, half amused, half on guard. Colet sat across from her, cleaning her knife, eyes sharp but quieter tonight.

Then Aiah, crouched by the window, whispered, “Parang may tao sa labas.”

Lahat napalingon.

“Gaano kalapit dito?” Jhoanna asked, voice low.

Aiah squinted through the dusty glass. “Mga twenty meters. Isa lang. I think… tao talaga, hindi infected.”

Mikha stood, gripping her bat. “Or infected pretending to be one.”

“Bakit naman magpe-pretend ang infected, Mikha?” Sheena hissed, clutching her arm.

“Ewan,” Mikha muttered, “lahat nagpe-pretend ngayon.”

Jhoanna motioned for silence. The faint sound of footsteps grew closer, mabagal, maingat. Not dragging like the infected.

Confirmed, human.

Colet rose beside her, knife steady. “I’ll flank from the left.”

“No,” Jhoanna said quickly. “Dito ka lang. If it’s a trap, we don’t split.”

Colet smirked. “AY sige, dito lang ako sa tabi mo.”

A few tense seconds passed before a voice called from outside.

“…Hello? May tao ba d’yan?”

It was a woman’s voice. Shaky but clear.

Everyone exchanged glances. Jhoanna hesitated, then opened the diner door just a crack. “Show yourself.”

A figure stepped into the dim light — long hair, torn pink jacket, dirt-streaked face, but alert eyes. Hands raised. “I’m not infected. I swear.”

Aiah’s eyes widened. “She’s alone.”

The stranger looked between them, wary but hopeful. “I—I heard some noise. Ilang araw na ‘ko mag-isa, pabalik-balik dito. My name’s Stacey.”

Silence fell. Only the creak of the sign outside filled the gap.

Colet finally spoke, cautious but curious. “You got bitten?”

“No,” Stacey shook her head quickly. “I don’t go near them if I can help it. I… just needed somewhere to rest.”

Jhoanna studied her carefully. The tremor in her hands, the exhaustion under her voice. She didn’t see infection, but she saw fear. Real fear.

“Papasukin niyo,” Sheena whispered softly. “Nilalamig siya.”

Mikha sighed, rolling her eyes. “Or she’s bait. Alam mo na, ‘paawa effect.’”

Colet shot her a look. “Wala ka talagang malasakit ‘no?”

Mikha shrugged. “It’s what kept me alive.”

But Jhoanna had already stepped back, opening the door wider. “You can come in. Slowly.”

Stacey entered, glancing around the group, then offered a weak smile. “You’re… the first people I’ve seen who weren’t trying to kill me.”

“Except dun sa makapal yung kilay,” Colet muttered. Sinamaan naman siya ng tingin ni Mikha.

Aiah approached carefully, still holding her map sketches. “May alam ka bang safe zone nearby? Or kahit camp?”

Stacey shook her head. “Wala na. Last I heard, the quarantine line sa east collapsed. Everyone ran. Some never made it.”

The group fell quiet again.

Mikha leaned back, muttering, “So it’s really just us.”

Sheena nudged her with a small smile. “Then we make do.”

Jhoanna watched them, the small hints of hope flickering in their faces despite everything, then looked back at Colet. Their eyes met for a moment too long. There was warmth there, silent and steady, hidden under exhaustion.

“Hey,” Colet said softly, noticing the strain in Jhoanna’s posture. “Hindi ka pa nagpapahinga mula kagabi.”

“Neither have you,” Jhoanna replied, trying not to smile.

“Yeah, but I don’t look like I’m about to fall over.”

Jhoanna gave her a half-glare, half-smirk. “You talk too much.”

“Then keep on staring at me and I might keep my mouth shut.”

For the first time that night, Jhoanna actually laughed. Short, low, real.

The sound made something flicker in Colet’s chest. She didn’t say anything, but her grip on the knife loosened.

Outside, the wind began to rise again.

Inside, the diner felt a little less broken. Not safe, but not hopeless either.

And for a moment, the world held still.

Chapter Text

The diner was quiet now, the chaos long gone.

Everyone was asleep, sprawled across booths and the cracked floor. 

Mikha and Sheena shared a thin blanket on the counter, lightly jostling as they shifted in sleep.

Jhoanna and Colet lay side by side near the corner, exhausted, Colet’s arm draped loosely over Jhoanna’s shoulder.

Aiah and Stacey were awake, crouched by the window, whispering over the faint glow of Aiah’s sketches.

“So, do you think na babalik pa sa dati ang lahat?” Stacey asked. 

Aiah shook her head, chewing her lip. “Siguro kung oo, matagal pa. Masyado pang magulo. But it’s worth checking if may mapupuntahan pa tayo, or may mare-rescue. Just keep moving and living.”

Stacey smiled faintly. “You’re… too enthusiastic.”

Aiah shrugged, eyes soft. “Guess I just want to stay alive and figure everything out.”

Stacey tilted her head, curious. “You want to know the real reason behind all this?”

Aiah’s hand paused over the pencil. “Ayaw mo ba? Hindi ka ba naku-curious?”

At the corner, Colet’s fingers absentmindedly brushed Jhoanna’s hand. Jhoanna stirred slightly but didn’t wake up.

Colet’s eyes softened. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to you,” she murmured, brushing a loose strand of hair from Jhoanna’s face.

For a while, she just looked at her. The way Jhoanna’s lips parted slightly as she breathed, the faint smudge of dirt on her cheek, the steady rhythm that somehow made everything outside feel less chaotic.

Then it hit her.

Shet

She blinked, heart skipping once, twice. 

Colet leaned back against the wall, exhaling through her nose, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Great,” she muttered under her breath. “Ngayon pa talaga, Colet ha?” She pressed a hand over her heart, steady but quick.

Still, her eyes drifted back to Jhoanna, and she didn’t look away. 

Nagkakagusto na talaga siya kay Jho.

Jhoanna exhaled softly, half-asleep, and leaned closer, resting against Colet’s shoulder.

The sudden contact made Colet freeze, her breath hitching but she didn’t pull away.

Instead, she smiled faintly, hand still pressed against her chest.

“Wala na, tapos na ‘to,” she murmured under her breath, almost fondly.

Then Jhoanna shifted. Her head tilted slightly toward Colet’s shoulder, breath warm against her neck.

And then, barely above a whisper, still half-asleep, Jhoanna mumbled, “Wag ka umalis...”

Parang nabibingi na si Colet sa lakas ng kabog ng dibdib niya. For a long second, she just stared at Jhoanna, her lips parted slightly, her brow furrowed even in sleep.

Colet swallowed hard, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Hindi ko kaya, Jho...”

Jhoanna exhaled again, half asleep, and leaned closer, letting Colet’s warmth anchor her for the first time in days.

Mikha stirred, murmuring something incoherent. Sheena chuckled quietly, shaking her head. “Anong spike spike?”

“Set mo na,” Mikha whispered back, half-smile still forming as she drifted again. 

Natawa nanaman si Sheena, nananaginip si Mikha ng volleyball. “Panalo tayo, Mikhs.” 

Outside, the first hints of dawn stretched across the city, pale light seeping into broken windows, painting dust in gold.

The group began to stir.

Jhoanna sat up slowly, stretching. Colet rolled onto her side, keeping a watchful eye on her.

Aiah pointed at her map again. “Clinic. North-east. Not far. Could be abandoned… or maybe someone’s still inside.”

“May pagkain?” Sheena asked instantly, eyes scanning the sketch.

“Water, maybe some supplies,” Aiah said. “We take the short route, through the alleyways. Para less exposure.”

Jhoanna tapped the map. “Short route it is. Let’s move before the city fully wakes up.”

Mikha swung her bat over her shoulder. “Time for our morning cardio.”

Aiah packed her sketches carefully. Stacey followed, staying close but keeping quiet. Still wary, still watching, but beginning to trust the small group.

And as they stepped into the broken city streets, the sun broke fully over the horizon, light spilling across shattered windows, rusted cars, and graffiti-strewn walls.

The streets were eerily quiet. Broken streetlights flickered over cracked asphalt, the air thick with the smell of rust and rain. Overturned cars and scattered debris turned every step into a hazard.

Colet led the group, her axe tight in her hands. Jhoanna was beside her, scanning shadows like a predator. 

Mikha and Sheena flanked the back, alert. 

Aiah and Stacey kept low, darting eyes over the alleyways.

Then came the shouting. Quite harsh, angry…. human. 

Raiders. Armed scavengers, looking for loot or blood.

“Shit,” Jhoanna muttered. Down the street, two figures were trapped against a crumbling wall. 

Cornered, outnumbered.

“Bakit ang dami nila?” Aiah whispered.

Stacey’s fingers tightened on her crowbar. “Tutulungan ba natin yung dalawang babae dun?”

Jhoanna glanced at Colet. A silent understanding passed between them.

“Oo,” Colet said.

They surged forward. Colet led, stepping over rubble. Jhoanna signaled Mikha and Sheena flanked the raiders from both sides.

One of the guys saw them, “Sa likod niyo!” One shouted.

The raiders raised crude weapons. Colet already hit one of them.

Steel clashed against steel. Mikha swung her bat, knocking another raider off balance, while Sheena elbowed another, sending him sprawling.

“Nice, Shee!” Mikha muttered, dodging a swing.

“Kita mo yon?” Sheena said, grinning despite the chaos.

Aiah and Stacey threw rocks, buying the group precious seconds. One of the guys stumbled into a dumpster after a well-aimed brick from Stacey.

The two girls were cornered behind it. The short-haired one, practical and fierce, gripped a gun; And beside her, held a small medical bag like a shield. 

Aiah found a way to get closer to them. “Ayos lang kayo?” She asked. 

Tumango naman yung dalawa.

Papalapit na sana sa kanila si Colet nang may isang biglang sumugod sa kanya. 

She blocked it, and hit the guy. But felt a sharp pain as the raider’s swing grazed her ribs. She staggered, a grunt escaping her lips, and stumbled slightly.

“Colet!” Jhoanna shouted, rushing forward. Her hands hovered over Colet’s side, eyes wide with worry. “Ayos ka–”

“Okay lang ako, Jho,” Colet interrupted, swaying a bit as she tried to regain balance. 

“Sigurado ka? Ang laki n’yan oh.”

Colet laughed softly, pressing her hand to the side. “Wala lang ‘to, promise. ‘Di ko pa kailangan ng yakap mo.” She teased.

The fight raged around them. 

Mikha swung her bat with perfect timing, Sheena ducked and jabbed, while Aiah distracted a raider from the alley, and Stacey landed a sharp kick that sent one stumbling into a wall.

Aiah looked at her. Amazed. Impressed. 

“Uh.. black belter ako sa taekwondo.” Sabi ni Stacey. 

Hindi makapaniwala si Aiah. Eh paano, sino ba mag-aakalang athletic pala ‘tong babaeng ‘to na pink na pink.

Jhoanna stayed close to Colet, hovering, guiding her movements, her hand occasionally brushing Colet’s lower back to steady her as they pivoted around raiders.

“You’re supposed to lead, not take the hit,” Jhoanna muttered, brushing dust off Colet’s jacket.

“I’m fine nga, okay? Chill ka lang,” Colet said, though her steps were slightly uneven, limping a little.

“Fine?” Jhoanna repeated, eyebrow raised. “You’re limping.”

Finally, the raiders retreated, cursing and bleeding. Silence returned, broken only by ragged breathing.

Mikha and Sheena exchanged high-fives. 

“Hala sige takbo!” Sigaw ni Sheena. 

“Wala sila sa’yo, Shee. Lakas mo talaga.” Mikha gave her a slow clap. “Mang-asar. Lakas mo mang-asar.”

Jhoanna and Colet slowly walked towards the girls. Jhoanna exhaled sharply, still hovering. “Seryoso kasi, okay ka lang?”

Colet brushed herself off, still smirking. “Told you. Okay lang ako. Pasa lang ‘to, Jho. Hindi pa ‘ko mamamatay.”

Jhoanna’s jaw clenched, hands still hovering near Colet’s side. “Konti lang? Sige nga try natin–” Ambang susuntukin ni Jhoanna si Colet sa may malaking pasa nito. 

“Luh! Ano ka ba?” Colet laughed a bit. “Baliw ah.” She leaned into her slightly, teasing. “Kiss mo nalang ako para mawala yung sakit.”

“Edi dagdagan na’tin yung sakit.” 

“Para ma-kiss?” 

“Colet! Isa.” 

Colet pouted. “Damot naman..”

—

The two girls finally caught their breath and walked towards Aiah and Stacey. 

“Muntik na tayo dun.” The short-haired girl said.

The other adjusted her bag, calm but shaken. She looked at them, “Salamat… kung hindi dahil sainyo pira-piraso na kami ngayon.. seryoso.”

Aiah smiled softly. “Ayos lang ba kayo? Hindi naman ba kayo nasaktan?”

The girl shook her head. “Magkakasama ba kayo?” 

Tumango si Aiah. “My name’s Aiah, eto naman si Stacey, Mikha and Sheena, tapos yung dalawa dun si Jhoanna at Colet. Kayo? Anong pangalan niyo?”

Naka-tingin lang sila Mikha kay Aiah. Medyo iba pakiramdam kasi masyado siyang mabait. Parang tiwala agad siya dun sa dalawa. 

To be fair, mukha naman silang okay.

“Maloi….” tumingin siya sa katabi niya at hinawakan ang kamay nito, “Eto si Gwen, partner ko.” 

“Mabuti pa siguro sumama na kayong dalawa sa’min.” Stacey offered. She looked at Jhoanna and Colet. “Diba? Hindi naman natin sila pwedeng iwan dito.” 

Tumango si Colet. “Tara na, malapit na tayo sa Clinic.” 

“Clinic?” Tanong ni Maloi. “Malapit dito?”

“Baka lang may mga natira pa dun. Gusto lang namin tignan.” Sagot ni Aiah. “Ano ‘yang hawak mo?” Tanong niya tungkol sa med kit na hawak ni Maloi. 

“Doktor siya.” Sabat ni Gwen. “Dala namin ‘yan, ‘yan yung gustong kunin nung mga mokong na ‘yun kanina.” May halong inis niyang sabi. 

She stepped forward as she steadied her grip on the gun. The dim light caught the metal, glinting against the faint scratches along its barrel.

Aiah glanced at the weapon, eyebrows raising. “Pulis ka dati, ‘no?”

Gwen shrugged slightly, a half-smile tugging at her lips. “Once upon a time,” she said. “Pero ngayon… survivor nalang.”

“Bakit ‘di ka nagpaputok kanina?” tanong ni Mikha, curious.

“‘Di puwedeng basta putok,” sagot ni Gwen. “Masyadong tahimik ‘yung area… isang bala lang, dadagsain tayo ng infected. Hindi ko nalagyan ng suppressor.”

For a few seconds, surrounded by broken streets and fading echoes of battle, the group wasn’t just surviving. They were connected, protective of each other, and ready to face the next challenge together.

The clinic loomed ahead, half-collapsed but still intact.

Broken windows let in streaks of early morning sunlight, painting the room in sharp lines over overturned chairs and scattered medical supplies.

The faint smell of antiseptic lingered, mixed with dust and mildew.

Maloi and Gwen moved cautiously inside, Gwen’s hand brushing against Maloi’s as they passed. A subtle squeeze, almost unnoticeable, but enough to show their closeness. 

Jhoanna stepped forward, scanning the room. “Alam niyo kung saan pwedeng mag-stay muna? Or kahit konting cover?”

“Pwede na muna siguro dito,” Sabi ni Maloi. “It’s not perfect, pero safe enough to check supplies. At least for a bit.”

Aiah, kneeling to inspect a map she spread on the floor.

Mikha elbowed Sheena gently, smirking. “Gusto mo mag-ikot?”

Jhoanna walked over to Colet, who was examining a half-empty supply shelf. 

The movement was slow, Colet limping slightly from her side injury. Jhoanna reached out instinctively, guiding her toward a safer corner.

“Tulungan kita,” Jhoanna said softly, voice low. “Pahinga ka muna.”

Colet, half-smiling. “Kaya ko nga ‘to, promise.” She looked at Jhoanna and her pleasing eyes and little pout. Trying to convince Colet to listen to her. “Pero sige na nga, sabi ko nga uupo muna.” Agad na sabi ni Colet.

Jhoanna’s hand brushed against Colet’s as she guided her to a seat. For a moment, the weight of everything, the fight, the streets, the dangers, all melted away, leaving just the two of them. 

Her eyes softened, lingering on Colet’s face, scanning for pain or discomfort.

Colet leaned back slightly, teasing, “Look at you… sobrang softie mo ngayon. Nakakainis.”

Jhoanna smirked faintly, though worry still lingered. “Ikaw eh, pinagaalala mo ‘ko.”

Meanwhile, Mikha and Sheena had settled near another shelf, sorting through supplies. Sheena picked up a slightly dented can of food. “Uy! Tingin mo pwede pa ‘to?”

Mikha shook her head, grinning. “Magiging choosy ka pa ba.”

They exchanged a quick smile, shoulders brushing lightly as they leaned over the cans. Even amidst ruins, small sparks of normalcy shone through.

She rummaged deeper into the cabinet, dust flying everywhere. 

Mikha, crouched beside her, spotted a locked metal case under a toppled drawer. “Shee, teka.”

She tugged at it, grunting. “Help me dito.”

Together, they pulled the case free. Sheena wiped the top, revealing a faded medical logo.

Mikha pried it open with her knife, the lock gave a soft click.

Inside were several sealed injectors, still labeled:

ADRENALINE – EMERGENCY USE

and a small cooler with half-melted ice packs, containing a few vials of clear liquid.

Sheena frowned. “Akala ko ubos na lahat ng ganito. Pwede pa ‘to?”

“Kung adrenaline, yeah,” Mikha said, inspecting one. “But these…” she held up a vial, “parang… hindi lang panggamot ‘to?”

Sheena leaned closer, her brow furrowing. “Ipakita natin kay ate Jho or ate Maloi. Baka alam nila..”

Mikha smiled faintly. “Cute mo, responsible ka na ngayon.”

“Gago,” Sheena shot back, chuckling, but her hand brushed Mikha’s as they carefully packed the injectors.

Sheena looked at her, a little amazed. “Alam mo, Mikhs, buti nalang kasama kita.”

Mikha glanced up. “Ha?”

“Eh kasi,” Sheena said softly, still scanning the supplies, “kung hindi ikaw kasama ko sa lahat ng nangyayari ngayon… ewan, baka nabaliw na ‘ko.”

Tahimik sandali. 

Mikha didn’t look at her right away, just smiled a little, hiding it behind a scoff.

“Hoy, baka umiyak ka bigla d’yan,” Mikha teased, standing to put the case aside.

Sheena rolled her eyes but smiled too. “Totoo naman. Roommates forever tayo, diba?”

“Roommates ‘til the end.”

Sheena laughed quietly, shaking her head. “Gagi, ‘di ko alam kung comforting o bad omen ‘yan.”

“Depende kung kasama mo ‘ko sa end,” Mikha replied, smirking.

Sheena nudged her shoulder. “Ewan ko sa’yo, Mikhs.” 

Maloi moved closer to Gwen, inspecting a shallow cut along her forearm. The dim lantern light flickered across them as she knelt down, her brows furrowing.

“Tingin nga ‘ko,” she said softly, pulling out a small first aid kit from her pack. She cleaned the wound with careful, practiced motions.

Gwen winced, a quiet hiss escaping through her teeth. “Shit—ang hapdi.”

“Easy lang,” Maloi murmured, focused. “Hindi naman malala, pero mahapdi ‘to. Hindi mo kasi agad nilinis.”

She reached into her pack again, pulling out another gun. Sleeker, with a rough metal tube welded to the barrel. “Speaking of…” Gwen said, calling softly across the room,

“Colet.”

Colet looked up from where she was. 

“Gamitin mo ‘to,” Gwen continued, tossing the weapon carefully toward her. “Nilagyan ko ng improvised suppressor. Hindi perfect, pero tahimik ‘yan. Marami pa ‘kong bala dito.”

Colet caught it and smirked. “Ayos ‘to ah. Salamat.”

“Salamat sa pag-tulong niyo sa’min ni Maloi kanina.” 

“‘Wag mong sayangin, yan ha,” Gwen said again with a small grin. 

When Maloi finally pressed the clean bandage over the cut, her touch lingered a moment longer than necessary. “Okay na ‘yan,” she said quietly.

Gwen smiled faintly, eyes soft despite her exhaustion. “Thank you, my love.”

Jhoanna sat by the wall, checking the edge of her blade when she noticed Colet across the room, inspecting the gun Gwen had given her. 

The improvised silencer glinted faintly in the low light as Colet turned it in her hands, testing the weight.

“Marunong ka ba gumamit n’yan?” Jhoanna asked, breaking the silence.

Colet looked up, a half-smile tugging at her lips. “Kahit papaano. Ikaw ba? Marunong ka ba?”

Jhoanna snorted softly. “Depende kung kanino gagamitin.” She stood, crossed the room, and crouched beside her. “Biro lang. Pero sa baril na ‘yan… safety switch dito.”

She reached over, her fingers brushing lightly against Colet’s as she adjusted the mechanism. “Huwag mong kalimutan ‘yan. Kapag nag-jam, tapikin mo lang dito.”

Colet’s gaze flicked briefly from the gun to Jhoanna’s face. “Ang lapit mo,” she murmured, voice low.

Jhoanna paused for half a second, meeting her eyes..

then her lips…

She cleared her throat and leaned back slightly. 

“Paano ka natuto sa ganito?” Tanong ni Colet.

“Hobby lang.” Simple niyang sagot. 

Colet’s right eyebrow raised, “Pumapatay ng tao?” She joked.

“Loko,” Jhoanna muttered under her breath, but the corner of her mouth betrayed a smile. She looked down at the gun again, tracing a faint scratch on the barrel.

“Seryoso, Colet. ‘Wag mong itutok kahit saan. Kapag may nangyaring masama sa’yo…” She trailed off.

Colet tilted her head. “Kapag?”

“Wala,” Jhoanna said quickly, standing up. “Basta—ingat ka.”

“Lagi naman,” Colet replied softly, eyes following her. “Pero ikaw rin, ha?”

Jhoanna didn’t answer. She only nodded once, then sat back down, pretending to clean her blade again, though her grip had tightened, the same pulse of unease from earlier returning in her chest.

“Kaya mo na ba?” she asked, voice soft but attentive. “Yung sa may tagiliran mo..”

Colet smirked, moved beside her, leaning into Jhoanna’s shoulder slightly. “Okay muna ‘ko dito.” 

Maloi’s eyes flicked toward Jhoanna and Colet as she handed Gwen a small cloth. “So… are you two…?” She asked with a raised eyebrow, grinning.

“Mag-jowa ba kayo?”

Jhoanna’s cheeks warmed faintly, though she shot her a glare. 

Colet snorted. “Hindi pa. Pero malapit na. Salamat sa concern, doc.”

Pabirong hinampas naman siya ng Jhoanna. 

“Agay!”

“Kung ano ano nalang lumalabas sa bibig mo kasi.” 

“Totoo naman ah? Diba crush mo ‘ko? Malapit na maging tayo, wait mo nalang na i-crush back kita.” Pagbibiro ni Colet. 

“Feeling mo naman. Ikaw kaya.” 

Maloi teased them, “Sige nga 5 seconds walang malisya.” 

“Oh game.” Colet proudly said. 

“Colet, napaka-manyak mo ano.” Sabi nalang ni Jhoanna sabay natawa. “Magpahinga ka nalang d’yan.” Pero halata ang pamumula ng pisngi niya.

Aiah and Stacey knelt over a map spread across a dusty table, the flickering lantern light casting uneven shadows across the faded lines and scribbled notes. 

The paper was soft from age, corners torn, and a few red marks dotted the roads like old wounds.

“Kung ganito ang sitwasyon sa north,” Aiah murmured, tracing a path with the tip of her penknife, “kailangan natin ng plan B. May collapsed highway dito, tapos flooded area banda rito.”

Stacey leaned closer, her brow furrowed as she tapped her finger on a marked intersection. “Yeah… pero may konting danger dito.” She pointed to a faint circle near the edge. “‘Yan ‘yung sector na sinabi nung huling nakasalubong ko, may tao raw—armed.”

Aiah sighed, sitting back slightly. “So either lumihis tayo at umikot ng two days…”

“Or risk it in one,” Stacey finished, her tone flat.

Tahimik silang pareho for a moment, the sound of light rain outside, faint thunder rolling somewhere in the distance. 

Then Stacey spoke again, softer this time. “Pero Aiah… kung north talaga ‘yung gusto mong puntahan, tuloy tayo. Alam kong may dahilan ka.”

Aiah’s gaze flicked up to her, caught off guard. “Hindi lang dahil safe daw. May signal tower sa banda ro’n. Kung umabot tayo, baka ma-kontai natin ‘yung ibang survivors. Baka may buhay pa sa mga pamilya natin…”

“Or baka wala na ‘yung tower,” Stacey said quietly, her eyes scanning Aiah’s face.

Aiah smiled faintly, a tired but determined curve. “Eh ‘di at least sinubukan natin. Mas okay nang mapagod kaysa manatili dito at maghintay sa wala.”

Stacey chuckled under her breath, then reached out to adjust the edge of the map. “You’re still the idealist, huh?”

“Mas okay ‘yon kaysa sa laging praning,” Aiah teased back lightly.

“Praning pero at least buhay,” Stacey countered with a grin.

They both laughed quietly, the kind that came from exhaustion and the need to feel something normal again. 

But when their laughter faded, their hands were still near each other’s on the map, fingers almost touching.

“Let’s keep going north,” Aiah said finally, her voice steady now.

“North it is,” Stacey replied. She folded the map carefully, sliding it into her bag. 

But as she did, her expression lingered, half thoughtful, half uncertain. “Sana tama ‘yung direksyon natin, Aiah.”

Aiah’s gaze followed hers, toward the boarded-up window where lightning briefly illuminated the broken city outside. 

Jhoanna moved efficiently through the room, marking supplies and assigning spots for everyone. Colet leaned against a shelf nearby, watching her with a teasing smile.

“You really can’t help being the boss, huh?” she said.

“Someone has to make sure we survive,” Jhoanna replied, softening as she glanced at Colet. 

She stepped closer, brushing dust off Colet’s shoulder. “And I make sure you’re okay too.”

Colet raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly into the gesture. “Sana ganito ka nalang lagi sa’kin.”

Tinignan lang siya ni Jhoanna. 

“Kinikilig kasi ako, Jho. Promise.” Sabi nalang ni Colet. Bahala na, apocalypse naman, isagad na niya yung tapang niya. “Konti nalang maniniwala na ‘ko na crush mo talaga ako.”

“Kiligin ka lang d’yan” Jhoanna said, her lips twitching into a faint smile.

“Uh… Jho? Maloi? Pwedeng patingin nito sandali.” Mikha and Sheena entered the room, carrying a box.

They walked over, and Sheena held out a small glass vial, slightly cracked but still sealed. A faint bluish tint shimmered inside.

Maloi frowned, taking it carefully. “Saan niyo ‘to nakita?”

“Sa drawer na may mga lumang medical tags,” Mikha said, brushing dust off her hands. “Akala ko gamot lang, pero tingnan mo ‘yung label.”

Maloi leaned closer. The tag was faded, the letters smudged and only fragments remained:

“VIREON… IMMUNE—”

“‘Immune?’” Jhoanna echoed, stepping nearer. Something in the word made her stomach tighten.

Maloi turned the vial over in her hands, her brows furrowing. “This isn’t a normal med. Mukhang research sample ‘to… maybe from a lab.”

Sheena shifted uneasily. “So… gamot ‘to? Or virus?”

Maloi shook her head slowly. “Hard to tell. Pero kung tama ang hinala ko, this could be part of something bigger. Tignan ninyo may code sa ilalim, parang military or research unit.”

Jhoanna’s gaze lingered on the vial, too long, too focused. “Keep it safe. ‘Wag niyo munang bubuksan. Hindi natin alam kung anong epekto n’yan.”

Mikha crossed her arms. “Baka yan yung dahilan kung bakit ‘yung mga raiders kanina gustong hanapin at pasukin ‘tong clinic.”

The group exchanged uneasy looks. Maloi nodded slowly, slipping the vial into a reinforced pocket of her med bag.

“From now on, we guard this. Walang ibang makakaalam, clear?”

Everyone nodded.

----

Night fell, the clinic quiet except for the occasional groan of a distant building or creak of broken wood. They took turns resting on overturned chairs, dust-covered mats, and crates.

Jhoanna sat near Colet, watching over her as she dozed lightly. Mikha and Sheena curled up together near a pile of supplies, quietly whispering about making some weapons and the day’s fight.

Maloi and Gwen shared a quiet corner, Gwen leaning slightly against Maloi as she checked the supplies she’d gathered. 

Aiah and Stacey huddled over the map one last time, plotting routes and possible safe zones for tomorrow.

In the soft light, amidst scattered supplies and distant city sounds, the eight of them felt something fragile but real: connection. 

Survival had forced them together, yes, but for a moment, it felt like trust, camaraderie, even a hint of family.

And Jhoanna… she couldn’t help the small, protective glance she kept giving Colet, brushing her hair from her face again as she whispered softly, “Sleep ka na, bossing..”

Colet smirked sleepily. “Ikaw rin po, boss.”

—

It happened fast.

One moment, the lab was quiet

The low hum of machines, the soft beeping of monitors, the sterile white light reflecting off the glass walls. Then, without warning, the alarm tore through the silence.

A shrill, mechanical scream.

Red lights flashed across the hall, slicing through the calm.

“Seal the chamber! NOW!” Dr. Estevez’s voice cracked through the intercom, sharp and panicked.

But no one knew what to do first.

May isang tumakbo papunta sa emergency panel. Isa pa, nagmadaling isara ang pintuan. 

Maling pinto.

“Wait! ‘Wag mong buksan—!” sigaw ni Jhoanna, pero nalunod sa malakas na tunog ng alarm.

Huli na.

PSSSSHHHH!

Bumuga ng hangin mula sa loob ng containment.

Sumunod ang tunog ng basag na salamin biglang kumalat ang manipis na usok.

“Tangina—!”

Napaatras si Jhoanna, hawak agad ‘yung mask. Ramdam niya ‘yung hapdi sa lalamunan, parang sinusunog ng malamig na hangin.

Yung iba, nagsisisigaw na.

Isa, nagsusuka. Yung isa, biglang nanigas, nangingisay.

“Close the vents!” sigaw ni Estevez.

Pero hindi na niya marinig nang malinaw — puro echo, puro takot.

Nakita niyang bumagsak ‘yung katrabaho niyang si Maren. Yung mata nito, puro puti, tapos unti-unting nagdidilim ang mga ugat sa leeg.

Hindi niya alam kung namamatay ba ito… o nagiging iba.

“Tulong—tulungan mo ‘ko—”

Napalunok si Jhoanna. Hindi niya alam kung kanino siya makikinig.

Nilapitan niya ‘yung console, nanginginig ang kamay, at hinanap ang handle nito.

EMERGENCY PURGE SYSTEM – AUTHORIZED USE ONLY.

Huminga siya nang malalim.

Isang segundo lang...

At hinatak niya ito pababa.

Chapter Text

Kinabukasan. 

Maaga pa lang, mabigat na ang alikabok sa hangin at makulimlim na ang langit. Malakas na rin ang amoy ng pagkabulok nang lumabas silang lahat. 

Ang mga kalye sa harap nila ay tila walang katapusan, mga gusaling kalahating gumuho, nakatirik nang parang handa nang bumagsak, at mga bintanang nakanganga na parang walang buhay na mata.

“Uy… ang weird naman dito…” Mikha muttered, gripping her bat, eyes scanning every dark corner. Her boots squelched in the wet mud.

Sheena tried to stop her from talking, “Mikhs kanina ka pa nagrereklamo d’yan. Nawawala na astig mo.”

Soon after, a fine drizzle began to fall, lightly tapping the broken streets and rusted metal. 

Gradually, the drizzle grew stronger, each drop striking the cracked roofs and shattered windows, making their hearts beat faster as they navigated the half-collapsed buildings and gaping windows

A faint groaning came from a side alley, 

and then another. 

A chorus of low, gurgling moans grew louder, echoing off broken walls.

“Shit…” Jhoanna whispered, crouching low. Her eyes darted between alleys, hands tightening around her pipe. “More…” tila nanikip ang dibdib niya pagkasabi niya nito. 

Colet slid beside her, axe ready. Her chest tightened, not from the fear, but from the way her gaze kept finding Jhoanna. As if she never wanted her out of her sight.

“Ayan na sila…”

“Mukhang marami ‘to, humanda tayo.”

The first staggered figure emerged from a shadowed doorway, milky eyes, mangled clothes, a low moan escaping its cracked lips.

“Move! Sa kabila!” Colet shouted, shoving it aside with a swift arc of her axe. The creature tumbled, claws scraping metal and stone.

Mikha charged from the flank, swinging the bat in a wide arc, cracking a zombie’s jaw. Sheena followed close, knife slicing through a wrist. 

But then, the horde appeared. 

Dozens, then scores, spilling from alleys, climbing over fallen walls, teeth snapping, dragging debris behind them.

“Holy—” Aiah froze, eyes wide. A zombie lunged at her, snapping its jaws inches from her sleeve. 

She stumbled back, heart hammering.

“AIAH!!!!” 

“NO!”

“Okay hindi ka nakagat.” Stacey grabbed her arm, pulling her close. Her voice was firm, grounding her. “Okay ka lang?”

Aiah looked shocked. “Hindi ko… I almost—” Aiah gasped, chest heaving.

“Sa gilid mo, Stacey!!” Jhoanna barked. “Stick together. Don’t panic! Let’s move!”

Colet swung again, blocking a zombie’s reach, her breath sharp. 

The horde pressed closer, teeth gnashing, wet boots squelching in the mud. 

Biglang sumugod si Mikha, hinatak si Sheena paalis sa harap ng isang tumatalon na infected. Naputol ang hininga ni Sheena, puso niya tila tumalon palabas sa dibdib niya.

“Dito ka lang, please,” Mikha whispered, heart racing.

Maloi and Gwen moved at the rear, covering blind spots. Gwen’s hands shook slightly, gripping her knife. Maloi stayed beside her, calm and steady, holding her crowbar ready.

“Love, dahan-dahan!” Maloi hissed, eyes scanning the shadows. Gwen nodded, teeth clenched, stepping lightly behind the crates.

One infected lunged. Gwen sidestepped, slashing with the knife, drawing a thin line of crimson.

Maloi swung the crowbar, knocking another back, the metallic clang echoing through the narrow alley. “Yuckkk!” she shouted. 

Gwen ducked as a creature snapped inches from her head. “Grabe ‘to… sobrang dami nila,” she muttered, adrenaline pumping.

There were just… too many.

A loud crash echoed as a zombie stumbled over a toppled metal sheet, nearly pinning Mikha. It barely rolled away, breath ragged. “Kadiri ang baho.”

The rain intensified, soaking them to the skin. Puddles turned to mini rivers, each step threatening to slip. 

Every groan, every splash, every metallic clang was amplified, echoing off broken walls.

Suddenly, Sheena tripped on a slick stone, falling backward.

A  zombie lunged, teeth inches from her arm. Mikha shoved her aside, knocking the creature off.

“Muntik na yun…” Sheena whispered, trembling. Mikha placed her arms around her.

“Dito tayo!” Jhoanna snapped, voice sharp but steady. She swung the pipe at a zombie lunging from the side. “Colet, cover me!”

Colet’s hands shook slightly as she raised the silenced handgun Gwen had given her. She aimed quickly, the cold metal reassuring against her palm. Two muffled pops echoed, and the nearest zombies crumpled to the ground.

A brief lull formed, the group pinned behind toppled walls, huddled together. Everyone was soaked, breathing hard, hearts pounding.

“Ayos lang kayo?” Jhoanna panted, voice low but commanding. She started counting. 

Eight. They’re complete.

“Buhay pa,” the group chorused, relief mixing with exhaustion.

Colet exhaled slowly, letting the axe drop. She glanced at Jhoanna, lips twitching. “Jho… ayos ka lang?” 

Jhoanna just nodded. Still trying to catch her breath.

Sa isang iglap, parang nawala ang lahat. Ang gulo, ulan, mga ingay, at takot. Tila parang huminto lahat.

Nakatakas sila.

Kahit sandali lang, ngunit delikado pa rin sa paligid. Bawat hakbang, parang pwedeng may ibang mangyari. Bawat anino, pwedeng may nakaabang.

Malakas pa rin ang ulan, pero patuloy silang naglakad palayo. Walang direksyon. 

“Takbo!!!” Sumigaw si Mikha na nasa likod. 

Sa likod nilang walo, kasabay ang malalakas na tunog ng mga infected. Humahalo sa lakas ng pag-patak ng ulan.

Hindi pa sila talaga ligtas. 

“Bilis!” sigaw ni Jhoanna, humahabol ang boses sa patak ng ulan.

Bawat liko sa kalsada ay maingat, isang pagkakamali lang, tapos na sila.

“Dito!” sigaw ni Colet, itinuro ang pasukan ng tunnel sa ilalim ng lumang signage.

May mga bakal na nakasabit, parang dating entrance ng isang mining shaft. 

Ang paligid, puno ng putik at lumot, amoy kalawang at tubig-ulan.

“Sigurado ka?” tanong ni Mikha, habol-hininga, hawak pa rin ang baseball bat niya.

“Wala na tayong choice!” sagot ni Gwen, sabay tulak ng pinto.

Pagsara ng bakal sa likod nila, umalingawngaw ang tunog sa buong lagusan. Tanging mga hingal nila at patak ng tubig mula sa kisame ang maririnig.

Madilim. Makitid. Mabigat ang hangin.

Using Gwen’s flashlight, they peered down the passage, wooden supports, rusted pipes, and metal wires strapped along the walls.

“Looks rigged,” bulong ni Colet. “May mga trap dito.”

“Para sa mga zombie siguro,” sabi ni Maloi, sinilip ang isang butas na puno ng mga spike. “Kung nahulog ka diyan, patay ka.”

“Ano ba ‘to? Saan kaya ‘to papunta?” Sabi ni Colet. 

“Parang gawa pa ‘to nung panahon ng hapon ah.” Sabi naman ni Gwen. 

Napangisi si Mikha, “Cool shit.” 

Habang naglalakad sila sa madilim na lugar na iyon, halata ang pag-aalangan sa mukha ni Aiah. Kita rin ang takot sa mukha nito at parang wala sa sarili. 

Napansin ni Stacey na muntik niyang matapakan ang isang metal wire.

“Wait!” sabay hatak niya sa braso ni Aiah.

Nag-click ang wire, isang matinis na tunog at bago pa sila maka-pikit, may bumagsak na piraso ng bakal sa harap nila.

“Damn,” hingal ni Aiah, nakatingin kay Stacey. “Thank you.”

“Focus ka kasi,” sagot ni Stacey, pero may halong ngiti. “Isa pa niyan, ‘di lang trap ang kalaban mo.” At hindi na binitawan ang kamay ni Aiah. 

Sa likod nila, si Mikha at Sheena, nagtatanggal ng kahoy na humarang sa daan.

“Ingat ka dyan,” sabi ni Sheena, sabay silip sa dilim.

“Relax,” sagot ni Mikha, medyo mayabang pero halata ang kaba. “Kung may lalabas dyan, ako bahala.”

“Yabang. Pero siya unang tatakbo,” bulong ni Sheena, pero napangiti rin.

As they went deeper, faint groans of zombies echoed from afar. But with each step, the weight of silence grew heavier.

At the end of the tunnel, they found a door. Old metal, locked but slightly ajar.

“Teka… may ilaw?” bulong ni Jhoanna.

Sa kabila ng pinto, may bahagyang liwanag, galing sa isang ilaw na kumikislap.

“Jho, sandali…” pag-aalangan ni Colet. Hinawakan niya ang kamay ni Jhoanna at hinila siya papunta sa likuran niya. “Baka ano pa bumulagta ‘pag binuksan natin ‘to. Dito ka nalang sa likod ko.” 

Tumango nalang si Jhoanna at walang nagawa.

Pagbukas ni Colet ng pinto, bumungad ang isang malawak na basement. Malinis, may mga kahon ng supplies, at isang hagdan papunta sa itaas.

“Woah… aakyat tayo?” Pag-pigil ni Mikha. 

“Alangan namang dito lang tayo?” Sabi ni Colet habang naka-kunot ang noo.

“Hindi natin alam kung ano ‘to… kung ano meron sa taas!” 

“Mikhs… wala na tayong choice. Kailangan nating kumilos.” Pagod na sabi ni Colet. 

“Teka… hindi ba muna natin titignan kung ano meron dito? Tignan niyo ‘to…” sabi ni Gwen hawak ang isang military badge. “Pang-sundalo.” 

Lumapit si Jhoanna sa kanya at pinagmasdan ang hawak ni Gwen. “Luma na ‘to.” Sabi niya. “Baka patay na yung may-ari.” 

“Ano na gagawin natin?” Tanong ni Sheena sa kanila. Halata rin ang kaba sa tono ng pagsasalita nito. 

Colet let out a sigh. “Sino gustong dito nalang?” Tanong niya. 

Nag-taas ng kamay si Mikha. Siya lang.

“Huy, Shee.” Tila naghahanap ng kakampi. 

“Sorry, Mikhs. Ang baho kasi dito.” 

Bago pa man makapagsalita si Colet, nakarinig sila ng mga yapak mula sa taas. 

“Shh!” Sabi ni Jhoana. “May tao.”

Pagkalipas ang ilang minuto, tumahimik na uli ang paligid. 

“Aakyat na tayo.” Pagdedesisyon ni Colet. “Maiwan ka dito, Mikha kung gusto mo.”

Pag-akyat nila, halos di sila makapaniwala.

Isang malaking bahay.

May mga halaman sa loob, mesa na may pagkain, at mga solar panel na nakatanim sa bubong.

The air was different. 

Drier, warmer, faintly smelling of oil and wood polish. 

Gwen’s flashlight swept across the room: shelves lined with canned food, tools, and old radio parts. It wasn’t just a hideout. It looked lived in.

It wasn’t just a house.

It was a fortress built out of survival.

Sa gilid, may mga lumang picture frames at basag na orasan, mga bakas ng buhay bago bumagsak ang mundo.

May mahabang mesa sa gitna. 

Sa may likuran, may maliit na bintana kung saan tanaw ang bakuran.

Doon, makikita ang ilang tanim na gulay, improvised greenhouse na gawa sa mga plastic sheets.

May water barrels sa tabi, solar panels sa bubong, at ilang traps sa paligid. Everything screamed prepared.

Aiah brushed the dirt from her jacket, glancing around. “Guys… may nakatira yata rito…”

Before anyone could respond, a voice sliced through the silence.

“SINO KAYO???”

They froze.

Lumingon silang lahat. Isang lalaki, mga early 30s, may hawak na shotgun. 

Messy hair, worn clothes, steady hands that meant he knew how to use that gun.

“Easy,” sabi ni Jhoanna, dahan-dahang tinaas ang kamay. “We’re not here to hurt you. May horde sa labas. Wala na kaming ibang mapuntahan.” 

The guy’s tone was like gravel. “Tingin mo maniniwala ako sainyo? Nilusob niyo nga yung lagusan sa baba!”

“Huh?” Colet barked out a dry laugh, stepping half in front of Jhoanna. “We almost died in there! Kung gusto namin magnakaw, ‘di na kami magpapakahirap.”

He didn’t flinch. His finger hovered near the trigger. “How many of you are there?”

“Eight,” Stacey said cautiously. “Walo kaming tumakas mula sa south sector. We didn’t even know this tunnel connected here.”

“South sector?” he muttered, frowning. “Wala na yung lugar na ‘yun.”

Stacey nodded, voice steady. “Yeah. Alam namin. We barely made it out alive.”

For a moment, the room fell into a thick silence.

Maloi took a tentative step forward, hands open, eyes tired but honest. “Look, kung gusto mo, aalis din kami agad. Pero ‘wag mo lang sana kaming barilin. We’ve been running for days. Walang tulog, walang kain. You can see that, can’t you?”

Gwen hesitated, her voice small but sincere. “We don’t want trouble. We just… needed somewhere to breathe.”

The guy’s gaze lingered on her, then swept over the rest of the group. 

The mud, the exhaustion, the half-torn bandages on Aiah’s arm, Colet’s limping stance. 

His jaw tightened. He lowered the gun a fraction, though his stance stayed wary.

“You came through the mine entrance?” he finally asked.

Jhoanna nodded. “May mga patibong. Almost triggered one.”

He sighed through his nose. “If you survived that tunnel, then either you’re lucky… or you know what you’re doing.”

“Maybe both,” Colet muttered under her breath.

For the first time, the guy almost smiled. Almost.

Then he lowered his rifle completely, slinging it across his shoulder.

“Fine,” he said gruffly. “Pwede kayo mag-stay. Pero ngayon lang.”

Jhoanna finally let herself breathe, shoulders dropping. “Thank you. We owe you one.”

He turned toward the living room, gesturing for them to follow. “You want to thank me? Wala kayong pwedeng hawakan dito.”

Tumango si Jhoanna. “Got it. We just need a place to rest. Then we’ll move on. Aalis kami agad.”

“Ano nga palang pangalan mo, Kuya?” Tanong ni Sheena. Lahat pinandilatan siya ng mata. 

Tumigil sa paglalakad ang lalaki, tapos tumingin sa kanila. “Daniel.” Sabi nito.

Habang naka-sunod sila, ramdam ng lahat ang kakaibang tahimik na seguridad sa loob ng bahay, pero kasabay nito, may tensyon pa rin.

Hindi pa rin sila ligtas.

Hindi pa rin sila kampante.

Sa labas, unti-unting humina ang ulan, pero sa loob ng bahay ni Daniel, isang bagong tanong ang sumisibol:

Sino nga ba talaga ang dapat nilang katakutan… ang mga patay, o ang mga taong natira?

—--

The storm had passed by the time Daniel let them stay.

Rainwater still dripped from the roof, steady and soft, while the faint smell of soil and smoke lingered in the air.

Inside, the girls spread out in quiet awe, the house felt warm, almost unreal after days of blood and concrete.

May maliit na sala, may ilaw galing sa solar lamp, at may kumot na mukhang bagong laba. For once, it didn’t smell like death.

“Grabe…” Stacey whispered, turning in a slow circle. “Parang museum.. mala-bahay ni Jose Rizal.”

Daniel just grunted from the kitchen, where he was checking something on the stove. “Wala kayong hahawakan d’yan ha. Hindi display mga gamit dito.”

Later that night,

Steam rose from the old bathroom. Finally, warm water.

One by one, the girls took turns washing away days of grime and blood.

When Gwen came out, she was wrapped in a towel, hair dripping, cheeks pink. “Grabe… parang nalimutan ko na maging malinis.” 

Maloi handed her an old shirt and sweatpants. “Courtesy of Daniel’s late wife,” she said softly. “Bagay sayo, mahal.”

Jhoanna followed soon after, towel around her neck, her scars visible under the lamp light. She didn’t say much, just sat on the couch and stretched.

Aiah joined her, brushing her damp hair. “You think he’s really alone here?”

“Yeah,” Colet answered from across the room, tinkering with an old radio. “Sobrang tahimik oh. Walang boses, walang tawanan. Just… him.”

For a while, no one spoke.

Only the crackle of the fire and the sound of rain against the window.

Then Stacey broke the silence. “Kung ako siya… baka ganun din. After everything, baka mas okay mag-isa.”

Gwen looked at her, eyes soft. “Pero ang hirap rin. Lalo na kung sanay ka may kasama.”

Jhoanna finally looked up. “We all lose something,” she said quietly. “Ang importante, kung paano ka tatayo pagkatapos.”

Daniel, who had been pretending not to listen from the kitchen doorway, just glanced at her, a hint of respect in his eyes.

—

The sun slipped through the broken curtains.

Outside, the world looked calmer, almost gentle.

Daniel approached them as they were packing their gear, expression less guarded this time.

“You girls handled yourselves out there,” he said. “If you plan to move on, you can… but you’re welcome to stay. For as long as you need.”

The girls’ faces lit up.

Aiah smiled. “Thank you, kuya Daniel. We really appreciate it.”

He shrugged, hiding a small smile. “Sana 'di ko pagsisihan..”

He turned to Jhoanna then, carrying something wrapped in cloth.

“Found this in the storage. Used to belong to me, till my aim went to hell.”

Jhoanna unwrapped it slowly.. a sleek, well-kept crossbow.

Her breath caught. “Seryoso ba ‘to?”

Daniel nodded once. “Iyo na ‘yan.”

For the first time since they’d met, Jhoanna smiled, not the usual smirk, but something genuine. “Thank you.”

Around the house, the others scavenged what they could.

Colet found spare batteries and maps. 

Gwen and Maloi gathered canned goods and a small toolbox.

Sheena discovered a stash of seeds, eyes lighting up at the thought of planting something real.

“Kunin niyo lahat ng mga kakailanganin ninyo” Daniel said as they piled everything on the table. “Ako lang naman mag-isa dito… at saka marami naman na ‘ko naitabi, mga sobra nalang mga ‘yan. I also got more than I can eat anyway. Just… leave the whiskey.”

Mikha laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “Okay, hindi namin kukunin yung alak.”

For the first time in a long while, the group shared a meal that wasn’t rushed or eaten in silence.

There was laughter, awkward at first, then easier.

A feeling of home, fragile but real, lingered in the air.

Outside, the wind brushed against the windows.

For a brief moment, it felt like the world had forgotten to be cruel.

—

The house creaked with the sound of the wind, but inside, it was warm.

A small fire burned in the fireplace, throwing soft orange light across tired faces.

They’d finished dinner. Canned soup, rice, and vegetables from Daniel’s small greenhouse out back.

No one complained. It was the best meal they’d had in weeks.

“Hindi ko akalaing may mga tanim pa dito,” Gwen said, wiping her hands. “Kumpleto pa talaga.. may kamatis, may talbos…”

Daniel gave a small nod. “Solar lights. Rain collectors. You learn to make do.”

“Grabe,” Maloi said, half-impressed. “Hindi mo na talaga kailangan lumipat-lipat. Kumpleto na gamit mo dito.”

He gave a low chuckle. “Baka mas mamatay lang ako kapag ganun, Maloi. Wag nalang.”

They gathered around the table afterward.

Jhoanna cleaning her new crossbow, Colet inspecting the parts, Aiah sketching something in her notebook.

Mikha and Sheena were near the window, whispering, laughing softly over something neither of them cared to explain.

“Kayong dalawa,” Stacey called, teasing. “Parang di kayo muntik makain nung isang araw, ah.”

Mikha smirked. “Therapy lang ‘to. Laughter is the best medicine, diba?”

Sheena elbowed her. “Corny mo.”

The others chuckled, the tension from earlier slowly easing.

Daniel sat on his old armchair, arms crossed, watching them.

“Didn’t think I’d see this again,” he muttered.

Aiah glanced at him. “See what?”

“People,” he said simply. “Casual lang… naguusap, nagtatawanan..”

He looked away, almost embarrassed. “It’s been a while.”

Jhoanna glanced up from her crossbow, her tone gentler than usual. “You said you used to be with your wife?”

Daniel paused, staring at the floor for a long moment.

“Oo,” he said finally. “Tapos nagkaroon ng outbreak. Naiwan ako dito, nasa labas pa siya nun. Hinanap ko… wala eh. Nakita ko nga siya pero, hindi na siya yun.”

Silence followed… not heavy, but respectful.

Daniel smiled faintly. “Tanginang mga zombie ‘to.”

Later that night, they all settled around the living room: wrapped in blankets, half-asleep.

The wind howled outside, but inside, there was warmth, laughter, and for once, safety.

Gwen leaned against Maloi, murmuring something that made her laugh despite the fatigue.

For the first time in weeks, the night didn’t feel entirely hopeless.

Aiah took the first watch, sitting by the window with Stacey.

Both quiet, both thinking.

“Alam mo,” Stacey said after a while, “hindi ko alam kung kailan ulit mangyayari ‘to… ‘yung tahimik lang, walang habulan, walang patayan.”

Aiah smiled faintly. “Then let’s not waste it.”

And for a few hours, they didn’t. Aiah placed her head on Stacey’s left shoulder. 

“Okay lang?” 

Stacey smiled. “Okay na okay. Pwede ka d’yan hangga’t kailan mo gusto.” 

It was late, most of the group are already asleep.

The rain had stopped hours ago.

Jhoanna sat by the window, her crossbow across her lap, fingers tracing its string. She couldn’t sleep.

Too quiet, maybe. Too calm for someone who’s been running for weeks.

She didn’t notice Colet at first, barefoot, wearing an oversized sweater she found from Daniel’s old closet.

“Hindi ka pa rin natutulog?” Colet’s voice was low, sleepy.

“Hindi makatulog,” Jhoanna replied, not looking up. “Parang… di ako sanay sa ganitong tahimik.”

Colet smiled softly and walked closer, standing beside her. “You mean, di ka sanay na walang gustong pumatay sa’tin every five minutes?”

Jhoanna let out a short laugh. “Something like that.”

Silence stretched, but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

The kind of silence that feels like breathing the same air, like the world decided to slow down just for them.

Colet glanced at her, then at the crossbow. “Bagay sa’yo ‘yan.”

“Crossbow?”

“Oo,” Colet said, smirking faintly. “Astig. Pogi.”

Jhoanna rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at her lips. “Sabi ni Daniel, sa’kin na raw ‘to. Para raw bagay sa ‘leader’ ng grupo.”

“Hmm,” Colet leaned against the wall, folding her arms. “So ikaw pala leader namin. Akala ko ako.”

Natawa nalang si Jhoanna.

A beat passed before Colet spoke again, softer this time. “Pero agree ako. Hindi ako sanay na ganito rin.”

“Ganito?”

“Yung safe. Yung tahimik.” She looked down, voice barely a whisper. “Parang… nakakatakot din, ‘di ba?”

Jhoanna turned to her, frowning slightly. “Bakit naman?”

“Pag matagal kang sanay sa takbo at gulo, mahirap paniwalaan na may ganitong sandali pa. Baka kasi pag naniwala ka… mawala na naman.”

There was something raw in Colet’s voice, the kind that made Jhoanna forget how to breathe for a second.

Without thinking, she reached out, resting a hand on Colet’s wrist.

“Hindi mawawala lahat, Colet,” she said quietly. “Not this time.”

Colet looked up, meeting her gaze… searching, testing, daring to believe her.

Then Colet, with a small, tired smile, leaned her head gently against Jhoanna’s shoulder.

“Dito ka matutulog?” Jhoanna asked softly, glancing toward the narrow space behind them.

“Kung papayagan ng boss,” Colet teased, half a grin playing on her lips.

Jhoanna chuckled, shaking her head, but she was smiling.

“Halika na. May space pa. Don’t tell me you’ll guard the window all night again.”

“I was going to,” Jhoanna said, still half-joking, but when Colet patted the spot beside her, something inside her gave in.

She sighed, slung the crossbow on the table, and walked over. 

“Higa na, ganda.”

Jhoanna rolled her eyes, but when she lay down beside her, the teasing suddenly faded into quiet.

The air between them shifted, warm, uncertain, but real.

For a while, neither spoke. Just the soft ticking of the clock and the faint hum of rain against the roof.

Then Colet whispered, “Ang weird, no? Parang… ilang linggo lang nakalipas, halos mamatay tayo araw-araw. Tapos ngayon—”

“—may higaan, may kumot, may katahimikan,” Jhoanna finished. “Parang panaginip.”

Colet hummed in agreement. She turned slightly, eyes tracing Jhoanna’s face through the dim light.

“You look tired,” she murmured. 

Jhoanna tried to reply but found no words, just a soft breath, just a look that lingered too long.

Then Colet reached out.. slowly, tentatively and their hands brushed under the blanket.

Jhoanna didn’t pull away.

Instead, she let their fingers intertwine, feeling the warmth of it seep through her bones.

“Colet?” she whispered.

“Hm?”

“Salamat.”

“Para saan?”

“Kasi andito ka.”

Colet smiled faintly, closing her eyes. “Wala ‘yun. At saka… saan pa ba ‘ko pupunta?”

Jhoanna chuckled under her breath. “Oo nga naman.”

After that, silence settled again, but this time, it was comfortable, steady.

Jhoanna shifted a little closer, until her head rested lightly against Colet’s chest.

Colet stiffened for a heartbeat… then exhaled, gently wrapping an arm around her.

It felt strange. But right. And terrifying in the best way.

For the first time in a long time, Jhoanna didn’t dream of running.