26. Santi; She's gone

As I previously thought, the afternoon always brings heavy rain accompanied by strong winds. The water began to rise, harming the many buildings in every corner of the capital. Luckily, I chose the right stop after Banyu and Kayro knocked out several undead trapped in the house. We climbed the stairs to the second floor, which felt safe if the flood overflowed. The booming thunder with flashing lightning made me cringe; I wouldn't say I like lightning. I hugged myself as I moved away from the window and sat beside Rianita, hugging a frightened Deka.

Among the sound of the rain were the voices of the undead, as if lightning was calling them. Kayro even had to warn us to be quiet, especially Deka, who occasionally shouted. I stood up, hiding behind Kayro's back, who was peeking out of the second-floor window. Sure enough, the undead horde was walking erratically toward the north. I think it's towards the 5th High School building, as shown on the map.

"It's like we're surrounded," whispered Kayro. "If they don't leave here, we must fight them all at all costs, San."

"Shouldn't we just stay here first?"

Kayro looked at me with a sharp gaze and knitted eyebrows. “We have enough supplies until tomorrow because of the little boy. Are you going to starve again? Rely on rainwater to fill your stomach?”

I was silenced by the truth that Kayro spoke. He was correct; our needs were drained more because Deka was quickly hungry. However, I also understand that their nutritional needs are much greater than those of us adults. It's just that Kayro still adheres to the fact that food for adults and small children must be the same.

Finally, I nodded in agreement, then whispered, "But you're not the one looking for food. I and-"

"No. I want Rianita to go. So, she doesn't talk too much," Kayro whispered firmly, leaving me alone.

I took a deep breath, seeing Kayro's authoritarian nature; he was susceptible to Rianita in everything, as if he hated the world because of Rianita. I glanced at Rianita, who was looking at me, knowing we had discussed it. She seems indifferent; I know that.

“I don't have a problem looking for food tomorrow. He thinks I can't do anything."

"But, you can't be alone, Ta."

“I know. I'll be with Banyu tomorrow, okay? Bayu can. Both are fine."

She chuckled, although I could tell from the tone of her voice she didn't like being put down by Kayro.

“Just with Banyu tomorrow. The two of us are enough, right?”

The shoulder-length-haired woman nodded without saying a word. I smiled and then sat down on her left side. Deka was already asleep in Rianita's arms; every now and then, his little lips mumbled the word mama, making me so sad. The childhood that he should have had so much happiness had to be forcibly snatched away by this never-ending virus. I kissed his head affectionately; Deka was like my brother, who had to be protected wholeheartedly even if his life was at stake.

"Have a nice dream, Deka," I whispered.

###

At around three in the morning, I woke up with Rianita, who was not by my side. Only Deka was close to his cat, sleeping on the child's right side. He got up and casually tied his hair in a ponytail, looking for Rianita's whereabouts. The rain had stopped, and the sound of the undead could no longer be heard. The streets became quieter, with the cold air piercing the skin. Kayro was still asleep on the sofa; his eyebrows still knitted together as if his dreams had never been beautiful. Meanwhile, Bayu was also numb and snoring quite loudly. Luckily, we were in the house; otherwise, he would have been the reason the living corpse attacked us.

Banyu isn't there. Is he with Rianita?

Go down the stairs carefully because it's still pitch black outside. I'm sure Rianita left with Banyu, but why at this time? Isn't it safe to go out at five or six o'clock? Instead, they use a flashlight.

"Why?" Kayro's bass sound made me almost fall in shock.

“Can you speak in a low voice? I'm shocked," I snorted. "Rianita and Banyu are leaving."

"Oh, that's great."

“Why are they leaving at this time? It's not safe outside, right?"

“That's their right. I didn't ask Rianita to leave at night." Kayro yawned widely, scratching his head, "Never mind, I'm sleepy. If you have the heart, pick them up; I'm tired."

He went up the stairs, leaving me like this was so easy for him. Instead, I felt like I was being hit by something unpleasant, like something would happen, but I don't know what.

Hopefully, it's nothing.

Until noon, when the sun was at the top of their heads, Rianita and Banyu had not yet shown the bridge of their noses. Bayu, who looked restless, walked back and forth with the occasional mumble. Meanwhile, Kayro still seems pretty relaxed, sharpening his knives for the journey ahead.

"What if there's something wrong with them?" I said anxiously.

“You think they are kindergarten children? They're adults, San. They can survive. You're like a mother like that!" the man snorted in response to Bayu pulling Kayro's black t-shirt by the collar.

The inevitable blow landed on the brown-skinned man's cheek. Deka screamed, making me quickly hug him. Distance tried to separate the two fighting boys, but his efforts failed when he was also hit.

"Damn! You don't have to worry about your crew! That's my brother; if Banyu dies, I'll kill you, Kay!" Bayu exclaimed.

Before Kayro could reply to Bayu's words, the sound of the fence being opened was heard, followed by groans. I ran down the stairs quickly, followed by Bayu, who was ahead of me.

We were both stunned when we saw that Banyu's body was battered, with dried blood coming out of the corners of his mouth and nose. A knife cut his left arm with a reasonably wide wound. I squealed, hugging Banyu tightly.

“Where is Rianita? Where's she going? Why not with you, Nyu?” I asked with a fast intonation.

Banyu was silent before he finally collapsed in my arms.