Chapter Text
Love. Tender and beautiful. But also cruel, destructive, and unforgiving. I would end up learning that the hard way.
It started three years ago. A vicious virus was rapidly sweeping over West Vaandor like a smog. The ill doubled every day. I was working in the bakery when I first heard about it, making a fresh batch of bread for the day to come. Sirens blared through the village. Sirens that indicated danger had arisen, Sirens that screamed for a lockdown, Sirens that meant someone in our village had been infected.
Although I did not know what I was shielding myself from yet, I was certain that this bakery was not a safe place to stay. With its cracked windows, brittle brick walls that would crumble with the kick of a shoe, and rotten wood door that could barely stand a slight wind. Whatever lockdown occurred; this building would be the first to go.
Not knowing how long this would last, I stash my satchel with a week’s worth of preserved food, three bladders of clean water and a full box of matches. An item I am very glad I brought with me. Just as I was about to run out the door, I quickly slung the strap I had secured to the radio system around my shoulder.
Radio attached; I run. I run across the muddy paths and jump over fences, checking over my shoulder every few paces to make sure I wasn’t being followed. My destination was approaching quickly, only slightly quicker than my fear was rising. I don’t want to die.
The old house on the hill had been abandoned for many years now, after the owner suddenly vanished, but still the chamber kept the place fortified and in good condition, as a ‘desperate place of last resort’. I lift up the tapestry on the right side of the door, and – like always – the key was there, hanging from a nail.
With one last glance behind me to make sure I was alone, I unlock the door and slid through the doorway, leaning back to seal myself inside. I let out a massive sigh. I can finally breathe. I was safe. I brought myself over to the old velvet couch, where upon sitting down a massive cloud of dust rose up from the fabric, filling up my nose and mouth.
“AAAAHH!!!” a voice from behind the creaky stairwell screams.
“AAAGH!!” I scream back, jumping out of the seat in shock. My heart felt like it was going to explode. I quickly turn around defensively where I am greeted by a face that looked like they had just seen a ghost. He didn’t look much older than I was.
“Who are you?!” their voice still filled with terror. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”
“Jakob. I’m Jakob.” I started to explain, making sure to still leave a fair amount of distance between us. “I work at the bakery. I came here to avoid the infection. I heard the alarms and ran to the only secure place I know.”
The boy’s face starts to calm down. “I got in using the key behind the tapestry outside” I continued. “I am not here to hurt you. I promise.”
I took a step forward, hoping to show that they could trust me. Which I now regret, for when I took that small step, the boy took three more backwards, along with grabbing a fire poker that was lying next to the wood burner. “Who are you” I ask in my calmest voice in hopes that they would answer.
“Why should I tell you that?” they retort, their voice slowly raising. “How do I know that you’re not infected? How do I know that you aren’t just going to crawl over here and bite my leg off?” They pause, contemplating their next words. “In fact, how can I be sure that you aren’t from the alley witch coven, where you could easily wave your fingers about and suddenly I’m cursed for life?”
“I swear I'm on your side. I don’t want to get infected either, that’s why I came here in the first place!” I raise my hands above my head, hoping to signify peace. “And if I do anything that shows you I'm not, you can kill me immediately.”
“Elix.” The boy says quietly. His head turning away from me.
“What?”
“Elix.” He repeats. “That’s my name.” His head turns back, eyes facing mine. his expression much softer than before. “I'm saying I trust you.”
I relax. I let out a small sigh, my lips curving up into a small smile. He trusts me. I trust him.
“I still will not hesitate to attack you with this fire poker if you do anything that makes me suspicious though.” We both let out a small laugh. The tension in the room eases slightly, and I can already tell a strong bond will soon form. I think we are going to get along.