46 Sudden Situation (1/2)
”What's the next one?”
Mark urged Paula.
”This should be the last. I just want to know the real reason you saved us.”
”The last huh? Then after this one, you two should also answer my questions alright?”
Paula nodded as response to his question.
”Well, let me tell you something first. For me, there are three kinds of people who help others. First are the selfless ones. They just help people unconditionally just because the wanted to help. Second are those who wanted to be heroes. They help and save people to fulfill their ego and be revered by the people they saved. The third are those with other motives. That's self-explanatory I think.
Which of the three kinds do you think am I?”
Mark asked which Paula replied without hesitation.
”The third.”
Mark nodded.
”That's right. I saved you two because I had other motives.”
Mark then looked at Ange incredulously.
”What are you doing?”
Ange was now hugging her body while backing up on her seat and looked at Mark like she was looking at someone who would eat her.
Her ear was then harshly pinched and pulled by Paula.
”Ahhhh! That hurts!”
”That's for not taking things seriously.”
”But he had other motives for saving us!”
”Yes, he had other motives but I don't think he had that 'motive'!”
Paula sighed at her airheaded friend. Ange on the other hand looked sullen. It was embarrassing for her to get her ear get pinched and pulled in front of other people.
”Sorry about Ange. Can you say your motive now?”
”Well, it's nothing much really. I just want some people who could guard my back without stabbing me when I turn around.”
The two of them was surprised.
”If you want some people to guard your back, why did you choose us?”
”Because of all the people I saw in the mall, only you two had a different reaction towards the zombies. I just said that I'm an Empath and I never had felt the fear of zombies from the two of you.”
The two girls contemplated as Mark continued.
”Paula, you were giving up that time not because you were afraid of the zombies but because it was truly hopeless in that situation. As for Angeline, she was never afraid. She was running and pulling you that time because the two of you were outnumbered.
At times like this, it was easy for people to turn their back on others even if they are their loved ones. The main root of it was fear and yet, you two only have a speck of it. And you two showed fear but not because you two were scared of the zombies but rather, you feared losing people and the danger that the zombies bring.”
When Mark finished, the two came to a realization. They did not really noticed much of their own emotions back then but now that Mark said it, they realized that what he was saying were true.
It shows how true that there were times that other people knew you more than yourself.
”Satisfied now? You know, I have my circumstances and prefer to be alone most of the time but I'm not an idiot. Even if I can move and deal with things myself, I can't do everything on my own. And unlike the others below who could only cry and shiver from fear, I wouldn't suffer too much mental exhaustion because of you two.”
Ange and Paula looked at each other with a bitter smile. They could not think of any reason to deny what he just said. There were times that they also felt sad and down earlier but unlike others who would dwell on it too much, the two of them could adapt and recover faster. Still, most of it was Mark's efforts though.
Then, the two girls nodded at each other and face Mark.
”Since you trust us to watch your back, then we promise not to let you down.”
Paula said and Ange showed a resolute expression.
”Alright, thanks. Then, can I ask my questions now?”
Mark smiled but his smile now looked refreshed, different from his usual clouded and bitter smile.
”Yes. You answered all my questions so you can also ask.”
”Hmm… My questions are just about the backgrounds of you two since you two don't seem to be simple people either. Another is about your own ability, Paula.”
”Nothing else?”
”Nothing else. Just knowing your backgrounds should be enough for me to gauge the answers to some minor questions.”
”Okay. We'll tell you about our families then.”
Paula was about to start but Mark turned his head towards the west wing of the mall.
Mark sighed.
”Just tell me later, they need us below.”
The three girls were surprised.
”Did something happen?”
Ange asked with worry.