129 The Invitation (2/2)

But I like scaring people whenever I can.

Don't ruin this for me!

”What happen? Did your car break down?”

I question once my mother finally takes a good and closer look at me. Clearing the condensation away helps immensely.

Misha still screaming, however. She stops when Joshua shuts her up.

My mother then immediately rolls down the window so she can hear me more clearly. As she did, so did my grandfather.

”I had thought you guy would reach the highway by now. What happen?”

I paraphrase the question. Of course I know what had happened to them, but they don't know what I know. I think that make sense.

”Max? You scare the hell out of me. Why are you up and about? Are your legs alright?”

My mother asks. She is more worry about me than about herself.

Maybe it is just maternal instinct? Not that I mind, really. A mother should care for her children, even if her said children is a full grown man.

”What are you doing here?”

Grumpy granddad John interjects. He is getting suspicious. I mean more suspicious since He is already ever since he had to drive a long way to basically a middle of nowhere to drop me. He still did since it is one versus four, and I don't have any weapon visible on my body.

”I am hunting for some foods since I figure they will all die of starvation in the upcoming days anyway.”

I show him my kills. There are a couple of rabbits amongst half a dozen of small animals.

Once everyone has a good look, I lower the dead animals and continue.

”I notice the light on my way back to the bunker. I didn't think it was you guys until I am this close. Did you really get stuck here since you dropped me off in the afternoon? Geeze. I did cause a lot of trouble for you guys. I am really sorry. I will make it up to you.”

I take a quick glance around the area. Faint howling could be heard.

”It is actually dangerous to camp out here since there are wolves in the surrounding woods. Why don't you all come with me and spend the night at the bunker. There are plenty of rooms available. And I wouldn't mind sharing my meal with you guys.”

I point out and look at my mother when I have said that last line.

That makes her avert her eyes. She understands my intention, but she may not be able to reciprocate it because of what had happened to her in another future. Everything has changed now.

Her mother is no longer a problem.

Grandfather knows all about the wolves. It is the very reason why he is stuck in the car, unable to go and get help from me or anyone else.

Although he wants to refuse my offer since I am a total stranger, but he has no choice. He also didn't pack much foods for the trip, opting to grab some on the way to his father, my great grandfather.

”Can we, dad? I'm really hungry. And I don't want to spend the night in the car.”

Misha calls. Joshua also states something similar.

They haven't eaten anything since afternoon. It is already pass dinner time.

And by now, Legion should be finishing mopping up the remaining people in the United States as well as other smaller countries around the world.

Countries with a bigger population takes more time, especially when they are hiding all over the place.

”Alright, but stick close to me. That includes you, Stephanie.”

John warns. And everyone exit the vehicle. They take with them only the necessities and then lock up the car again. They will return to get the rest and think of what to do next.

”Here, let me help you with that.”

I offer and carry my mother's luggage for her before she could say anything.

”Wait. You don't need to do that. You're injured, Max!”

My mother calls out, but I gesture my hand that it is fine. I am no longer injure, which might rise a few eyebrows, but I do get tired of faking my injuries.

”This is nothing. Okay, please follow me. Don't wander off on your own now.”

I tell them and head towards the shelter. It will take about 15 minutes to get there by foot.

Longer now as we are hauling some luggage as well.

And like grandfather has told them, Joshua and Misha stick close to him. Although my mother wants to walk with me since she is feeling very guilty for having me carrying her luggage, grandfather did not let her.

It didn't take a genius to see that I have some intentions with Stephanie.

”By the way, did anything bad happen to you guys in the apocalypse?”

I am making conversation. There is also another reason.

”I hope that it wasn't as bad as me. I was locked up in the basement by this crazy couple who love to torture me together every day. Although I didn't remember much of it after they cut off my limbs, but I remember wishing I was dead.”

I chuckle sadly.

That pulls my mother's heart string since it is very similar to what had happened to her.

It is not the only heart string that my bullshit story has pulled.

And slowly, my mother walks next to me since we are kindred spirit.

Grandfather didn't stop her since he also feel sorry for me for what had happened.

Honestly, manipulating people is super easy.