RAYNE WOODSEN
"Morning, Rayne," Chase greeted me softly, his voice still a little rough from just waking up.
I could tell they must've been drained after a whole day spent searching for supplies yesterday.
By the time they returned last night, both he and Gelo had collapsed, barely a word before they fell into a deep, well earned sleep.
I couldn't help but smile at him, a slow, tender smile that I knew would reach his heart. "Good morning, Chase. How was your sleep?"
"It was good, thank God," he answered, stretching his arms with a slight yawn.
"Glad to hear that," I nodded, my eyes still on him, feeling that soft warmth in the air between us. "How about some coffee? I'll make you a cup."
"Sigurado ka?" He raised an eyebrow, a playful hint in his voice as he sat down across from me.
"Of course," I stood up immediately, my steps light and purposeful. "It's the least I can do, after all the hard work you and Gelo put in out there."
He smiled, a small but sincere smile, as he leaned back in his chair. "Don't mention it," he said, his voice rich with warmth. "We do it for all of us."
"Thank you," I said, carefully spooning Nescafe and sugar into the cup. "I'm not great at making this, but I hope it helps wake up your day."
"That's totally fine," he replied, his fingers gently wrapping around the cup as he handed it over to me, careful not to burn himself on the hot liquid. "Ang aga mo rin nagising, no?"
"Oo nga, e," I nodded as I sat back down. "I woke up earlier because of Ate Naomi's little one. He was looking for milk. I made it for him, but then I couldn't get back to sleep."
He raised an eyebrow, concern flickering in his eyes. "I hope you're not too tired, Rayne."
I shook my head with a smile. "Not at all. Sadyang natuwa lang talaga ako sa kaniya kasi he doesn't cry much, just a really calm little baby boy."
"Sounds like you really like kids."
I chuckled softly, sipping my coffee. "Not exactly," I said with a playful grin. "But there's just something about him that feels light, you know? Like he brought a little sunshine into my life."
It's true.
After Harold and the other men left my life, everything just felt lighter. Life became so much easier when I started sharing space with Chase's group. I can't even express how grateful I am to them. They made it so simple to forget those men, whom I had endured for far too long.
And I owe them so much for that.
The pain I went through wasn't easy to bear. There were countless times when I thought I wouldn't make it. But I kept fighting. I kept pushing through because I believe that as long as I'm alive, there's always hope to change the parts of my past that hurt and start anew. What happened before is gone, and there's no reason to keep dwelling on it.
It wasn't always easy, but each step forward felt like a small victory. And now, with people like Chase by my side, I know every day is an opportunity to heal, rebuild, and move forward with the hope that brighter days are ahead.
"That's good to hear," he said, offering me a smile.
I found myself staring for a moment, completely caught off guard. Why is he so incredibly handsome when he smiles?
"Aalis kayo ngayon?" I quickly shifted the topic, trying to focus on something else.
"Mamayang gabi pa." he replied, still looking at me.
"Saan pupunta?" I asked, my curiosity growing.
He gently set his cup down, his expression turning serious but still soft. "Actually, Rayne. There's something I've been meaning to talk about. Would you be willing to listen?" He let out a small laugh, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "I'm a little confused about it, but maybe with your perspective, you'd be able to understand."
I nodded, straightening up and giving him my full attention. "Bring it on, I'm all ears."
"Actually, it's about me and Gelo."
I frowned and cleared my throat. "Why? Did something happen between you two?"
"Hindi naman." he said, his gaze darting away like he was afraid to meet mine. "I just. . . don't know how to say it, ang hirap ipaliwanag."
"Come on," I urged, leaning closer to him. "It's okay. I'm not here to judge, I'm here to listen." I chuckled softly, watching him struggle to form the words.
He let out a shaky breath. "I don't know if people around us notice or if you've noticed, but don't you think there's something between us?"
I paused, furrowing my brows.
My mind replayed every moment I'd seen them together, the lingering glances, the casual touches, how they were always by each other's side.
Now that he mentioned it, yeah, there was something different. Something unspoken.
From my perspective, it seemed normal, but maybe it meant more to them.
"Yes," I said slowly. "There's definitely something."
"Di 'ba?" he said, a bit of relief in his tone.
"So, what's the problem about it?" I asked, taking a sip of my coffee.
"I-I like him."
The words hit me like a punch to the chest.
My hands froze mid motion, and I almost dropped my cup. I wanted to smile, to pretend everything was okay, but deep down, it stung.
I couldn't lie, I had a crush on Chase.
At ngayong sinasabi niya 'to? Ang awkward.
Still, I forced myself to smile. "You like him? That's not a bad thing naman, ah?"
"That's the problem," he muttered, scratching the back of his neck. "I wasn't planning to say anything, but it feels like, he likes me too. The way he talks to me, the way he acts. It's like there's something. You know what I mean di 'ba, Rayne?"
I nodded slowly. "If you like him and you feel like he likes you, what's stopping you?"
He sighed deeply, the kind of sigh that carried the weight of overthinking. "It's just I can't tell for sure, for the reason that it's hard to read him."
"Do you really feel like he likes you?" I asked softly, hoping to ease his nerves.
He hesitated, biting his lip. Then he let out a quiet laugh, almost embarrassed. "It's so assuming of me, but oo talaga, I think he does."
"Then wait for him to make the first move," I suggested. "Huwag kang ma-stress."
"Oo siguro, ganun na nga lang." he chuckled, though it was laced with uncertainty. "Actually, he asked me to hang out tonight."
My brows shot up. "Iyon pala 'yun? If it's with Gelo, you'll be fine. Just stay safe, it's dangerous out there with all the zombies roaming around."
"Will do cause I already said yes," he admitted.
"Good." I smiled at him, leaning back in my chair. "Maybe this is your chance na rin. Don't overthink it, okay? Just go with the flow."
"That's what I'm trying to do," he murmured, though the tension in his shoulders didn't ease. "But I can't stop wondering why he asked me. And where? How can anyone even have fun these days?"
I reached out and placed my hand over his. "Happiness isn't impossible. You just have to let it happen. You can still make moments count."
"You think so?" he asked, his voice softer now.
"I do," I said with a nod. "Stop stressing. Whatever this 'something' is between you two, let it take its course. You'll figure it out."
He smiled, and for a moment, our eyes locked.
Before I could dwell on the thought, a low throat, clearing sound broke at the moment.
I turned to see Gelo standing a few steps away.
He wasn't just standing, he was looming. His sharp eyes zeroed in on me like I'd just done something unforgivable. His jaw was clenched tight, his lips pressed into a thin line. He didn't say a word, but his expression said it all. Parang nagselos.
The air between us turned tense. His gaze shifted briefly to Chase's hand, still close to mine, before flicking back to meet my eyes. The intensity of his stare made me feel like I was caught in the middle of something I shouldn't be part of.
Chase, oblivious to the tension, turned to him with a sheepish smile. "Hey, ang aga mo rin."
But Gelo didn't respond.
He just stood there, his eyes locked onto mine, like I was some kind of threat.
"G-Gelo, would you like some coffee too?" The words escaped my lips before I could think, and I quickly stood up, stepping away from Chase's side.
The way Gelo looked at me was bone chilling, as if his gaze alone could shatter me.
He took a deliberate step forward, closing the space between himself and Chase. "Thank you, Rayne. But no. Maximus and I are heading out."
"Oh, I see." I replied softly, my eyes darting elsewhere, unable to meet his.
"Where are you going?" Chase asked, his eyes now locked with Gelo's in an intense stare.
"We just have somewhere we need to be," Gelo replied casually.
"Alright, take care," Chase said, not pressing for more details. Just then, Maximus arrived, looking like he had everything sorted out.
"Morning, people." Maximus greeted us with a bright smile, glancing at each of us. I nodded and offered him some coffee, but he politely shook his head, giving me a warm smile instead.
What a nice and sweet guy.
"You ready?" Gelo asked him.
"Yeah, let's go so we can finish this quickly," Maximus replied. With that, the two of them said their goodbyes and left the house together.
Chase and I were left standing and exchanging glances. Neither of us said a word, both shrugging as if to say we had really no idea where those two were heading this early in the morning.
AFTER SPENDING the whole morning together, from breakfast to lunch, we were now all gathered in the living room for the afternoon.
Ellie and Talia were with us, and Chase had decided to teach us how to fight, using knives, axes, and how to properly take down a zombie.
The living room was dim, with soft shadows casting an almost magnetic glow around the space. Every inch of me was drawn to Chase.
He looked effortlessly irresistible in that white tank top, the fabric hugging his sculpted frame just enough to reveal every curve and muscle.
The black pants only made him more captivating, fitting him perfectly and accentuating his strong, toned legs. His biceps, flexing ever so slightly with every movement, gave him an undeniable power, one that could steal my breath away.
It's almost surreal.
In the midst of the chaos and fear, he's like the first light of the Cosmic Dawn, breaking through the darkness and offering a glimpse of something pure, something I never thought I'd feel again. Even in the apocalypse, where everything seems lost, his very being reminds me that maybe there's still something worth fighting for.
I snapped back to reality, pushing aside the thoughts as I saw Chase standing by the table, a slim folding drying rack beside it. On the table, there was a knife, an axe, and a gun. He let out a deep breath before picking up the knife first.
"Alright, listen up. We're gonna go over some basics on how to use a knife and an axe to kill zombies." He liked at each of us one by one. "I'm not a pro, but based on what I've learned, I'll help you guys be ready when danger hits. Don't worry, I'll keep it simple, and it won't take long."
He held the knife casually, showing it off.
"This is easy to hold, but it's tricky to use," he said as he sat on the edge of the table. "You gotta get close to the infected to hit their weak spots."
"Delikado rin di'ba?" Ellie asked, looking concerned.
"Yes." Chase agreed, his voice calm but serious. "Getting that close to a zombie is dangerous, especially since your hands are so vulnerable. But if there's no choice, you gotta be quick."
"How? Saan tatamaan?" tanong ko. "Pasensya na, never pa akong pumatay ng infected."
Binalingan niya ako ng tingin. "Go for the weak spots, the head, neck, and eyes." he walked over to the drying rack and pretended it was a zombie's head. "If you get close, aim for the eyes, under the chin. Slice fast and don't hesitate. If you hit their head, you can break it, just stay quick and always watch out for their bite. Be aware of their movements dahil mabilis at aggressive sila."
We nodded, and he placed the knife down before picking up the axe, the one we had seen earlier.
"This works on all kinds of zombies," he said, eyeing the axe. "But I'd recommend it for the bigger ones. These massive zombies? A knife's not enough. You need something strong, like this one."
He gripped the axe and demonstrated swinging it in the air, like he was fighting a giant zombie.
"At iyong mga tulad nila? Sa leeg mo dapat sila tamaan. And this thing is heavy, so you need your whole body to swing it, not just your arms. Hit the neck or straight down the middle of the skull." malinaw na paliwanag niya. "That's how you kill them. You gotta chop off the head for good."
Chase stepped back, miming how he'd swing the axe. He adjusted his stance, making sure he was balanced. "Now, about your stance. When you swing, keep your feet solid. No slipping. And don't worry about getting the swing perfect. Just make sure it's hard enough to get through their skull."
He paused, giving us a moment to take it all in, then nodded, like he was satisfied with the lesson.
He set the axe down and leaned back. "But whatever weapon you've got, stay focused. Zombies can move fast, especially the small ones. So if you're using a knife, make it quick. If you're using an axe, don't let them get close."
"Thank you for telling me all these, Chase," I began, my voice trembling slightly as I faced him. He nodded in response, his eyes calm and reassuring, accompanied by a small, comforting smile. "I'll try to learn too, so I won't become a burden. I'm just... really scared to take that step pa for now."
"You're not a burden, Rayne," Ellie said softly but firmly, standing beside me. Her tone carried a warmth that felt like a protective embrace. "Hindi ka lang talaga sanay, pero tama lang na matuto ka na ngayon dahil para rin sa'yo ito. Hindi tayo palaging makakatakbo at makakapagtago."
Her words hit me, but before I could respond, Talia eagerly chimed in, her voice filled with determination. "Mga kuya at ate, ako po willing na willing." She stood a little taller, her confidence contagious. "Tinuruan na po ako ni Kuya Gelo."
"That's good," Chase replied, his voice steady yet encouraging as he ruffled her hair playfully. "It's important for all of you to learn. But don't ever forget, you're not alone in this. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together, alright?"
AFTER Chase finished teaching us what to do in case we encountered zombies, we all went back to our own tasks and hobbies. Talia stayed in the living room with Chase, Ellie returned to guard the door and watch the surroundings, while I went back to the room to check on Ate Naomi.
"Ate Naomi," I called out as soon as I saw her cradling and rocking her baby.
Over the past three weeks, Ate Naomi had slowly regained her strength. She spent most of her time caring for her child, and we didn't let her do much work even though she insisted on helping, especially in preparing food for us in the kitchen.
"Rayne, andiyan ka na pala," she said with a smile. "Kumusta sila Chase?"
"They're fine, Ate," I answered, walking closer and gently touching the baby's chubby cheeks. "He just taught us how to kill zombies."
"Talaga?" she said, sounding pleased. "Nakakapanibago naman si Chase. Parang ang tagal kong hindi siya nasubaybayan."
"Why, Ate?" I asked.
"Noong una ko siyang makita at makilala sa train station, takot na takot din siya at parang gusto ng sumuko sa buhay," she explained, her voice heavy with emotion as if recalling a painful memory. "Durog na durog ang nakilala kong Chase, lalo nasaksihan ko rin kung paano nawala ang apat niyang kaibigan sa mismong araw na 'yun noong nasa Monumento Station kami."
"Totoo po, ate? I gasped, covering my mouth. "He had other friends with him?"
She nodded. "Oo, Rayne. Pero lahat sila, hindi nakaabot kaya naman masaya akong malaman na lumalaban si Chase ngayon."
"That's so sad, Ate Naomi," I said softly.
I couldn't imagine what Chase had been through watching his friends, people he must have cared about, perish one by one. And now, seeing him as someone strong and fearless, it amazed me how he managed to survive despite such a devastating past. Truly, all of us carried bitter memories, yet here we were, fighting just to stay alive.
Before the world fell apart, I was used to being alone. I didn't have friends, no one to rely on but myself. From a young age, I learned how to fend for myself. I worked hard to get an education, taking care of everything on my own, just trying to survive in a world that didn't feel fair.
I finished my studies, worked through school, and became a nurse. I had no parents to turn to, my mother passed away when I was a child, and my father moved on to a new family. He never took care of me or acted like a father.
I didn't have friends, either.
I was always alone, with no one to trust, no one to lean on. I was an introvert, the type of person who kept to himself and stayed distant. When it came to work, I focused solely on that. Afterward, I'd go straight home, day after day.
But then one day, one of our patients at the hospital turned into a killer, attacking others.
That's when I saw the true spread of the Umbra Virus for the first time.
And it's true, losing everything hurts.
The pain of having nothing is indescribable. Being alone is hard, and at times, it feels unbearable. But strangely, there's also comfort in it now.
Despite everything the Cosmic Dawn brought and all the pain I've endured, I've found people like them, people who care, even if we're not blood related. And that's something I never thought I'd have. Something I never thought I'd experience.
THE AFTERNOON arrived, and Maximus and Gelo came back, drenched in sweat. Whatever they did looked draining. At nang dumilim na, dumating na ang oras para sila'y umalis. Chase was already dressed, armed with his guns, axe, and knife, ready for whatever the night would bring.
"Be careful, pre," Maximus said with a grin as he slapped Gelo's back.
"Thanks for the help, Max," Gelo replied, giving him a fist bump. They shared a moment, like there was a secret between them. "We'll be back soon."
"Chase, take care, okay?" I added, and Chase gave me a reassuring smile.
"We'll talk when we get back, Rayne." he whispered, and I gave him a thumbs-up.
With a quiet click, the door closed behind them, and the sound of their car engine starting echoed in the stillness of the evening.
"Saan sila pupunta ngayon, love?" Ellie asked Max, her eyes bright with curiosity.
"Date, love. Inaya niya si Chase," Max answered, a teasing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Ellie and I exchanged glances, our lips twitching to hide our smiles. "Ibig sabihin ba nito gusto ni Gelo si Chase?" she asked, her voice playful.
Maximus shrugged nonchalantly. "Bawal pa raw sabihin eh sabi ni pareng Gelo."
"Hala, ang daya," I said with a dramatic eye roll.
"Oo nga, love. Sabihin mo na," Ellie joined in, nudging him gently.
Max just shook his head, amused, but clearly not ready to spill Gelo's secret. He chuckled, shaking his head at our persistence.
"Nagse-secret ka na sa'kin, Max." Ellie teased.
But before Max could respond, the sharp, thunderous sound of an explosion shattered the air. A series of loud booms rang out from the nearby woods, and the distant rumble seemed to shake the very ground beneath us. My heart skipped a beat, and an unfamiliar chill crept up my spine.
Ellie's hand flew to her chest. "Anong nangyayari?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Maximus's body went rigid. His eyes narrowed, scanning the surroundings, as he moved toward the table where weapons lay. "Baka may mga tao," he said, his voice low and focused. "Maghanda kayo. Lalabas ako, magtago kayo nila Ate Naomi."
Ellie immediately stepped closer to him, her face pale. "Mag-isa ka lang, Max?" she said, her voice desperate, "Sasama ako."
Max shook his head firmly, his expression hardening. "Love, hindi. Mas kailangan ka dito. Magtago ka na lang kayo nila Ate Naomi."
"No, love." Ellie insisted, her eyes wide with worry. "Baka mapano ka. I can't just stay here."
Max's gaze softened, but only for a moment. "I'll be fine. I've been in worse situations, right?" He turned to me, and his tone turned more urgent. "Rayne, stay with Ellie. I need to know you're both safe."
I could feel my pulse quicken, my chest tightening with fear. The explosions had shaken me, but I couldn't stand by while they went out there.
My thoughts raced as I looked at Ellie, who was visibly panicking, and then back to Max, who was trying to keep his calm.
"A-Ako na lang ang sasama," I said, my voice faltering slightly, but the resolve in me was clear.
I had to do something.
Ellie's face turned ashen, her voice barely a whisper. "Sigurado ka? You're not ready for this."
I swallowed hard, steeling myself. My hands shook slightly, but I took a deep breath. "Sigurado," I answered, my voice firm this time. I reached for the gun on the table and grabbed a knife, its weight unfamiliar but oddly reassuring in my hand. "Para maranasan ko rin. Para matuto ako."
My heart was hammering in my chest, each beat louder than the last. Maximus worried eyes locked onto mine, but he said nothing, understanding that I had made my decision.
"Alright," Max said after a moment, his voice steady despite the situation. "But stay close."
I nodded, though the anxiety still clawed at me.
As we made our way toward the door, I stole one last look at Ellie, who looked torn between keeping me here and letting me go.
"I'll be okay," I whispered to her, even though I wasn't entirely sure if I believed it myself.
Ellie bit her lip, nodding slowly. "Be careful."
With that, we stepped out into the night, the darkness thick around us, and the sound of the explosions still ringing in the air.
My hands were shaking as we took the path outside the house. The gunshots echoed from the left, one after another, so I led the way.
I let out a heavy sigh.
Of all times, why did this have to happen after Gelo and Chase left? Fear clawed at my mind, worrying that this might lead to another disaster.
I prayed it wouldn't. We've been through too much already. I can't lose anyone again.
"Are you okay, Rayne?" Max asked, his voice steady.
I nodded. "I'm fine," I answered softly, keeping my eyes on the path ahead.
Not far from us, we spotted zombies staggering through the overgrown forest. Their jerky movements blended with the darkness, but the moment they saw and smelled us, they started heading straight for us.
My steps slowed as fear gripped me again. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, like a drum echoing in my ears. Maximus moved ahead of me, choosing not to use his gun. Instead, he charged at the approaching zombies, swiftly stabbing his knife into their heads, one after another.
I glanced to my side and froze when I saw more of them coming closer. They were heading straight for me. One managed to get right in front of me, its decaying hands reaching out. Panicking, I grabbed its shoulders and shoved it back with all my strength, my hands trembling violently.
I couldn't do it. I couldn't kill.
I kept pushing the zombie, but I hadn't realized more were closing in on me. Their stench was unbearable foul, rancid, and sharp enough to make my stomach churn. I felt like I might vomit.
Before they could grab me, Maximus was there. He moved fast, taking them down one by one with brutal precision. Blood and gore splattered everywhere, but he didn't hesitate for a second.
"Don't hesitate," he said firmly, his tone a mix of sternness and care. "You kill, or you die.
I nodded quickly, gripping my knife tighter.
The zombies around us were increasing fast, so Maximus and I had no choice but to run.
Every time one of those creatures got too close, he'd stab it straight in the skull, sending blood splattering all over me since I was always hiding behind him. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, a female zombie came at me.
She was completely naked, like no clothes at all. Her face was split in half, blood gushing out everywhere, and her... well, her chest was fully exposed and swaying grotesquely.
I screamed in pure disgust.
Shutting my eyes tight, I drove my knife upward into her chin, straight through her skull.
The sickening squelch made me gag because I could feel her slimy, gooey fluids on my hands.
"Kadiri naman!" I groaned.
Honestly? I'd rather deal with human blood than this disgusting zombie mess any day!
As the sound of gunfire grew louder, Maximus tugged at my arm, urging me to run faster.
We pushed through the dense undergrowth of the forest, the echoes of the battle ahead driving us forward. When we reached the edge of the woods, we crouched behind a massive tree.
Carefully, we peeked out and what we saw made our eyes widen in shock.
Two soldiers were fighting for their lives.
One of them, his leg injured and wrapped in a blood soaked cloth, sat propped against a rock, grimly firing his rifle. The other stood firm, firing shot after shot at the oncoming horde of infected.
There were dozens of them, snarling and clawing their way closer.
Without hesitation, Maximus took the lead. He stepped out from the shadows, his rifle already aimed. Precise and deadly, he took down the closest infected, one after another. The loud cracks of his gun drew the soldiers' attention, and they turned to look at us in surprise.
I followed Maximus' lead, gripping my pistol tightly. My shots weren't as accurate, sometimes hitting torsos instead of heads-but I made sure every bullet counted. As the infected kept closing in, we pushed forward, taking turns firing and reloading.
When we finally reached the soldiers, I dropped to one knee beside the injured man. His face was pale, and his breathing was labored. Blood seeped through the cloth on his leg.
"Hang in there," I said, inspecting the wound.
"We have a safehouse," Maximus called out over the chaos. "Come with us!"
"Thank you," the uninjured soldier said, his deep voice breaking with emotion. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his face streaked with dirt and sweat. He reloaded his rifle with trembling hands.
"Let's move!" Max shouted, continuing to fire at the infected that were now only a few meters away.
I slung the injured man's arm over my shoulder, helping him to his feet. He winced in pain.
"You have names?" I asked, my voice steady despite the adrenaline rushing through me.
"C-Cleon," the injured soldier stammered. He gestured his companion. "And that guy... Salvino."
"Alright, Cleon," I tightening my grip on him as we began to move. "We're getting you out of here. Just hold on a little longer."
Cleon nodded. "You? Who are you?"
"Rayne," I replied. "Rayne Woodsen."
I fired my pistol at an infected blocking our path, hitting it square in the head.
The infected kept coming, but together, we fought through them. Salvino and Maximus covered us with relentless fire, leading the way.
The safehouse wasn't far now, but every step felt like a battle for survival.
These soldiers, they had to know the way to a safe zone. If we could keep them alive, maybe we'd finally have a way out of this nightmare.