The Underground Hope.

With a tired face and red bloodshot eyes from intense crying. Andrea stared at his sister and tried to make her see why she shouldn't leave their abode.

"I understand that you are trying to keep us alive, but I can't let you go, Zarry, they will hurt you if they find you. The world is already in ruins. I already lost Mom and Dad. I can't lose you too." Andrea spoke in a hushed tone.

"We can't live on the last food Mom and Dad got before they didn't make it back home. We need more. Staying stuck in this underground space won't save us forever. I'll be careful, I promise." Zarry replied with a reassuring tone.

"I am coming with you then. It is better we get taken together than be left here all alone. I can't be left alone, Zar. I can't live life being alone." Adrea commented.

"Andrea... please.."

"No! Zarry, it is either we go or stay together. Ever since the blackout, people have become more insane and they take whoever they find and turn them to slaves. I know you are a good fighter, but I can't risk it. I can't risk not going with you or staying alone." Andrea added, cutting his Sister's statement short.

"Andrea, I am older than you, and I am not seeking your advice. I am going to get food and any other supply I can lay my hands on. You'd rather let me go quietly, or I'll tie you up!" Zarry spoke with her stern eyes.

"I am 15 Zarry, and you are just 4 years older than me. If tying me up is your next move, then do it, but I assure you the moment you leave this place, my voice won't be hushed, I'll scream my lungs out and be found by any of the 3 leading gangs. You won't meet me here. That I can promise you, I'd rather be used as a slave than stay here alone." Andrea replied with a huff.

Sighing deeply, Zarry sat side by side with her brother in the little hollow underground place her parents found when the world suddenly went crazy.

She's sure that whoever built the space they are in knew something was coming up. The person was surely aware of the ruin that would take over the world, but the person couldn't make it here. Maybe the person was caught on their way here. Who knows?

Staring at the small hole that showed the red crimson sky, Zarry almost cried. The once blue sky they grew up to know was gone. Like a whirlwind, her mind went back to the beginning of Earth's ruin.

"I made some cookies and a very big cake. You guys will love it!" She heard her Mom say and her Dad chuckle. As usual, her parents were fond of picking her and her brother up from their practice. Her brother was learning music while she Karate.

She heard her mother's chatty voice and then, boom! The sky roared, and darkness took over. The Internet world disappeared, and people turned against themselves overnight. It was a scary moment, but their parents were there to lead the way. She remembered how long they walked until her brother's leg hooked a rope in the forest they passed. It was then they found this secret place, and they have been here for 2 years if she is not mistaken.

However, the sky turned red after a day or two, and some weeks later, it turned out that people divided themselves into 3 gangs who use anyone they catch for fun. It is crazy but now, 2 weeks have passed since her parents left to get food and other needed things as always, but this time, they didn't return.

They promised they would every time except this time. Now, the food and other supplies they have left won't last long, and Zarry hoped her brother understood why she had to leave, but it is hard convincing him.

"Mom and Dad would love us to stay together, Zar. I understand why you have to source for supply, but we can't risk it when you do not even quite understand the world out there." Andrea pleaded, breaking Zarry's chain of thought.

"Hmmm, you are right. We do need a plan. I guess the supply we have now can last for some months if we ration them correctly." Zarry said, hugging her brother tightly. "We will get through this together." And let's hope the sky turns blue again."* Zarry added with a smile.

"I hope it turns blue again. I have missed the sun. I am sure there must be someone out there trying to bring light back in the world. Let's do our part by staying alive." Adrea added, before kissing his sister on her cheek.

_Image-Source

_Image-Source