Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 36: Little Treasures.

Chapter 36: Little Treasures.

The moment Scarlett and Ethan stepped out of the office, every pair of eyes turned toward them, filled with curiosity and anticipation. Whispers buzzed among the survivors, and Scarlett could feel their gaze burning into her.

Garvin, Rose, Louise, the Andersons, and their two children hurried over, surrounding Scarlett and gently tugging her away from Ethan.

"How are you doing, dear?" Mrs. Anderson asked, her eyebrows raised in concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, how are you, really?" Mr. Anderson added, his eyes steady on her, full of worry.

Scarlett mustered a small smile, though her heart still felt heavy from her conversation with Ethan. "I’m fine. Thank you for asking." But the warmth of her smile quickly faded, weighed down by the gravity of what lay ahead.

Rose’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she leaned in. "So... what did you two talk about? You’ve been gone for over an hour, you know."

Scarlett sighed, glancing around at the expectant faces. "An hour-long conversation, and you want a summary right here?" She heaved a tired breath. "Let’s find somewhere to sit first, please."

"Oh, of course!" Garvin said, pointing to a door on the left. "Louise and I explored a bit while you were talking with Ethan, just in case. We found this spot that looks like a cross between a grocery store and a cafeteria, we can sit comfortably there."

"Okay then," Scarlett muttered with a hint of a smile. She stepped closer to Garvin, taking the sleeping child, Hope, from his arms. "Let’s go, then. I could use a bite, and these other survivors are staring a bit too much."

Mrs. Anderson chuckled softly as they all began making their way to the door.

As they stepped inside, Scarlett’s eyes widened in awe. The room had been transformed into a cozy cafeteria, with rows of tables and chairs. Shelves lined the walls, fully stocked with non-perishable food, bottled water, and even medical supplies.

"Wow," Rose breathed, looking around. "That guy really went all out with this setup."

Louise and Garvin wasted no time, scattering to grab food and drinks, while Scarlett took a seat at a nearby table. The others joined her, and Scarlett kept Hope close, the child still sound asleep in her arms.

"Alright," Rose said, settling into a chair across from Scarlett. "Spill. What did the guy say? Is he actually helpful, or does he need a reality check?"

Scarlett took a deep breath, thinking carefully. She summarized her conversation with Ethan, focusing on his plan to build an underground bunker and the looming threat posed by Victor. She kept details about the system vague, knowing she physically couldn’t reveal too much.

"The Axe Squad..." Mrs. Anderson’s face darkened as she shook her head. "They’re known for their ruthlessness. But as long as we stay clear of them, we’ll be fine."

Scarlett nodded, her face serious. "That’s why Ethan’s been saving people here. If he hadn’t, many of them would already be gone."

Mrs. Anderson sighed with relief, a faint smile on her lips.

"He does have powers, just like you," Rose added thoughtfully, leaning back in her chair. "But... do you both get your powers from the same source? A pendant, maybe?" She gave Scarlett a curious look, her brows knitted. "Where did you even get your pendant? Did you find it here?"

Scarlett managed a calm smile, though her mind raced. "Yeah, I found the pendant here, and it bonded with me. I don’t know the source of Ethan’s powers, but they’re similar to mine."

Louise’s face lit up with curiosity. "So... where exactly did you find it? Maybe there are more. We could all use some powers to help us survive out here."

Scarlett shook her head. "Honestly, I just woke up with it on my neck, like it was some kind of reward... maybe even a compensation for my past." She kept her smile steady, though her cheeks began to ache from holding it up.

Louise let out a heavy sigh, his gaze distant. "Everyone’s got a past, you know," he muttered. "I’ve got my own ghosts terrible ones. Why didn’t I get a pendant?" His voice wavered with bitterness.

"Enough, Louise," Garvin said, his voice firm as his expression hardened. "Maybe you just didn’t earn it." He glanced at Scarlett, effectively cutting off Louise’s frustration before it could flare. "We can’t trust this Ethan guy, though. We just met him."

Scarlett’s gaze softened, and she met Garvin’s eyes with steady conviction. "I understand, but he’s genuine. I’m sure of it. For now, let’s just stay focused on what matters: we’re safe here, and I’ll let you know if there’s any reason for concern. We have to work together if we’re going to survive."

Mrs. Anderson gave a solemn nod. "We have to consider the bigger picture. If you two believe storing resources underground will work, then we’re with you."

Scarlett glanced at the two children sitting nearby, who were watching her intently. She leaned toward them, offering a gentle smile. "What is it, kids? Are you alright? You haven’t even touched your burgers. Are they not to your liking?"

The young boy’s eyes filled with tears, which began to spill down his cheeks. "It’s not the burgers, miss... We were scared when you were gone for so long. Everyone who’s ever saved us has... has left us eventually. We thought maybe you had, too." His voice trembled, and Scarlett’s heart clenched.

"Oh, sweetie." Scarlett reached out, gently wiping his tears away. "I didn’t leave you. I just needed to talk to the big guy in charge. And big boys don’t cry, remember?"

The girl, who had been quiet, spoke up, her voice filled with determination. "Jaden was scared, and so was I. Can you teach me your powers, Miss Scarlett? I want to protect Jaden if anything happens. I’m his big sister, and it’s my job to keep him safe." Her small fists clenched, her expression fierce.

Scarlett smiled warmly, patting both of their heads. "You’re both so brave. Don’t worry, I’m here to protect you, and I won’t disappear like the others, I promise."

The children exchanged a glance, then nodded, their small faces finally relaxing.

"What’s your name?" Scarlett asked, turning to the girl.

"It’s Golden. But you can call me Gold," the girl said, managing a shy smile.

Scarlett’s smile widened. "Golden and Jaden. Those are beautiful names. I love how they rhyme," she added with a soft laugh.

Mrs. Anderson joined in, chuckling. "Yes, Jade and Gold. Like real treasures."

Golden’s expression softened, but her gaze fell as her voice trembled. "Mommy and Daddy used to call us their little treasures. I... I miss them so much."

Mr. Anderson, his own eyes softening, reached over to pat her shoulder. "You should be strong, Golden. I know your parents miss you, too."

Jaden’s voice was barely a whisper. "You think they really miss us?"

Scarlett leaned forward, her voice gentle but steady. "I know they do. And one day, we’ll find them. But for now, I need you both to be strong, alright?"

The two children looked at each other, then slid off their chairs to give Scarlett a warm hug. Her heart swelled as she held them close, feeling a surge of protectiveness for these little ones who had already lost so much.