Alex Is a Lifesaver

Alex Is a Lifesaver

 

This guy was the first normal person that I’ve encountered in this nightmare, and I’m not sure how to feel. His words shook a tremor through me, making me uneasy, but he also won’t kill me. Probably.

 

    When I said nothing, he continued, “We’ve got a lot to talk about, my amigo. Here, sit”. He patted down on a worn down couch tucked away in a corner in the house. I hesitantly sat beside him. The house we were in wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, but still probably seen some better days definitely. Like every house, it has no color, only black and white. There were papers scattered everywhere with small scribbles on them, and very minimum amounts of furniture. The room we were in was the living room, I assumed, and only had a couch, a small table, wooden floors, a few candles, and the roof had small but noticeable scratches on them. Like claw marks. The air smelled like old newspapers, and every step I took made loud creeks.

 

    “U-Um...hi? How’s the kids?” I painfully tried my best to start up a conversation and make a joke and ease up the atmosphere. He didn't laugh, he just gave me an extremely disappointed look. My nervous smile dropped. His dirty-blonde chin length hair was tied into a low ponytail and has an especially pale complexion. He was also very noticeably taller than me, which made me feel a small bit intimidated. 

 

“Do you know where you are right now?” He gently interrogated. 

 

It took me a minute to be able to respond. I stared at him, he didn’t seem angry, and waited patiently for me to gather my bearings and answer his question which the answer is probably obvious

 

“N-No...who are you?” My voice cracked at the end

 

I squeezed my hands in a nervous habit. I wasn’t sure who this guy was, or what he wanted from me. He could be an ally, but he could very well be an enemy, just deceiving me. I wanted to run out of the door as fast as I could, but I knew what was out there. Those...things were out for my blood, and I prefer to not die at a young age. So yeah, I guess I’ll stay here. 

 

“Since you are in the dark about this entire situation, allow me to shed some light on it for you. You, my friend, are Yuri. That’s your name. And if you are to survive here, you need to stick as close to me as possible. The stunt you pulled back there-it would have been game over if I hadn't hidden you in my house. The people here are manipulative and will do anything to get their hands on someone like you.”

 

I just nervously stared at him. I didn’t trust myself enough to speak, I could feel tears start to build up. He sighed sympathetically and rubbed his temples.

 

“Look, Yuri. You may not know me that well, but I know you very well, whether or not you remember it, we were tight, and I want to help you. So, all you gotta do is say the word”.

 

He stared at me expectantly. I finally gathered the courage to speak in my fragile state, “O-Okay…”

 

His lips quirked up and rubbed his hands together, “Alright! Let’s get down to business. If we are working together, I probably should give you my name. You can call me Alex. Any questions?”

 

I squirmed uncomfortably, “Uhhh, can’t they just come in here and k-kill us? Why are they wearing those masks? Why is there no color here but there is in the forest?Why-?”

 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. One question at a time. As for why they can’t just barge in here and straight up slaughter us, there’s wards to keep them at bay. I don’t know how it works, so don’t ask. It just does.”

 

I felt embarrassed from rambling, but I needed to get answers so I tried not to think too much about it. I signaled at him to continue.

 

Alex took a deep breath “The people here wear those creepy mask because of the outbreak that happened a while back-”

 

“Outbreak?!”

 

Alex shook his head sadly “Yeah, the outbreak. Happened a while back. Made people turn insane. That’s the reason why they wear those masks. They thought it would protect them from evil, those poor bastards. The truth is, those masks do nothing. It’s all about who’s immune and who isn’t. Me and you, we are immune. The only reason why I wear this hideous thing is so they don’t kill me. You just gotta blend in and you’ll be fine. As long as they don’t find out that is”.

 

I stiffened, I hoped Alex wouldn’t take notice but he did, and continued in a reassuring tone “As long as you're with me, you’ll be fine. I don’t know why there’s no color here. I’m thinking it was caused by the outbreak, because everything faded out a little after but that’s just my theory. I assume you don’t remember anything, yes? Well I can’t necessarily tell you, that’s for you to find out and for me to know. I don’t like being cryptic and cliche, but it’s for the best so nothing gets more chaotic than it already is.”

 

“The coffin-” I started

 

“Ah yes, the coffin” Alex spoke as if he knew exactly what I was talking about, which he probably did. He started making wild hard gestures while he spoke.“The same happened to me when I first arrived. That’s another thing you’ll have to figure out in due time, so my lips are sealed”

 

    He looked me straight in the eyes, waiting for an answer. His eyes said do you understand? There was so much emotion in his eyes, which I just noticed were chocolate brown. A change in pace from the black and white world around me. I could see he really did care for me, and wanted to help me. I could sense it. So I nodded.

 

    “I trust you for now. B-But will I be able to go outside without getting k-killed?”

 

    “Uh, no unfortunately. At least for now. You will have to stay here for now until I have an extra one that you can wear. You're as safe as can be here. Not that you will probably be adventuring for a while considering your not so pleasant experience a few minutes ago. I should probably get you one now before I forget about it completely. Hold tight, I’ll be back.”

 

    He stood up and paused, looking at my quivering figure. What I wasn’t expecting was for him to give me a warm and welcoming hug. Just a small act like that made me want to turn on the waterworks. I rigidly wrapped my arms weakly around my new found friend’s arms. Today has just been one thing after another, and it’s almost too much to keep up with. First I was in fight or flight mode, now I’m being comforted by someone I just met a few minutes ago? There’s too much information being shoved into my brain at once.

 

    He separated up from the hug, and I felt his warmth leave my body. A tear fell down my cheek and dripped off from my chin. I could feel my lip quiver. He patted my shoulder reassuringly, and gave him a smile that told me everything. A part of me didn’t trust him, but another part of me wanted to trust him. He said we’ve met before, so maybe that’s why I feel like I’ve seen him before. Obviously, he’s not telling the full truth as he said. I don’t know yet

 

    He then headed toward the door and opened it, but before he left he told me, “Don’t get into any trouble, all right? Just stay here and make yourself at home, or well, what’s left of one.”

 

    He didn’t give me time to answer before he left me alone in the eerie house. I heard the door click signalling he locked the door behind him, but I felt more safe that way. From what I heard today, I didn’t want any of those people from the outside getting their hands on me, even if they can’t get in with the wards.

 

    I stood there for a while, having no idea what to do with myself.  I walked out of the living room and wandered around until I found the kitchen. I spotted the fridge, and my stomach immediately gave me a reminder of the last time I ate, which I don’t know. I walked to the fridge and opened the door. A blast of cold air blew in my face, but there was no food, to my disappointment. Or anything for that matter. What does Alex eat? Air? I really wouldn’t be that surprised if he did. 

 

    I sighed sadly and wondered around the house more, being it was the only thing that would entertain me. The house had practically no furniture, or any accessories to make it unique. I shrugged it off and made my way upstairs. 

 

    I grimaced at how steep and creaky they were. Things only got worse as I got upstairs. The paint on the walls were peeling off and some of the doors were starting to hang off of it’s hinges. I was a bit terrified of falling through the floor, among everything else like, I don’t know, death? I shouldn’t really complain, I’m safe, and that’s all that matters.

 

    Eventually I found myself in an empty bedroom. I looked around the room, but nothing caught my attention. The bed had plain white covers along with the pillow. I sat down on the bed, and surprised myself with how soft and fluffy the bed is. I took the moment to realize how exhausted I was. I peeled back the covers and face planted into the bed. Hopefully Alex wouldn’t mind.

 

    Just as I started to lose consciousness, I swear I saw a shadowy figure in the corner of my eye.