Chapter Text
"Be sure to let people inside," my neighbour told me. What the hell? The sun was exploding, 'Visitors' were digging up from underground and isolated bastard like myself had to let people in. It was like everyone's worst fears were coming true at once.
I sat in the kitchen, staring down a cup of coffee. The night had just fallen, and the heat had come down enough to venture outside, but I had less reason to leave now than I had before all this.
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.
I jumped at the sound. It was something so rare to me, but I had a feeling I'd have to get used to it.
I crept up to the door and looked through the peephole. On the other side stood a man so tall his face was obscured.
"What do you want?" I called out.
"Can I come in?" His voice was gruff. "I was taking shelter at a bar down the road, but… They kicked me out. Just like that."
I interrogated him for a bit, thinking back to what my neighbour said. I'd have to trust at least a few of them. Surviving alone when things were normal was manageable, but in this apocalypse... I doubted even I could do it.
"Alright, come in." I lowered my gun and let the man enter.
His gaunt face perked with a smile, and he thanked me with a cut off promise.
He had to keep his head down to not hit the low ceiling. "Same old story in these time worn houses," he grumbled, "Did they not have people like me back in the day?"
"We barely have people like you nowadays," I replied dryly. The gun felt heavy in my hands. His odd proportions made me a bit wary.
"You better not turn that blasted thing on me," he warned with a flinch.
I pulled it up to my chest, "You better not give me a reason to."
He clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"What should I call you?" I asked him.
"Does it even matter anymore? The world's going up in flames and I'm just some guy trying to avoid stoking the fires. Not that I've done a great job at that, if I'll be honest."
"What if I dropped the 'just some' and called you 'Guy'."
"Hmh," he rubbed his chin and mumbled, "I suppose it could be appropriate. What about you?"
"None of your business."
"Hypocrite."
I told Guy to follow me in the kitchen. I wasn't quite ready to let him wander my house alone. We sat down and looked at each other in silence. Before we could even consider getting a conversation started there was another knock at the door. I picked the gun back up and went to the door.
"H-Hello!"
A woman with a red bob, tired eyes and a kind yet uncertain smile looked at the peephole.
"Sorry to bother you so late... It was just so hot out today, and the TV said we shouldn't go out in the sun, so... Could you maybe... Um, find some space for me?"
It was nice to have someone with a gentler demeanour at my door after Guys rough entrance.
"Who are you?" I asked.
She fidgeted with the hem of her shirt and nervously glanced over her lower shoulder.
"Umm, I lived out near the city. The asphalt over there's heating up pretty bad, as you can imagine, heh. Heh heh." Her nervousness seemed to manifest as little laughs breaking up her sentences.
"I actually worked the register at a local store. At one point, I mean. I don't anymore. They, um...fired me." The smile she'd bravely held up faltered. "I've always had bad luck with work... "
I stayed silent for a moment. She jumped at the slightest sounds, clearly worried for her safety.
"What are you going to do now?"
"Ummmm... Try to survive somehow?" She pushed her short hair behind her ear. "It's freaky out here, with these Visitors everywhere and the sun roasting everything. But I'd really like to live. Heh heh. Ughhh...
"Aren't you scared?" Her eyes suddenly became wide from terror. "Tell me it'll all be over soon, please..."
Her nervousness felt relatable in many ways. She was right too, this all did terrify me. I couldn't even imagine turning her away. But she'd be the last one, at least for tonight. Two guests were already pushing me to an edge.
"Come in."
A whimper hitched in her throat "Thank you. Haha!" Her laugh was one of pure relief. "Thanks so much-seriously!"
I opened the door and she got so excited it looked like she'd jump me. I brought the gun to my chest, and she quickly pulled her hands back. Her gaze fell toward the ground from embarrassment.
"Now I get to live a little longer, thank god."
I got a better look at her once she was inside. Her back was curved in a way that made her right shoulder hunch high. She certainly looked unique. I noted she wasn't wearing any shoes, as though she'd left in a hurry.
Guy sat opposite to the door in the dimly lit kitchen. He leaned against the table and looked her up and down. I figured he was sobering up to an inevitable hangover, seeing how his lids had started drooping.
The girl stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed him watching her. Guys hand was covering his mouth, probably holding back a burp, or worse. He eventually glanced at me and I cleared my throat.
"Go in the kitchen," I ordered her sternly. She hugged herself and shook her head lightly. Maybe I was a bit too stern.
"I just want to know who I'm going to have as guests in my house," I tried to reassure her, "I can give you something to drink, if you'd like." She flinched away when I tried to touch her shoulder. She'd gone pale and her breathing was shallow.
"You alright, girl?" Guy spoke up, looking at her under furrowed brows. She glanced at the gun in my hands and back toward the entrance.
I exchanged looks once more with Guy.
"Hey. It'll be okay," I tried to speak as calmly as possible and leaned the gun against the dresser. "You'll be safe here, I promise."
She'd completely shut down. Her thumb was stuck between her lips, and bloodshot eyes shook back and forth. She must've gone through something rough recently. I had no clue how to proceed. I certainly didn't want her to run off into the night alone. It was odd to feel such a strong need to keep her safe, considering we'd just met. She felt familiar in an uncomfortably soothing way.
Eventually Guy sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Do you trust me by now? I'm exhausted and could do with some shut eye." The girl timidly looked at Guy as he got up, his figure towering over hers.
"Fine." I stayed near the girl so she wouldn't try to run off. "Go to the room left from the hallway. There's a sofa you can try to fit on."
He let out long yawn and stumbled into the living room. "Cheers. We'll talk more in the morning then." The door shut behind him and so my new guest and I were left alone. The girl’s shoulders relaxed a bit and she looked at me.
"I can make coffee for you, or tea. I think I have tea somewhere. I've got beer too." She quickly looked away at the suggestion. "Right, no beer," I hastily added. "Water, maybe?"
Without responding she walked in the kitchen on her own volition and sat on the chair opposite to the door. I followed her and left the door slightly open behind us.
Her gaze followed every move I made, like pray preparing to bounce if needed. I got her a glass of water and set it in front of her.
"What's your name?"
"I--" She blinked multiple times, "I- don't..."
I caught her drift and cut her off with a raised hand. "That's okay. Guy wouldn't tell me either." Her eyes were now avoiding mine. "You said you worked the cash register, right?"
"M-mhm... Used to. At least. Heh." The chuckle felt like an improvement.
"What if I called you Cassie then?" I suggested.
A small nod from her sealed the nickname.
"Uhm... W-what's your name?" She asked in return.
"I'm just the owner of this house. That's all you need to know." I wanted to add as little value to my humanity as I could. We'd all probably die soon, so there was no point in getting sentimental over names and the stories they carried.
She tilted the glass in front of her. "Aren't you being a little hypocritical? Heh heh."
I scoffed. "Not you too." Maybe it wasn't true for everyone, but at least my story wasn't one worth remembering.
I watched her gnaw at her fingernails for a moment. "Maybe you'd like to wash your hands before biting them. They're looking pretty rough."
Her fingers had dark spots from dirt lodged in the prints and a layer of soil caked her nails. She seemed to only now notice it, spitting the grains of sand on her palm. "You're right. Heh. How did they get so dirty...?"
A great question I had hoped she'd have the answer to.
The rest of the night went by in relative peace. I let Cassie stay in the office and Guy was snoring loud in the living room. As I was brushing my teeth I heard someone knock at the door, but I told them to go away. As horrible as it may be, I couldn't deal with another person that night. My nerves were already high strung, and I didn't want to risk any mishaps with my shotgun.
After hearing the person walk off my porch I went to finish my evening wash. If nothing else, at least I had my hygiene well and maintained. I looked over my healthy row of teeth once more and left to go to bed. My heart nearly leaped from my chest when I saw a figure creep into the closet.
"Who's there?" I snarled into the darkness. My hand reached toward the light switch, but I stopped and quickly pulled back. I didn't want to alert anyone outside to come knocking again.
"I-I'm sorry!" It was Cassie. "The office was freaking me out. Heh heh." She gulped. "It's just so open... I thought I could sleep in the closet instead. Maybe."
I rubbed my tired eyes. "Yeah, okay. Whatever. Just... Don't look in the boxes. There's some personal things in them."
"Of course I won't!" She thanked me for understanding and shut herself inside as I walked to my bedroom. That girl was an odd one. It was intriguing in its own way.
*
Another morning came about and I was still alive. The heat was disgusting and my house felt like a sauna, but surely it was better than the furnace outside. A sound of snoring reminded me that there were now others in the house with me. Once I managed to drag myself out of bed I went and knocked on the living room door to check up on Guy. After a moment of no response, I peeked inside. He was still asleep with his legs hanging off the armrest. Next up was checking the closet Cassie had taken to rest in.
"Wait a moment!" I heard the girl call out.
"It's okay. Just wanted to make sure you're still alive."
I went and got some water to moisten the desert that was my throat. Thankfully the pipes hadn't melted or anything of the sorts, but there was no hope for a refreshing drink straight out of the tap. The thought of stocking up on water crossed my mind. I'd need clean containers...
My planning was cut short when I heard the closet door open. Cassie crept out, wiping off sweat from under her bangs.
"God, it's hot," she smiled tiredly and came in the kitchen with me, "Can I have some water? Uhm. Please."
"Of course." I pulled out a chair for her to sit down but she shook her head.
"No. I mean, it's okay. I'll go back in the closet. If you don't mind. Heh."
"Are you planning on hiding in there indefinitely, or...?" I asked while filling a cup for her.
"I don't know--"
The door of the living room swung open, and I heard Guy walk through, grumbling and yawning. Cassie froze in place.
"Ugh, my head..." He stopped at the kitchen door and leaned inside, swaying a bit.
"I need water right now." After a moment he continued, "Please."
"Just a moment." I gave a cup to Cassie and filled another for Guy. He reached for it over Cassies head. She trembled under his stretched-out arm as though expecting a strike to the back of her neck. Guy thanked me and swallowed the whole cup in one big gulp.
"You know what," he gently nudged Cassie on the shoulder, causing her to jump and choke down a nervous whimper. "I'm just going to get it myself."
He shoved past us to the sink, murmuring apologies and pushing Cassie to the corner by my side. Guy went on to gulp five more cups before slowing down on the sixth.
"This is really happening then," Guy spoke again, staring at the sink, "The world is burning up. And those Visitors..." He leaned his head against the kitchen cabinet. "To think we'll have a chance is a fucking madness on its own!" His large fist slammed against the counter in exclamation. Cassie suddenly pushed past me and ran to the door leading outside, surprising us both.
Once her hand reached the handle she hesitated for a moment. Her shoulders slumped in defeat and arm fell to her side. She may have been terrified of us, but the fear of the searing sun overran it, it seemed.
"I'm sorry," Guy murmured, "Ugh. My head is pounding and the heat is making my skin itch all over."
"You better keep those outbursts under control," I said pointedly.
He pinched his nose bridge. "I'll try."
I slowly walked over to Cassie. "I don't know what's got you this jumpy, but you'll be safe here. Safer than out in the sun, at least. Trust me."
Her eyes were watering when she turned away from the door. "I- I'm sorry. Maybe I'll, uhm, explain later. Ugh..." She took a hold of her stomach and pushed past me to hide in the closet again.
I sighed deep and went back in the kitchen to prep coffee for us. Guy sat down opposite to me and waited for it to finish brewing. To break the awkward silence, I decided to ask him about getting kicked out of the bar.
*
I didn't have energy for much in the heat. After a decent chat with Guy, I was spent and took some time to simply lay in bed, watching ballerinas dance gracefully on the television, yet feeling worse for it. The news broadcast came on and I increased the volume. It seemed things were only getting worse. There was some good news though. They had identified a way to recognize Visitors; Perfect and white teeth.
I prodded at my canines with my tongue. How is that supposed to be helpful? I kept my teeth in perfect shape. I didn't have money to get them fixed if I didn't take care of them. It was still better than nothing I supposed. While things had been calm in my house so far, I figured I should test the others.
With effort I pushed myself off the bed and went to the living room. Guy had unbuttoned his shirt and was wafting air to his face with a magazine he'd found.
"I need to test you," I said.
He arched his glistening brows. "What do you mean?"
"They found a way to identify Visitors. Perfect, white teeth."
"What kind of bull is that?" He retaliated with a low growl. "Can't a fellow take care of their hygiene without getting scrutinized?"
"I don't know, but I might as well check. I'm not going to make decisions based on just that, don't worry."
He groaned and leaned over to me. I barely had to bend down to look at his teeth. He moved his lips out of the way so I could check each corner. I could smell cigarette smoke and lingering sadness on his breath. His teeth were of one who managed to brush them once a day and possibly spat the toothpaste out with beer. They were fine.
"Looks normal. You could do with a dentists check-up though."
"Ah, of course," He let go of his lips and rubbed the spit off his fingers, "Let me go find one so they'll be pristine when the sun swallows us whole. Piss off."
I left him grumbling on his own and went over to the closet.
"Cassie," I knocked on the door, "I need to check on you."
There was no answer, so I opened the door. She was laying on the ground against a corner, looking at me like a snake ready to defend itself.
"Come on now, get up," I instructed her, "I need to check your teeth."
"Teeth? That's odd... Heh." She took a hold of the edge of the shelf and pulled herself up. "Why?"
"Perfect teeth can apparently show if someone is a Visitor. It doesn't sound very accurate, but it doesn't hurt to check, right?"
"Uhm... Okay." She pulled her lips apart to show me rows of white, perfectly aligned teeth. Her breathing became heavier when she saw my concerned look.
She let go of her lips and wiped her hands together. "I- I recently got them fixed. I think."
"You think?"
"Yes. Uhm... When I went to the hospital for my back. Probably." Her eyes searched around the room for a lost memory. "Or... did I? I can't remember a dentist..." I took a step back toward the door.
"Ugh... I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast yesterday, heh heh." Her palm went to her forehead, and she rubbed it as if to trying to rub the memory into existence.
"That's okay," I said, "I'm not going to do anything drastic based on just your teeth." Her sudden memory loss did make me a bit weary, though.
She gripped at her hair and walked back and forth the small closet. I decided to try and make small talk to help her calm down. "So... What happened to you before you came here?"
She was quiet at first but eventually opened up. As she told me her story, I started to understand her reaction to Guy last night. Her stomach began aching and I didn't want to push her, so I simply asked if she needed water and gave her space.
Existing around people after so long was exhausting to me. I made a decision that for now they'd be the only two I let in. My conscience fought against my nature, but without a shove my nature would always win. The reason I let even a few in was to appease my neighbour. I decided to give him a call before laying down for the rest of the day.
I had to admit that it felt less bad to have people with me than I worried at first. Still overwhelming, but I'd manage.
*
The next night came around, and I was woken up by a knock on the door. The one knocking was persistent, spending at least half an hour trying to get my attention. They finally left and I managed to get a moment of sleep before another came knocking again. This time they stayed for an hour and yelled from time to time. I nearly cracked in my resolve but held steady until they were gone.
It wasn't too long after the last that another came to my door. I threw my pillow back over my ears, trying to silence it. A loud knock on my bedroom door shocked me fully awake.
"Get up, you!" Guy's voice thundered from the other side. "You can't keep ignoring them. I can't get a wink of sleep with the constant fucking banging." I got up and out into the hallway. Guy stood in front of me, arms crossed.
"Let them in," He demanded. "You can't keep leaving people out there when there's plenty of space inside."
I lifted the shotgun to my chest to make a point. "What if they're a Visitor?"
"And what if they're not? They won't survive out there. Quit being selfish and help the fellow survive another night, just like you did with me. They'll appreciate it, I'm certain."
He gave me one last stern look before retreating back into the living room. For some odd reason I felt I owed him his wish. He was my shove that night.
"Who's there?" I called out to the person on the other side. Waving at the peephole was a short, shaved guy with a punchable grin. I looked closer to see the patch on his shirt. What the hell is Amogus?
"Yoooooo! You been seein' all the shit goin' on? Fuckin' crazy!" His snotty voice grated at me immediately. "You holdin' up okay in there, bro?"
Why did it have to be this guy?