Chapter 132
A week later, everything remained peaceful. The frostbitten world outside continued its relentless grip, but inside their small shelter, Karl, Jane, and Layla found solace in the routine they had built. There were no more strange noises at night, no knocks at the door, and no figures lurking in the shadows.
Karl spent his days ensuring their supplies were well-organized. Jane focused on reinforcing their shelter using materials scavenged from nearby ruins. Layla, ever resourceful, kept hunting small animals, providing fresh food to supplement their stored supplies.
One morning, as the pale winter sunlight seeped through the boarded-up windows, Karl sat at the table, updating his map of the area. Jane sharpened her dagger absentmindedly, while Layla tended to the fire.
"Do you think they’re gone?" Jane finally asked, breaking the silence.
Karl looked up from his map, his expression calm. "Seems like it. We haven’t heard or seen anything unusual for days."
Layla nodded. "It’s strange. It’s like they just disappeared."
"Maybe they got bored," Jane said with a smirk, twirling her dagger. "Or realized they couldn’t mess with us."
Karl leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. "Whatever the reason, we can’t let our guard down. Peace doesn’t mean safety."
Jane rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. Layla added another log to the fire, the crackling flames filling the room with a comforting warmth.
For now, their world was quiet, almost tranquil. And for the first time in weeks, they allowed themselves to breathe a little easier. The threats they had faced seemed like distant memories, and within the fragile walls of their sanctuary, they felt a small glimmer of hope.
Just as the peaceful morning settled, a sudden knock at the door startled the trio. Karl exchanged a wary glance with Jane and Layla before standing up cautiously, gripping the crowbar he kept nearby. He approached the door and called out, "Who is it?"