The Monster In Me

Must be Strong

“So, if you're tired, just put me down. I can still walk alone, kok,” said Helsa slowly. Both of his eyes seemed to close for quite a while before he again forced him to open. His body trembled slightly due to the rain that fell a moment ago. “Kakak has been carrying me since, even we have not rested at all. Sister must be tired.”

Zean shook his head quickly. For a moment he stopped walking to correct the position of the brother on his back. “You are underestimating Brother too much. Although Sis is more often starred in romantic dramas, but Sis has also played action films. Physical Brother as strong as a wrestling fighter.”

“Really? Then why does it feel like Big Brother's legs are shaking constantly, huh?”

Helsa's innocent question made Zean speechless. Slowly he bent down and saw the lower part of his body that had been struggling to bring himself and his sister ventured to find a safe place. Zean could no longer walk. The weight of his sister who was not light, as well as a backpack full of drugs and supplies continued to press his body down. Supporting gravity that had seduced him to immediately give up and just lay on the ground.

They were lucky enough, because from now on, they had not met many zombies. Only occasionally cross paths, even with zombies that do not have intact bodies anymore or zombies that can still be avoided by sneaking around. However, that does not mean that they are both safe.

Zean was well aware, that there was no safe place for them in this place. Even if they managed to get out of the Playground, it could be that they will still have to deal with the terrible creatures. Therefore, Zean continued to force himself to keep moving.

‘But it seems like I can't go on like this. I might even collapse and trouble Eca,’ thought Zean. Finally, he slightly bowed, signaling the younger brother to get off his back immediately. The position of those behind the giant turtle statue made their figure quite hidden. It was appropriate for them to rest.

“We rest first not because Brother is tired, but because it is not good to continue to force our bodies to walk,” said Zean a little lie, which was only responded to with a naughtiness by the sister.

“Why haven't we met anyone else, huh, sister?” helsa asked as the two of them sat next to each other. Without caring about their clothes that are wet exposed to puddles on the streets.

Zean who was observing the device attached to the arm of the sister then shook his head. “Maybe they are also hiding so it is difficult for us to find.”

Helsa nodded softly, before she finally pursed her lips when she found out what made her brother so anxious at this moment. “HP we're both dead out of battery, so we can't monitor my blood sugar levels, huh?”

“Iya. And it looks like this tool also hit something. Does your arm not hurt?” ask Zean to worry.

“No. No one is sick. I just ...,” Helsa plays her fingers restlessly. “I just feel a little dizzy, limp, and nauseous.”

Zean struggled to hold back from looking panicked, even though he was desperate to scream. Helsa's current face looked pale, and the girl also let out a lot of sweat despite not moving much. On a typical day, Zean would feel quite calm because the sophisticated tool attached to Helsa's arm would help him to keep an eye on his sister's condition. To be more precise, monitor the girl's blood sugar. Zean only needs to react quickly whenever an alarm from the device or from his phone goes off.

However, now the two supporting devices can not function properly. Zean must be able to use his own wits to help his sister. It clearly makes the young man more panicked, because in his lifetime, he did not learn many things about matters related to human health.

Eventually a memory of her mother's message makes Zean snap a finger. “When Eca looks weak and exhausted, it means she needs sugar intake,” mumbled slowly while reaching for a backpack nearby.

Zean heaved a sigh of relief when he found that their supplies were still quite complete. He took out a loaf of bread, fruit juice, candy, and glucose tablets, and arranged them in front of Helsa. “Select the one you want. Just one of them. Do not let your blood sugar levels rise drastically.”

Helsa smiled a thin smile, and picked up a candy without a second thought. Not only because he was not hungry, but also because he was quite aware that the current situation required them to be frugal. No one knows when they will have to survive without a single person sending them food.

“Kakak too, eat something,” pinta Helsa while poking her strawberry-flavored candy.

Zean shook his head. His hand patted the top of his head gently. “Not necessary. Last time, right, Brother already drank your fizzy drink. If Brother eats again, it could be that Brother's stomach is distended,” reject it while saving food and drinks that are not selected by Helsa.

Helsa chuckled at hearing that. Since long ago, his brother has always been paying attention and maintaining appearance.

The atmosphere between the brothers now felt very calm and peaceful, as if they were in a beautiful Flower Garden, rather than in a chaotic Playground due to zombie attacks. Helsa closed her eyes, enjoying the breeze of the wind, although she had to slightly cover her nose with her hands due to the fishy smell that spread. That little girl was really tough to deal with all this.

Zean stretched out his legs and moved closer to Helsa. To allow his sister to sleep by laying her head on her lap. However, he had not had time to do so, he heard someone's slow steps towards them.

Helsa who also heard him reflex moved and hid behind the sister's back. While Zean stood up and mounted his scruffy horses, preparing to attack or defend himself from strangers who might have intended to harm them both.

“Wow, don't be! I came in peace,” said Taka haughty. He was standing right in front of Zean. Turning to and fro while showing off some parts of his body, such as arms, neck, back, and legs. “See? I haven't been bitten or scratched by any of those damn creatures. I'm still a human being!”

Still in a state of alert, Zean looked at Taka from head to toe. “Then, what do you want? You've been following us since, right? I thought you were just lost, but why suddenly come to us like this?”

Is correct. Zean knew someone was following them, but he was silent because the stranger was not showing any suspicious movements either. Very different from the current, Taka seemed to continue grinning suspiciously.

Taka licked his lips which looked very dry. “Good. I won't mince words.” Suddenly the young man took out a large shard of glass and stretched it out in front of Zean's face. “Give me your backpack!”

***