During breakfast—after Winter was teased—they had small talk about what they had planned for the day.
Simon suggested they go out in search of more food, which they all agreed upon. He also brought up the topic about the new storage door he saw downstairs.
Turning towards Winter, he asked, "Hey, am I tripping or has that storage door always been there?"
Winter shook his head. "Fortunately, you aren't tripping. That's a new storage room built among other things."
*Phew*
Wiping off the imaginary sweat off his forehead, Simon inquired. "So... are you gonna tell us how that room just appeared, "among others," or is that a secret?"
Placing his fork down, Winter explained about his hidden ability. He told them that it was a hidden skill called 'Creation', and that it allowed him to create things at a cost.
"That's how I was able to get the bow and sword. Other than that, the house has also been revamped. I installed a water and air purifier, bulletproof windows, attack-resistant walls, and steel doors—only for the front, back, and garage door," he explained.
The three sat there, taking in the information, when Simon excitedly asked, "Does that apply to food?!!?"
"Yes, it applies to food—"
Simon quickly stood up and rejoiced, declaring that from that day forward, Winter would be his King. Unfortunately, Winter shat on his parade with his next words.
"—But I won't be using it on food anytime soon, that would be a waste of my points."
Slumping down into the chair, Simon sighed dejectedly, causing the two girls to giggle at his misfortune.
Other than that, everyone quickly grasped the basics of his new 'ability.' To create things, he had to spend points. How he earned those points remained a mystery, but no one pushed for answers—they understood it was his hidden skill.
"By the way, I got the other room upstairs cleaned out. Any takers?" Winter asked.
Immediately, Ava raised her hand before Simon could. Simon didn't complain, he still had a whole room to himself.
Not being in the loop, Simon asked Sage and Ava. "So you two are going to be roommates?"
And being the instigator she was, Ava replied. "Actually, Sage is sleeping in—"
But before she could finish, Sage interrupted, stuffing a slice of toast in her mouth. "Yes, Ava and I are going to be sharing the room. It is the biggest room after all."
Though slightly suspicious, Simon brushed off the interaction like he'd always have.
After breakfast, Simon walked over to the sink with the dishes and washed them. The other three walked into the living room and started discussing their next course of action.
Ava started, "I know of a small shop not far from here."
"If you're talking about the convenience store, we already looted there," Winter responded.
Thinking for a second, Ava perked up again. "What about Safeway? They also have a pharmacy, and if it hasn't been looted, that would be a lot of gains."
Suddenly, after hearing that, Sage got up, forgetting something important. "My sister! My sister lives near the closest Safeway!
Winter thought about it momentarily. On one hand, the walkers that would be roaming around there would be no small number. On the other hand, Sage's sister lived over there, possibly alive.
If he were to say no, it would basically be him saying her sister wasn't important enough to take a risk for.
But then again, on the small chance the Safeway wasn't looted, it would be a huge windfall for their group. So after some back and forth, Winter complied.
"Alright, Sage and I will go. You and Simon stay here and hold down the fort for the time being."
Sage excitedly stood and hugged Winter. In that instant, she forgot about her attitude towards him and was happy that he cared so much about her.
Turning toward Simon—who had just returned from washing the dishes—he made a request of both him and Ava.
"In the meantime, can you and Ava transfer the foods that need to be stored into the storage room in the basement?"
Pausing, he added. "Well, at least all the food that hasn't been stored yet."
Simon sighed. "And I just got to my TV break..."
"I'm not asking you to do it right now, but it'd be best if we got a move on it before the food spoils," Winter replied.
"I'm kidding. I'll get started on that... as soon as I shower," Simon said, backing away.
Winter said nothing but gritted his teeth in silence. In his head, he already had a torturous training regime for Simon when they got back.
Watching Simon run into the bathroom, he turned towards Ava.
"Make sure he does all the heavy lifting."
-------
Done with their light packing, Winter and Sage set out—not before laying down precautions.
"One. Don't open the door for anyone unless you see it's us at the door. Even then, until you hear one of us say 'apocalust', the door remains shut."
"Two. Keep the blinds shut. If people know there are people inside, they will try to find their own way in."
"And three. No loud noises. Even if we think we've cleared all the walkers around. There can always be some lurking. And I don't trust Simon, for the life of me." Deadpanning into her eyes, he added. "Tell him that."
After listening to the rules, Ava agreed. They were very simple and would keep them safe until their return. If they were to do any of those and attract unwanted attention, it could spell disaster.
"I'll take note of all these, and I'll make sure my hard-headed brother knows of them too," Ava stated.
Turning away, Winter and Sage waved at her as the sound of the door shutting echoed behind them.
"Safeway, here we come."