Cherreads

Chapter 21 - What is her decision?

Roy (softly)-I'm sorry.

Ruby (quietly)-Yeah... me too.

Jack (calmly)-It's her house... her family. Let her decide.

(Everyone sits down, but Fiona stays standing.)

Fiona: I... I need a little solitude.

(She walks to the other side and gazes down at the street. The scene overwhelms her — the roads are filled with growling zombies, and the lifeless body of a dog lies in the middle. She closes her eyes, fear creeping in as she envisions her parents.)

(Suddenly, a tap on her shoulder startles her.)

Ruby: Hey, it's just me. What are you looking at?

(She glances down and understands why Fiona's so shaken.)

Ruby (softly): Hmm... I get it. You're torn — between protecting us or going back for your parents.

(She pulls a coin from her pocket.)

Ruby: Let's leave it to fate.

Fiona: You're insane.

(She pauses.)

Fiona (softly): But… you're right.

Ruby: Alright. If it's tails, we find another flat. If it's heads, we go to your place. Ready?

(Fiona nods. Ruby flips the coin — it lands on tails.)

Ruby (grinning): Tails it is! We'll find another place.

Fiona: Let me see that coin.

Ruby (nervously): What? You think I'm cheating?

Fiona: Give it.

(Fiona snatches the coin, flips it, and sees both sides are tails. She looks at Ruby with teary, softened eyes.)

Ruby: Don't cry… please.

(Suddenly, Ruby's stomach growls loudly.)

Ruby: See? You're hungry.

Fiona: You scammer. That was your stomach!

Ruby: Okay, okay! But I bet your stomach's asking for something too.

(She tickles Fiona.)

Fiona: Stop!

(She starts laughing through tears.)

Ruby: I can't tell if you're crying or laughing!

(They both burst into laughter. Meanwhile...)

Jack (from a distance): What's going on with them?

Roy (smiling): Whatever it is… at least she's smiling.

(Ruby and Fiona rejoin the group and sit down.)

Ruby: So… what's for dinner?

Jin: I'm hungry too.

Jisu (opening her purse): I've got cookies!

Roy: I have choco pies.

19 Century: I brought Maggi.

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