City of Masks (Chapter 2)

We’ve been strolling around the city for less than half an hour by now. Renei shared that she’s been observing the strange city for the last few days. She recounted how she found herself in the middle of the street with no memories. As far as she knows, the city was devoid of any normal people.

“In a place like this,” I said. “We’re probably not the normal ones.”

“True” she replied. “But I can’t help wonder what happened to everyone.”

“I can’t even talk to them.”

“Maybe the bird-man slashed off their tongues.”

We passed by some masked people who were talking.

“They seem to understand each other” I commented. “When did the bird-man started chasing you?”

“About two days ago I think.”

“Whoa. Where did you hide long enough to stay away from him?”

“There’s a forest nearby” Renei pointed. “I only got back to the city to find food.”

My stomach grumbled. Renei pulled out a candy bar from her pocket.

“Here” she offered. “Take it.”

“Thank you!”

I quickly unwrapped the candy bar and munched on it.

“You know” Renei said. “I found that in the garbage pile.”

My eyes widened and I stopped chewing.

“Just kidding” Renei smiled.

----------

“We’re here!” Renei announced.

“What is this place?”

“It’s an abandoned storehouse with lots of food.”

I would’ve felt uneasy if I had gone here alone. The only source of light came from the windows and it showed a dusty place filled with webs. There were wooden crates full of supplies.

“Best part is, a lot of them will take a while to spoil” Renei said. “’course, I can’t carry them all so I get back here now and then.”

“Why would the masked people just abandon all this food?”

“I guess they can’t really eat it anymore.”

That actually made sense. Wait, how do they eat through their masks anyway? Before I got to ask, Renei spoke.

“Help me out here.”

I helped in dragging one of the crates.

“Wait here” Renei said. “I’m gonna get a crow bar.”

Curiosity lead me to read the crates. I studied the labels and learn what sort of food we’re getting. I hear a creak nearby. I saw a room with its door slightly open. The wind made it move.

I walked towards it. My hand was near to opening the door when…

“What are you doing?”

I freaked out.

“Renei! Don’t scare me like that!”

“I see that you found that room” she said. “I don’t think you wanna see what’s inside.”

“But I want to!”

“Alright. Lemme open it for you.”

The door creaked louder as Renei opened it. I gasped at what I saw.

“R-r-renei” I stuttered. “What is this?”