Guys, I'm sorry for the slow updates on the fanfiction. I was diagnosed with tuberculosis about a week ago. Don't worry—I'm not dropping the fanfiction. However, the update schedule will be slower for now, around 3–4 chapters a week. Please bear with me until I recover a bit more. Thank you so much for your constant support!
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Dean watched as the Matthews family's RV pulled away, the sound of its engine fading into the silence of the street. He looked toward Kenny. "All the new arrivals will be kept in the clinic, right?"
Kenny nodded quickly. "Yeah. That's the safest option. We'll have a few townspeople keep watch too, just in case someone tries to do something… stupid."
Dean glanced at the clinic. "But isn't your father in there too? Wouldn't it be better, and safer, to keep him at your house instead of here?"
The question caught Kenny off guard. His eyes widened as he realized he had forgotten about his father in all the chaos with the crash and the new arrivals. Guilt crossed his face. "Damn… you're right. Thanks, Dean."
He ran toward the clinic doors, calling back, "I'll be back in a jiffy!"
Dean nodded and watched him disappear inside. He took a breath, then walked over to Boyd. The sheriff stood with his usual serious expression, as if carrying the weight of the whole town.
"Seven new people in a single day," Dean said. "That's got to be a hell of a headache."
Boyd had been lost in thought but turned at Dean's voice. His reply was heavy. "It definitely is. Every new arrival means more mouths to feed, more people to protect, and more chances for something to go wrong. I just hope no one dies."
Dean nodded. "Me too." His voice was calm, but in his mind, there was more behind it. For him, survival wasn't just about living—it tied directly to his world progress percentage and missions. And now with the new mission, he had to make sure that Matthews family, Jade and his friend survive the night.
That was why he had come to Boyd. Dean's eyes narrowed slightly as he said, "I'll stay here tonight. At the clinic. With the others."
Boyd blinked, surprised. He studied Dean. "Wouldn't it be safer if you waited at my house? You'd be away from the commotion."
Dean shook his head firmly. He had already made his choice. He wouldn't abandon this challenge unless his life was truly in danger. With Ghost Veil to cloak him, True Awareness to guide him, and the spare key to Boyd's house as a backup, he felt confident he had more than enough ways to protect himself if things went south.
He met Boyd's eyes. "Safer, maybe. But this is where I need to be."
Boyd's brow furrowed, his confusion clear. Why would Dean willingly put himself in danger when he had a safe place to stay?
Dean noticed the doubt in Boyd's eyes and spoke before the sheriff could question him. "You saved my life before. This is the least I can do to pay you back. I'll watch over these people and make sure they don't cause problems."
Boyd shook his head. "Dean, you don't have to do that. You're new too. Nobody expects—"
Dean cut him off. "Don't try to convince me. I've already decided. I'll help you. I won't just sit on the sidelines while you carry the weight yourself."
The sheriff went silent. He wasn't used to outsiders taking responsibility so quickly. But clearly Dean was different.
Boyd studied him. "You realize what you're offering, don't you? If something goes wrong, if those things come knocking, you'll be stuck here with us."
Dean nodded. "I know the risk. But I'm not walking away. This is where I need to be."
Boyd exhaled slowly. He wanted to argue, but Dean's resolve left no room.
He finally gave a small nod, though the tension in his shoulders remained. "Alright. If that's your choice, I won't fight you on it.
Dean replied, "Thanks, Sheriff."
Just then, Kenny's voice came from inside the clinic. "Dean! Would you mind coming here? I need some help with carrying this table!"
Dean lifted his head toward the doorway and shouted back, "Coming!" He glanced at Boyd, gave a short nod, and said, "See you later."
Boyd stayed where he was after Dean disappeared inside, arms crossed as the sky darkened. His expression didn't shift much, but inside, he was weighing the kid.
Most newcomers cracked fast—fear, anger, denial. Some fought, some begged, some just sat down and gave up. Dean wasn't doing any of that. He stepped forward, clear-headed, volunteering to watch over strangers he barely knew. That wasn't normal.
Boyd wasn't about to start trusting him just yet. Trust in this place had to be earned, and earned the hard way. But still… at least the kid was a bit reliable.
He rubbed a hand over his face and glanced at the fading horizon. With seven new people to manage, an extra steady pair of eyes inside the clinic might make a difference—even if he didn't know whether Dean could keep it up once the monsters came scratching at the doors.
Meanwhile Dean stepped inside the clinic and spotted Kenny waiting near his father, Mr. Liu, who sat quietly in a wheelchair. Kenny scratched the back of his neck, looking uneasy.
"I'm sorry," Kenny said, almost sheepishly. "But my father won't go without his chess table."
Dean glanced at the small wooden table near the wall, with a folded chessboard and a packet of pawns and pieces resting on top. He gave a small shrug. "No trouble," he said, stepping forward.
He bent down, lifted the table carefully, and tucked the board and packet under his arm. While, Kenny took hold of the wheelchair handles and slowly pushed his father forward.
Dean shifted the table to one arm and looked down at the older man. "Evening, Mr. Liu," he said politely.
Mr. Liu kept his gaze fixed forward. He didn't respond. His hands rested still in his lap, his face tight with quiet stubbornness.
Kenny noticed the awkward pause and spoke quickly. "Don't mind him. He's upset he can't stay here at the clinic."
Dean gave a small nod, not pushing further. Together they stepped out of the clinic and started walking towards Kenny's house. His mom was still at Diner closing everything up so nobody was home at the moment.
The walk to Kenny's house wasn't long. When they reached the house, Kenny opened the door with his shoulder and maneuvered his father inside. Dean followed, setting the table and board down where Kenny pointed.
They worked quickly, arranging the chair and belongings so Mr. Liu was comfortable. Kenny fussed a bit, making sure his father had everything he needed. Dean stood back quietly, waiting until Kenny was done.
Finally, Kenny straightened and gave Dean a grateful look. "Thanks. Really. That would've been a pain to handle alone."
Dean just nodded. "No problem."
They stepped back outside together, closing the door behind them.
As they walked, Kenny shoved his hands into his pockets. "So… I hear you're going to stay with us at the clinic tonight."
Dean arched an eyebrow. "You were eavesdropping?"
Kenny gave a crooked grin. "Well, you guys weren't exactly whispering."
Dean smiled faintly as he replied to Kenny's earlier question," I am."
Kenny went on, his tone thoughtful. "It's a good thing, though. Most people would've chosen the safer option if they had it. My dad always said this place forces people to show who they really are, and most of the time it's not pretty. But you… you volunteered. That means something."
Dean glanced at him, curious. "Means what?"
Kenny shrugged. "That you're not like the usual newcomers. And if you're willing to stay with us when night falls, well… that makes me feel a hell of a lot better about the next few hours."
"Hey, we're all in this together, right?" Dean smiled at him.
"Yeah, we are," Kenny replied as they passed by the diner.
Up ahead, Tian Chen stood outside, pulling down the shades and locking the door.
Kenny raised a hand. "Hey, Ma!" he called. "I already took Dad home. He's set up and comfortable."
Tian Chen turned at the sound of his voice. Her face softened, though her eyes still showed the weariness of the long day. "Good," she said with a nod.
Dean gave her a polite nod. "Evening, ma'am."
Tian, still making sure the lock was secure, glanced up. She offered a small, polite smile. "晚上会很难熬 (The night will be hard)," she said in Chinese.
Dean didn't understand the words until Kenny explained to him. He kept his tone steady. "Yeah, looks like it."
Tian stepped closer, brushing her hands against her apron before folding her arms. Her gaze moved between Kenny and Dean. "You boys be careful," she said firmly. "The clinic's going to be crowded, and crowded means unpredictable. Keep your heads straight."
Kenny nodded quickly. "We will, Mom. Don't worry."
Dean added after Kenny translated to him again, "We'll watch each other's backs."
Tian gave them both a long look, then let out a breath and offered a faint smile. "That's all I ask. Go on now. Don't linger longer than you need to. Night's coming."
Dean and Kenny nodded and started toward the clinic.
Up ahead, the RV sat parked on the side of the road, its headlights dark in the fading light. The Matthews family had already finished their two loops and finally stopped, just as Jim had told Boyd he would.
Dean and Kenny slowed a little when they saw Jim step out of the RV first. Tabitha followed right behind him and so did their kids, Ethan and Julie.
Not far from the clinic, behind the trunk of a thick tree, a man stood completely still. His eyes followed the new arrivals closely, every movement catching his attention. When his gaze landed on Dean, his face twisted. His whole body shook, as if something inside him was pushing to break free.
Then a crazy smile formed across his face.
That man was none other than Kevin.
And in the fading sunlight, his smile promised nothing but madness.
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