Chapter 114 A Taste of Camp Life


    Theresa gave a slight nod as the scenery outside began to shift. The rundown shacks faded behind them. gradually giving way to proper homes. This part of the camp clearly had tighter security measures in ce. Early members who helped establish the ce now livedfortably, a stark contrast to those still stuck in tents on the outskirts.


    Graham took a turn off the main road, revealing a whole new side of the camp.


    Identical buildings stood neatly along spotless streets. The ce felt organized, almost too quiet. There weren’t any loitering survivors-only patrol guards walking their routes like clockwork.


    Warm lights glowed from the windows, casting a soft ambiance that almost felt like life before the world went sideways.


    After a few more turns, the pickup pulled up in front of a cozy two-story house.


    A small garden sat out front,plete with trimmed hedges and flowers-rare sights these days.


    “This is where Lucas lives,” Kyle mentioned, ncing over at Theresa as he killed the engine.


    She stepped out just as a man walked out to greet them. He wasn’t in uniform today-just in clothes that made him look a little more approachable.


    ‘Ms. Hall,” Lucas greeted with a nod.


    Theresa replied casually, “Hey, Mr. Keaton.”


    Wee to K1 Camp,” Lucas offered with a polite smile.


    ‘Thanks! I’ve got to say, I’m impressed. Your camp’s buzzing with people and full of energy. You must be doing something right,” Theresa remarked, shing him a warm grin.


    Lucas looked slightly flustered but responded with a sincere tone. “If you like it here, maybe think about joining us. There’s a spot for you if you want it. We’re always looking for capable people.”


    She chuckled. “I was just being polite. Don’t take it to heart.”


    He didn’t reply. He just gave her a silent look that said, Alright then… message received.


    Then, he reflected, Honestly, anyone who sees how she lives would get it. The ce runs like a machine-secure, stocked, and totally independent. She’s got everything handled, no need for extra help, and definitely no interest in ying by someone else’s rules.


    Moving into another camp? That’s just not happening.


    “Have you eaten?” Lucas asked, changing the subject.


    “Not yet. We came with empty stomachs, so I hope you’ve got something decent waiting,” she replied, half- joking.


    That was typical Theresa-straightforward and never shy.


    Lucas motioned for them to follow. “Let’s head to the canteen.”


    While walking, he gave her a quick overview of Kl Camp’syout. The camp was built in a valley, surrounded by hills. The tunnel they passed earlier was the only real entrance. This made it secure. although it limited ess to farnd. As the poption continued to grow, managing food became increasingly difficult.


    To address the shortage, they established a rationing system. Everyone got two pieces of bread and a bowl of soup daily. If anyone wanted extra, they were wee to go scavenging. The camp only imed half of whatever they brought back.


    There were also jobs within the camp-people who helped with building or maintenance carned points, which they could trade for food. On average, a full day’s work got you one point, just enough for a piece of bread.


    Life here wasn’t easy. Every day was a hustle to earn your next meal.


    Lucas led them to Canteen No. 2, which was reserved for soldiers and staff, while Canteen No. 1 was for everyone else.


    Beep. Beep. Beep.


    He tapped his ID card three times against the payment scanner. The first meal didn’t cost him anything, but the other two meals each deducted three points.


    A momentter, the staff handed over three trays. Each one held a chunk of coarse bread and a bowl of steaming soup-thin broth with a few meatballs and some wilted cabbage floating on top.


    It was a modest meal, but definitely better than the standard fare from Canteen No. 1.


    Lucas smiled apologetically. “Ms. Hall, it’s nothing fancy, but I hope it’s okay.”


    She eyed the food, then nced at him. “Didn’t you just get promoted? You’re still eating like this?”


    “This is how we do things here,” he replied with a shrug, handing her the tray with the extra meatballs as a small gesture of hospitality.


    Theresa let out a sigh. “You know, you and your team coulde to my camp instead. Conditions here are rough-my dog would probably refuse to stay.”


    Lucas didn’t respond. He just stared at her, clearly unsure of what to say to that.


    Out of courtesy, Theresa tore off half the bread and nibbled at it. However, the nd soup and questionable meatballs didn’t stand a chance-she barely nced at them. Her standards had gone up, and this just didn’t make the cut. Without a word, she slid the bowl over to Kyle.


    For her, looking out for her own people always came first-even if someone else was picking up the tab.


    Kyle, grateful as ever, didn’t waste a second. He polished off the tray as if it were a feast.