6
358words
Unexpectedly, Zach's parents showed up.
I'd met them before the apocalypse when Zach brought me home.
They looked down on me then.
Now, they were just as condescending.
“What are you doing here? Heard we're in charge and came crawling? Where's our son? Didn't you take care of him?”
Mrs. Wood looked me over, disdain clear.
“I always said you weren't good enough. Now you show your true colors.”
“The apocalypse hits, and you dump him to chase power?”
“Well, forget it. I have influence here. If I say you don't enter, you don't.”
I couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Where did they get the confidence that their son was some prize?
Mrs. Wood flushed. But as she raised her hand to hit me, I summoned a surge of water in my palm.
Enhanced by my powers, it was clearer, colder than normal water. Just being near it felt chilling — priceless in this heat.
The crowd went wild. People rushed toward me.
“Water! She's a water-wielder! We won't die of thirst!”
“Are you recruiting? I have lightning powers! I'll follow you anywhere — just give me some water!”
Zach's parents turned pale.
They knew how valuable a water-wielder was to the base. If the leader found out they'd insulted me, they'd pay dearly.
Mrs. Wood tried to save face, chin raised.
“Water powers? Not bad. Fine, I'll allow you to date my son.”
Someone with a short temper punched her in the face.
“Who the hell do you think you are? Desperate for water? Look at your son — he's nothing! Get the leader out here now!”
The base leader rushed over, all smiles.
“I'm here, I'm here! Sorry for my people's disrespect!”
Busy today, the leader originally sent Zach's parents to greet me. He never thought they'd insult me, a water-wielder like this.
Enraged, he kicked Mr. Wood, forcing him to his knees.
“Look at you. What kind of son could you raise? How could he ever deserve someone like her? Apologize now!”
Mr. Wood turned green. He didn't dare argue, grinding out a “sorry” through clenched teeth.
