Untouched by the Outbreak

The morning sun bathed the compound in a warm, golden light, signaling the start of another day filled with preparation and vigilance. Ryo stepped out, closing the door securely behind him, and made his way towards the gate, his footsteps echoing on the gravel path. The heavy-duty locks and reinforced fence stood tall, a testament to their dedication to safety.

As he approached the gate, he gave the lock a firm tug, ensuring its sturdiness.

Ryo's gaze drifted to the truck parked inside their compound. It was their trusted companion for supply runs, a lifeline to the outside world. He turned the key in the ignition, and the engine roared to life, its familiar rumble a source of comfort.

While the engine warmed up, he performed a meticulous inspection, checking the tires for any signs of wear and tear, topping up the oil, and verifying the fuel level. He knew that proper maintenance was crucial for their survival.

With the truck ready to go, Ryo turned his attention to their sustenance. He strode over to the water tanks, his eyes scanning the levels. The automatic solar water pump, a marvel of off-grid engineering, hummed quietly, ensuring a steady supply of fresh water. Climbing up a small ladder, he carefully inspected the solar panels, wiping away any dust or debris that might hinder their efficiency.

The panels glistened in the morning sunlight, soaking up nature's energy to power their home.

Descending the ladder, Ryo embarked on his routine perimeter check, his eyes sharp and alert. He walked the length of the fence, taking note of its condition. The reinforced barrier stood strong, but he made a mental note of a few spots that could use additional reinforcement. Their sanctuary had to be impenetrable—a safe haven from the uncertainties of the outside world.

As he strode along, his thoughts turned to the future. While they had amassed a substantial stockpile of supplies, he knew that their reliance on finite resources was not a long-term solution. Sustainability beckoned, and he envisioned transforming a section of their compound into a lush garden, cultivating their own food.

Seeds were only the beginning; he needed to consider soil quality, irrigation methods, and the ever-present threat of pests.

Ryo's mind buzzed with the items on his supply run list. Extra solar battery banks were a top priority, ensuring they had backup power during prolonged periods of cloudiness or unexpected equipment failures. Rice, their staple food, was already abundant, with 129 bags of 10kg each stacked neatly in their storage room, but he knew that having an excess was crucial for their peace of mind.

Canned goods, dried foods, and various other non-perishable items were also on his radar.

Binoculars, he decided, would be a prudent addition to their arsenal. The ability to spot potential threats from a distance was invaluable. He envisioned scanning the horizon, his keen eyes alert for any signs of danger, giving them precious time to react and fortify their defenses.

Completing his perimeter check, Ryo reentered the house, the cool interior a welcome respite from the midday heat. Sakura and Aiko, deep in conversation over their morning coffee, looked up as he entered the kitchen.

"Everything looks clear outside," Ryo announced, his voice steady and reassuring. "I'll start taking inventory of our food supplies. We need to know exactly where we stand."

Sakura, her eyes warm with concern, offered her help. "Do you need any assistance with that? It might be a big task to tackle alone."

Ryo shook his head, his expression determined. "I've got it under control. Why don't you two start organizing the clothes and other supplies we brought back? That should keep you busy for a while."

Nodding, the women rose from their seats, ready to tackle the task at hand. Ryo made his way to the storage room, where the majority of their food was kept. Taking a steadying breath, he began the meticulous process of counting and listing each item, ensuring their survival for the challenging times ahead.

He started with the rice, opening each bag to check its weight and condition. The canned goods came next—a colorful array of vegetables, fruits, meats, and soups—each one carefully noted and tallied. Dried foods, including pasta, beans, lentils, and an assortment of dried fruits and nuts, followed, their longevity a crucial aspect of their diet.

Lastly, he checked on their frozen goods, ensuring the small freezer was functioning optimally, preserving sausages, beef jerky, and other delicacies for months to come.

By the time he finished, Ryo had a comprehensive inventory, a roadmap that would guide their culinary journey and ensure their nutritional needs were met. Returning to the kitchen, he found Sakura and Aiko immersed in the organization of their newfound treasures, their voices echoing in the spacious room.

"How's the inventory looking?" Aiko inquired, her eyes bright with anticipation.

"We're in good shape," Ryo replied, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "But I'll still need to make another supply run soon. Solar battery banks, seeds, food, and those binoculars I mentioned. We can never be too prepared."

Sakura nodded, her expression resolute. "We'll hold down the fort while you're away. With everything we've gathered, we're in a strong position."

Ryo's smile was warm and appreciative. "I'll be back before you know it. In the meantime, let's finish organizing our supplies. Every item has its place, and order brings us peace of mind."

The day unfolded with a sense of purpose as they meticulously arranged their provisions, ensuring easy access and order. Their fortified home, a bastion of safety and preparedness, bolstered their confidence with each passing moment. Supplies were carefully organized, and every item was given a designated place, transforming their sanctuary into a model of efficiency.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they took solace in the knowledge that their hard work would pay dividends in the days to come. Together, they retired for the night, their heads filled with plans and their hearts united in determination.