"Wake up, my zealous fighter."

"..."

"Didn't you do a good job? It's been a year since the dead started eating the living. And you've kept your family alive all this time."

"..."

"But it was probably the wrong decision to come to Mexico. I'm sure you've heard of the closed off settlements further south. Whoops! Dream's over."

"..."

Whoever he is, he's right about one thing – I've always done the right thing so far. Even then, when a new disease has suddenly been spreading.

"Anarchy is terribly booming, as the infected overrun the local police forces. Violent offences and deaths are at an all-time high. Yet the government promises to have it under control. Please remain in your homes for now and wait for further instructions."

They've told us this and more such bullshit. Anyway, I've always done the right thing so far. But then –

"Wake up already!" he hisses impatiently, interrupting me in my thoughts. A blast of cold water comes over me at the same moment.

I'm back, coughing and puffing. At that, I notice that I am tied to a chair. "What ... What is this about?!"

He exclaims in an excited manner, "Welcome to Mexico! Viva los muertos!" Then, he asks with a Spanish accent, "Are you ready to celebrate the death of your family?"

"What? What did you do?!"

"Me? You left your family to die."

"Excuse me?" I reply, confused.

"Come on, you know. You wanted to go to Mexico, but unfortunately you ran right into my arms then."

"And my family? What did you asshole do to them?! Where are they?"

"I didn't do anything to them. You left them alone and defenceless. What did you think would happen? But maybe they are still alive. I can help you find them."

I answer in disbelief as I recognize his face, "Hasn't it been you who knocked me down? Without you, I wouldn't be in this position. Why should I trust you now?"

He sighs and then speaks in a soothing manner, "You got a point. But look, I thought you were dangerous. And after all, I just knocked you out, didn't I? All I offer you now is my help."

"Aha! I bet there is a catch."

"Oh, just a little something."

"Well, then spit it out!" I ask him tensely.

"You're going to fight for me in the arena."

„Arena?"

"Yes, that's the next big thing now. It also keeps people quiet. And don't worry, your opponent will just be a weak boy."

"Okay then." After everything I've done to protect my family, I no longer have any qualms about trading the life of a stranger for them.

„Excelente!" He happily unties me and sends me straight to said arena thereupon.

"I'll finish this quickly, and then I'll save you," I say silently. But then my opponent enters the arena. And this one is none other than my own son.