Surviving Armageddon

33. The Fallen One

"And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light"

- 2 Corinthians 11:14

Harold sat on a makeshift bench, his gaze fixed kindly on Troy who stood in front of him. His young face etched with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. The morning sun cast a gentle glow on them. It filtered through the edges of the settlement's walls.

"What's your name, young man?" Harold's voice carried warmth, as he asked the boy.

"It's Troy, sir. My name is Troy," the boy replied, his tone filled with appreciation for the kindness he had been shown.

"Troy, that's a good name," Harold nodded in acknowledgment, with a small smile on his lips. His eyes showed a sense of understanding, recognizing the weight of the hardships Troy must have endured.

The boy shifted slightly, a gesture of nervousness mixed with heartfelt gratitude. "Sir, I wanted to thank you for letting me stay here. I really didn't have anywhere else to go. If you hadn't helped me, I really could have died out t