"That's enough for today. I don't want to fall back into old habits," he stretched his arms to get some blood flowing.
'What's that smell?'
Sniffing his T-shirt, he realized he smell of sweat.
'I should really take baths more often. Water was hard to find during the first couple of years after the invasion.'
Warm bubbles filled the tub as the bath ran, rising slowly before he stepped in.
Once finished, he stood in front of the tall mirror and took a good look at himself.
He was pretty thin, except for one thing—the most important part. It was long and thick, which, at least, gave him something to be proud of.
'I need to put on some muscle… I'm way too weak,' He could barely muster any strength with this body.
'It's a miracle I survived the first wave,' he sighed to himself.
Back then, the military rescued him, so he ended up reaching a nuclear bomb shelter in one piece.
Without wasting any more time, he pulled on black joggers and a loose tank top. Good thing the house had its own gym.
Though it would normally take an average person a long time to gain any weight, he had a surefire way to speed up the process—by up to 20 times.
It was a technique he learned that allowed him to burn protein much faster, and the effects would be even more noticeable.
Downstairs, the foyer opened up in front of him, with the main door just a few steps ahead.
This house had everything—space, comfort, even a personal gym—but it always felt too big for just three people.
"Terrence? What's wrong? Did you not like the food?" Effie asked, holding a vacuum cleaner as she went about her chores.
'She's really pretty, even when she's sweating...'
She had everything most guys looked for, and his uncle was lucky.
Most girls that pretty acted entitled, thinking a rich husband meant they deserved constant gifts and praise.
But she was far from that. She diligently kept the house clean and maintained everything with care.
As far as he could remember, there was no record of her cheating.
Then again, he didn't leave his room much, so he couldn't be sure.
"Can I ask you a favor, Aunt Effie?"
She turned off the vacuum and looked at him. "What is it?"
"I'm starting to exercise. Can we have steak for dinner?"
Her eyes widened slightly, then she smiled and clapped her hands, very pleased with his decision.
"Sure, I'll cook you steak for dinner. How do you want it, and how many pieces?"
"Medium rare is fine, and I want 10 pieces," he requested, knowing it was a bit much.
She didn't question him; she simply nodded.
That was just how she was—always willing to give him whatever he asked for.
"After I'm done cleaning, I'll head to the convenience store and grab some steak," she smiled, her eyes softening with genuine happiness.
She didn't really expect him to stick with it for long, but that didn't matter .
As long as he showed a bit of effort, she was more than willing to support him.
"Thanks. I'm heading to the gym to get some exercise," he gave slight nod before turning away.
Effie watched his small back, unsure what to make of the sudden change in his behavior.
'Maybe this time he's actually serious about it,'
The thought made her smile, and she quickly covered her mouth to hide it.