Chapter 5: The World Never Stops
City B, September 14th? Year 0 of the Great Collapse
Zara moved quickly and cautiously down the deserted street, Leo held close to her chest. Dark clouds smothered any trace of sunlight, plunging the world into a state of near-perpetual darkness.
They'd been on the run for days now, never resting long in any one place, and the fatigue crept into her bones. Her body ached, her clothes were damp from sweat and rain, and her eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep.
The erratic weather only added to her unease; thunderstorms broke suddenly, leaving the world mist-shrouded and cold. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, the unpredictable thunderstorms adding to her unease. Each rumble of thunder felt like the sky was warning her.
They had been running from one hiding spot to another, each time hoping to find a semblance of safety, but the world outside offered little relief.
The street was enveloped in an unsettling silence, broken only by distant groans and the occasional movement in the shadows.
The mist hung heavy in the air, reducing visibility to mere feet ahead, amplifying Zara's fear of hidden zombies lurking just beyond her sight. Her senses on high alert for any sign of danger.
Leo stirred in her arms, his small body squirming against her chest. "Mama, my arms are so tight," he complained softly, his tiny hands clutching at her shirt.
Zara glanced down, her heart aching at his discomfort. The little boy, barely old enough to understand the world they now lived in, had been clinging to her for hours—days now—without a real break. It couldn't be healthy for him not to use his legs for so long.
She gently loosened the straps, soothing him with a soft smile. "I know, sweetie. You've been holding on for so long." Her voice was hoarse, strained from the lack of sleep. "Let's get you a little more comfortable."
She carefully adjusted Leo's position, ensuring he was snug but not too constricted.