Chapter 29: The World Where Nothing Was Guaranteed
City B, November 6th? Year 0 of the Great Collapse
The room was cold, the faint moonlight tracing silver outlines over Zara’s slim figure as she curled herself protectively around Leo. He had nestled into her chest, his small fingers clutching the fabric of her coat even in his sleep.
Zara brushed a stray curl from his forehead, her throat tightening as she looked at his peaceful expression.
Peaceful.
Her fingers trembled as she held him closer, her tears slipping silently down her cheeks. Almost a year. That’s how long it had been since the world fell apart, since everything they knew and loved had been swallowed whole by death and chaos.
And in two months, if her memory of the calendar was correct, Leo would turn four. Her chest tightened. Four years old, and he’d never have the chance to celebrate like he should. No friends, no balloons, no cakes with crooked frosting. Instead, he had nights filled with fear and the constant ache of hunger. His childhood, stolen by the apocalypse, and she could do nothing to get it back.
Damon should have been here for this. He always loved to fuss when it came to anything about Leo. The thought sent a fresh wave of pain coursing through her.
Flashback
"You’d think you were the one carrying this baby," Zara teased, leaning against the doorframe of their tiny kitchen. Damon was pacing, one hand combing through his messy hair while the other clutched a pen and a crumpled list.
"I just want everything to be perfect," he muttered, glancing at her with a sheepish smile. His dark eyes were filled with that familiar mix of excitement and nervous energy that had defined the last few months.
"It will be," she assured him, stepping closer to place a hand on his chest. "Damon, it’s just a diaper bag."