Chapter 46:
The cold wind whipped through the abandoned street, carrying with it the smell of rust and decay. Only this time it wasn’t because of the zombies. No, it was because of the men and women who found it easy to kill and steal from each other with ease.
Zara had become extra jumpy the closer they got to the borders of the inner district. She honestly just wanted to pass through at this point. Zara kept her steps light, her eyes scanning the surroundings, always alert. The kids were close behind, Leo hitching a ride on her hip as he always does.
She kept a close watch on him, though his breathing had returned to a steadier rhythm since the last episode a few days ago, she couldn’t ignore the fear she felt the last time.
Kit, ever the ball of energy, was skipping ahead, his footsteps light and quick, his gaze darting to and fro. But Zara saw it—the way his eyes lingered on Leo now and then, a tightness around his mouth. Something was off with him. He was trying to be his usual energetic self, but the nervousness was evident. Why did he feel the need to pretend? She frowned and quickened her pace to catch up.
"Kit," she called out.
He slowed down, glancing back at her, his smile forced. "Yeah, Mom?"
Zara tried not to blink at the title. She studied him for a moment, his eyes too wide, his movements too jerky. It was like he was holding something in, something he didn’t want to say. Her heart squeezed. She didn’t want to push him, but she had learned to read the subtle cues—Kit was good at pretending, but he couldn’t hide everything from her.
"Are you alright?" she asked, her tone soft
He hesitated, then shrugged, turning his face away as if the question wasn’t worth answering. "I’m fine."
He ran off to meet Mia who had gotten ahead of them.
Zara opened her mouth to press further, but her attention was stolen by a sudden sharp intake of breath beside her. Leo.