Chapter 61: The world was Relentless
Another day of walking down the highway had Zara ready to pull her hair out and scream in frustration. They weren’t getting anywhere and we’re still out in the open. Her grip on Leo’s small hand tightened as she cast a wary glance over her shoulder. No signs of movement. Not yet.
"Mommy, are you okay?" Leo’s voice, small and hesitant, broke through the quiet.
Zara looked down at her son. His wide brown eyes were fixed on her, filled with a worry that no three-year-old should have to carry. He was still scared from the near collision they’d escaped with some zombies, she was still shaken too.
She forced a smile, though the sharp throbbing in her temple threatened to break her composure. "I’m fine, sweetheart," she lied, brushing a lock of his dark hair away from his face. "Just tired."
Leo frowned, his little hand tugging at hers. "You said you were tired yesterday too. Does your head still hurt?"
"A little," she admitted, crouching to his level. She didn’t want to lie outright. "But don’t worry about me, okay? I’m tough. Like you." She gave his nose a gentle tap, drawing a faint giggle.
"You need a nap, like me."
A laugh escaped her despite the pain. "I wish I could nap like you, kiddo. But we need to keep moving, we’ll find somewhere to stay once it’s dark then I can take a nap."
Leo nodded solemnly, his tiny shoulders straightening as though he needed to prove her right. "I’ll help. You don’t have to fight the bad guys by yourself."
Her throat tightened. "You already help me, Leo. You’re my superhero, remember?"
He grinned at that, clearly pleased with the title. "Hmm! I am!"