Chapter 119:
Zara moved swiftly through the dim corridors of the base, her boots barely making a sound against the concrete. She kept Leo close, his small hand gripping hers, his other clutching the stuffed rabbit he’d refused to part with.
Curfew would be starting soon. She wasn’t supposed to be here.
The med bay was restricted after hours, but if she wanted answers, she had to talk to Sam now.
Reaching the door, she knocked softly before slipping inside.
Sam looked up from his workstation, startled at first—but then his face broke into a genuine, lopsided grin.
"Well, well," he drawled, leaning back in his chair. "Didn’t think I’d be seeing you again tonight."
"Hope that’s not a problem," Zara said, stepping in.
"For you? Never." He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and stood. "Come here, kiddo."
Leo wasted no time climbing onto Sam’s lap, giggling when the doctor bounced him lightly on his knee. Sam ruffled his curls absentmindedly as he turned his attention back to Zara.
"Am I weird for being worried about Winter and Richard?" she asked, skipping pleasantries.
Sam’s smile faded. "It’s been almost a day since they were sent out. No word yet." He sighed, shaking his head. "Here’s hoping they get back in one piece."