Apocalypse Days: I Rule with Foresight and a Powerful Son
Chapter 76: The Safe (?) World A Little Closer

Chapter 76: 76: The Safe (?) World A Little Closer

The fall was sudden and disorienting, the cold shock of the water stealing Zara’s breath. She clung tightly to Leo, her arms wrapped protectively around his small body as they were swept into the current.

The water was ruthless, dragging them under and tossing them about. Zara struggled to keep Leo’s head above the surface, her lungs burning as she fought for air. Each time they surfaced, she gasped, her grip on him slipping in the muck.

She didn’t have time to think. she just held Leo, fighting to keep him above the waterline.

Winter surfaced nearby, his eyes scanning frantically until they locked onto Zara and Leo. With powerful strokes, he cut through the water, reaching them in moments. His strong arm wrapped around them, pulling them toward him.

"Hold on!" he shouted, spitting out the water.

Zara clung to him, her body trembling from the cold and the fear. Leo cried out, his small hands clutching her shirt, his face pale and terrified.

Winter kicked hard against the current, using his superhuman strength to propel them toward the riverbank.

The creatures that had been pursuing them were no match for the river’s fury, their grotesque forms swept away by the powerful current. The water seemed determined to claim everything in its path.

Finally, they reached the shallows, the water still rough but shallow enough for Winter to find his footing. He pulled Zara and Leo onto the muddy bank, collapsing in exhaustion as they gasped for air.

Zara coughed violently, her body convulsing as she tried to expel the filthy water she had swallowed. The taste of mud and muck lingered, making her gag.

Against her chest, Leo’s body shook as he coughed.

"Leo!" Zara’s voice was raw with worry as she untied the strappings and turned him over, patting his back firmly to help him expel the murky water. His small frame trembled in her arms, and his coughing turned into dry heaves. Finally, with a gut-wrenching retch, he vomited up a mixture of water and dirt, his tiny body shuddering from the effort.

"Breathe, baby, just breathe," she urged, her voice trembling.

Winter was already at their side, his rifle set aside as he knelt beside Leo. His hands moved instinctively, lifting the boy into his arms, and patting his back firmly to help expel the murky water. Leo’s small body convulsed as he coughed and retched again, the filthy liquid spilling from his mouth. Winter murmured, his voice soft and soothing despite the chaos. "Come on, little man, get it all out. You’re okay. You’re safe."

Leo’s coughing subsided into shaky sobs, his tiny hands clutching at Winter’s shirt. He gasped, sputtering as he finally managed to take in a shaky breath. His sobs were mixed with coughs, the sound heartbreaking. "Is the bad water gone?" he whimpered, his voice small and tremulous.

Winter nodded, wiping the boy’s tear-streaked face with his sleeve. "Yeah, it’s gone. You did great, kiddo. You’re one tough little guy."

Leo sniffled, his eyes wide with lingering fear but filled with trust as he gazed up at Winter. "I’m tired," he whispered, his head resting against Winter’s chest.

"I know, buddy," Winter murmured, his hand cradling the back of Leo’s head. "We’ll get you somewhere safe soon."

With Leo calmed, Winter turned his attention to Zara. His eyes were intense, scanning her for injuries as he cupped her cheek gently, his thumb brushing away a streak of mud. "Are you hurt?" he asked, his voice rough but steady.

Zara shook her head, her breath still coming in shallow gasps. "I’m... I’m okay," she whispered, though her body trembled from the cold and shock.

Winter’s hand lingered on her cheek, the warmth of his touch grounding her amidst the terror of their near-drowning. His gaze softened, filled with concern and something deeper. "You sure?" he pressed gently.

Zara nodded, offering a faint smile despite her exhaustion. "Thanks to you."

Zara stroked Leo’s hair, her heart aching. "We’re safe now, Leo. It’s over."

For a few moments, they simply sat there, huddled together on the muddy bank, mentally taking stock of where they were, letting the terror of the fall and the fight ebb away. They were lucky enough that their supplies hadn’t been swept away in the muck. They weren’t injured by the creatures or the falling debris from the bridge and they had expelled most of the water from their bodies, at least they hoped they had.

Zara looked at Leo worriedly. Would he be able to tell if he had water in his lungs?

"Baby," she cooed softly. "Promise me you’ll tell me if it’s hard for you to breathe?"

"Ok," Leo mumbled, brows furrowed.

Finally, Winter pulled back slightly, catching her eye. "We need to keep moving," he said gently, "We are out in the open here. We need shelter and warmth."

Zara nodded, clutching Leo close as they prepared to move. Winter grabbed his rifle, his gaze flickering to the murky river that had almost claimed them. Zara had been tense about being on the bridge and tried to jump before it broke, she had known something was going to happen.

Why hadn’t she told him? He shook his head, now was not the time to dwell on these things. He’d ask when they were in a better spot.

With a final glance at Zara and Leo, he led the way.

*****

The sun had fully set by the time they found a defensible spot, a crumbling structure partially hidden by overgrown vegetation. Winter inspected the perimeter while Zara and Leo settled in.

Zara crouched by the side pulled out a water bottle, and rinsed her hands and face, the coolness refreshing after a long day’s walk.

Winter busied himself with the fire, his strong hands deftly arranging the kindling. He had already taken off his wet shirt and left it to dry by the side. Zara couldn’t help but steal glances at him, noting the way the flickering light accentuated his sharp features.

"Staring won’t get the fire lit any faster," Winter muttered without looking up, a playful edge in his tired voice.

Zara’s cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned her attention back to Leo who was staring at the fire too. "I wasn’t staring," she muttered, though her tone lacked conviction.

" Sure," He drawled, that infuriating smirk on his face.

Zara huffed, taking Leo’s hands and gently washing them. She had to take extra care of him so he didn’t relapse over an infection or something.

Once Zara finished rinsing off the last bit of mud, she peeled off Leo’s damp clothes. She paused, taking in the scared look in his tired eyes.

The poor baby, she thought, biting her lip. She didn’t like seeing him like this and an idea suddenly came to her with a mischievous glint in her eyes, before wiggling her fingers toward his ribs.

"Nooo, Mommy, stop!" Leo squealed, twisting away with a breathy giggle, stumbling toward Winter in a desperate attempt to evade her tickling.

Winter’s lips curved into a soft smile as he watched the scene.

With most of the mud gone, Leo’s features were clearer—rosy cheeks puffed out in a pout as he clung to Winter’s leg, trying to climb into his lap.

"Come here, baby," Zara coaxed, her voice warm, a tired but genuine smile on her face.

"No," Leo declared firmly, sticking out his lower lip and wriggling against Winter’s arm, his small hands struggling to gain purchase on the large expanse of muscle.

Winter chuckled softly, nudging Leo gently. "Go on, get dressed so you don’t catch a cold again. You want to walk on your own, don’t you?"

Leo hesitated, his little brow furrowing as he considered Winter’s words. He hated being cold, especially the way it made him feel heavy and yucky and he didn’t like the worried look his mommy got when he was sick. Peeking over Winter’s arm, he met Zara’s gaze. Her eyes sparkled with tired mirth, her smile encouraging.

"Promise no more tickles?" he asked.

"I promise," Zara said, holding out her pinky.

Leo took it seriously, locking his tiny finger with hers in a pinky swear. Just as he relaxed, Winter scooped him up, spinning him gently through the air.

Leo’s surprised squeal filled the space, his fear forgotten for a moment. "Again, again!"

Winter laughed softly but deposited him back into Zara’s lap. "Time to get dressed first, little man."

Zara caught Leo easily, cradling him as she began to dress him in dry clothes. She lay him down to button his shirt, the soft hum of a lullaby escaping her lips as she unconsciously rocked him and soon Leo’s eyelids drooped, his small body relaxing into her.

By the time she finished, Leo was fast asleep, his tiny form nestled against her, his breathing deep and even. Zara gently placed him on a small blanket and covered him up.

Zara leaned back with a sigh, rolling her shoulders to ease the cramps that had settled in. Her body ached, muscles strained from their harrowing escape. The wet clothes clung to her skin, adding to the discomfort. She needed to change and clean up properly.

With a glance at Leo, now asleep and safe, Zara stood and turned away from Winter. Her fingers moved quickly, unfastening her damp, filthy clothes and peeling them off.

She could feel Winter’s presence behind her, acutely aware of how close he was.

He wasn’t looking—he never would—but the thought of him sitting there made her hyperaware of every movement, her heart beating a little faster and her cheeks flushing.

She wiped herself down, the cool air prickling her skin before changing into a dry set. She left her air out of its bun to dry as well.

Once dressed, Zara settled back down with a relieved sigh, her body slightly less tense but still weary from the day’s ordeal.

She frowned when she realised winter hadn’t changed yet.

"You should rest," Winter’s voice broke the silence, low and steady. "I’ll take the first watch."

She turned to face him, her eyes meeting his. "Are you sure?"

He did a double take at the sight of her hair down then nodded, his gaze shifting toward the dark horizon. "I’ve got the energy, and I want to move around a bit. I’ll probably sense if anything’s amiss."

Zara’s brows knitted together, sensing there was more to his words. "That’s an odd excuse."

Winter exhaled softly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Get some sleep. You’ll need your strength."

She studied him for a moment longer before nodding, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly. "Okay. Just... don’t push yourself too hard."

"I won’t," he assured her, his tone firm yet gentle.

Reluctantly, Zara lay down beside Leo, her mind still buzzing with thoughts of what was to come. From where they lay, they could see the outline of City H, not close enough to make out distinct shapes or movement but enough to know it was within reach, it was possible.

*****

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