Apocalypse Days: I Rule with Foresight and a Powerful Son
Chapter 93:

Chapter 93: 93:

"Containment breach on the west side!"

Zara tensed, keeping Leo close. What the hell was happening now? Weren’t they supposed to be in a safe space?

She pressed her back against the wall, her ears straining for any sound from outside. Her heart was racing, her fingers gripping Leo’s small frame protectively. Winter stood by the door, his rifle held tightly, every muscle in his body coiled and ready to strike. The commotion from earlier—the shouts, the thudding boots, and distant gunfire—had sent a ripple of unease through her.

Now there was silence. It should have been reassuring, but the stillness felt heavy, oppressive. Winter’s sharp gaze darted to Zara, and she could tell he was just as on edge. She hugged Leo closer, whispering softly into his hair to calm him, though her own fear was palpable.

After what felt like an eternity, Winter finally exhaled, his posture relaxing just slightly. "It’s quiet now," he said, though his voice was still low and tense.

Zara nodded, loosening her grip on Leo and letting him sit on the bed. "Maybe it’s over," she said, more to herself than to Winter.

Winter glanced at the door, then back at Zara. "We’ll stay alert. Just in case." He set the rifle down within arm’s reach but didn’t stray far from it.

Leo, oblivious to the tension between the adults, bounced lightly on the edge of the bed, his wide eyes taking in the room around him. Zara followed his gaze, using the moment to really notice their new surroundings.

The room was small and functional, with just enough space for a narrow bed pushed against one wall, a chair, and a metal table bolted to the floor. The walls were a dull, faded gray, with faint scuff marks that spoke of years of wear. A single bulb hung from the ceiling, casting a dim but steady glow over the room. A shelf above the bed held a few neatly folded blankets and some basic toiletries—a bar of soap, a toothbrush, and a small towel. It wasn’t much, but it was more than she’d had in weeks.

Leo crawled to the edge of the bed, his little hands exploring the coarse blanket beneath him. Zara reached over, brushing some dust off his knees. "Careful, baby," she murmured, though her tone was softer now.

Winter leaned against the wall opposite her, his arms crossed, his eyes distant again. Zara studied him for a moment, wondering what was going through his mind, but before she could ask, a sharp knock at the door startled them both.

Winter grabbed his rifle, motioning for Zara to stay back. He moved cautiously to the door, his movements precise and deliberate. He cracked it open just enough to see who was there.

"Richard?" Winter’s voice softened slightly, and he opened the door wider.

Richard stood on the other side, flanked by Sam and Mike. The three of them looked a little worse for wear but relieved to see familiar faces.

"Can we come in?" Richard asked, glancing past Winter at Zara and Leo.

Winter turned to Zara, who gave him a small nod. He stepped aside, letting the three men file into the room. It suddenly felt much smaller with everyone inside, the air heavy with unspoken questions.

"So," Richard started, leaning casually against the wall, "how’re you two holding up?"

"We’re... managing," Zara replied, glancing at Winter. "What about you guys?"

Richard grinned. "Sam and Mike got stuck sharing a room. It’s, uh, cozy, I guess."

Sam rolled his eyes. "Cozy’s one word for it."

Richard chuckled. "The family I’m with has a bigger place. They’re nice, though. Generous. Definitely more space than this," he added, looking around at the cramped quarters.

Zara smiled faintly. "Well, that’s good. You’ll be comfortable at least."

Sam crossed his arms, his expression turning serious. "Did you hear the commotion earlier?"

Zara nodded. "Yeah. Do you know what that was about?"

Richard’s smile faded, replaced by a grim look. "The family said it happens sometimes. Apparently, the mist takes longer to affect some people now. They can pass the anomaly checks and seem fine... until they’re not."

Zara shuddered, wrapping her arms around herself. "That’s terrifying."

"It is," Richard agreed. "But the soldiers are on top of it. At least that’s what they tell us."

Sam shifted the conversation. "We’re getting our work assignments tomorrow. Tonight’s just for resting." He brightened slightly. "Oh, and one of the soldiers told me there are bathing spaces available."

Zara’s eyes lit up. "A bath? Thank God. We all need one."

Mike, who had been unusually quiet, fidgeted near the door. Zara noticed and tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "Mike? What’s wrong?"

The teenager hesitated, ducking his head shyly. Richard gave him a light smack on the back. "Go on, kid. Spit it out."

Mike glanced around nervously before mumbling, "Is this... is this the end of us? The group, I mean."

The adults exchanged surprised glances. Then Richard burst out laughing, a warm, hearty sound that broke the tension.

"End of us? Kid, you’ve been watching too many dramas," Richard teased, ruffling Mike’s hair.

Sam chuckled, and Zara smiled warmly. "Mike, don’t worry," she said gently. "We’re all still close to each other. This isn’t the end."

Richard grinned, clapping Mike on the shoulder. "Love you too, kid."

Mike’s face turned beet red as he stammered, "I-I didn’t mean it like that!"

Before anyone could respond, Leo’s little voice piped up from the bed. "I love Mommy and Winter!"

Zara turned to him with a soft coo, pulling him into her arms and kissing his cheek. "Oh, sweetheart, I love you too." She wrinkled her nose at the dust on his knees and the blanket. "But you’ve gotten this bed filthy, little man. We really do need that bath."

The others chuckled, taking her words as their cue to leave. Richard gave a mock salute. "Guess we’ll let you two clean up. See you tomorrow."

As the men filed out, Zara sighed and looked at Winter. "Well, at least we have something to look forward to."

Winter gave her a faint smile, his tension easing ever so slightl before he turned away.

Zara stood by the small room’s narrow window, her gaze distant as she ran a hand over Leo’s soft curls. He sat perched on the bed, humming to himself and tapping a finger against his knee. Winter was across the room, rummaging through his bag with unusual fervor, his movements abrupt and almost restless. Zara turned to him, breaking the silence.

"I think I’ll try to find the baths," she said softly, glancing down at Leo, who perked up at the mention. "We both need it after... everything."

Winter’s hand froze at the top of his bag before resuming its search. "Yeah. You should. But—" his voice dropped slightly, "just be careful out there, alright?" He didn’t meet her eyes, his hand hovering over the same layer of items in his bag without really digging deeper.

Zara hesitated. She could tell he wasn’t looking for anything in particular, and that small observation tugged at her. He needed space, though, and she wasn’t going to push.

"I will," she assured him, her voice steady as she scooped Leo up. "We’ll be back soon."

Winter gave her a brief nod, but his focus stayed on the bag, his fingers twitching slightly. Deciding to leave him to his thoughts, Zara stepped outside with Leo in her arms.

The air outside was cool but carried a strange sense of vibrancy. Now that she wasn’t entirely on edge, she could finally take in the beauty of the place. Rows of structures, some sturdy and others more makeshift, stretched in neat order. Bright lamps on high poles cast a warm glow over the streets, making the base seem alive in a way the outside world hadn’t been in a long time. Survivors bustled about, carrying supplies or chatting in small clusters.

"Where are we now, Mommy?" Leo asked, his curious eyes darting from one building to the next.

"We’re in a safe place," Zara said, adjusting him on her hip. "And if we’re lucky, maybe we’ll stay here for a while."

"Really?" he asked, tilting his head to look at her.

Zara smiled softly. "Hopefully, sweetheart."

She approached a passing soldier, his posture straight and demeanor brisk. "Excuse me, could you tell me where the baths are?"

He pointed down a nearby street, his voice polite. "Straight ahead and to your left. Large building. Can’t miss it."

"Thank you," Zara said, and she and Leo followed his directions.

The bathhouse was much larger than she had expected, with clean, regulated tubs on one side and rows of shower stands on the other. The air was humid, and the sound of running water echoed softly against the walls. A few women milled about, some scrubbing at clothes in tubs, others focused on themselves. None paid Zara much mind, which she welcomed.

Finding a quiet corner, Zara undressed herself and Leo, bundling their dusty clothes in a neat pile. She guided him into a small shower stand, using the lukewarm water to scrub away the grime and exhaustion of their journey. Once clean, she sank into one of the smaller tubs with Leo, holding him close as they soaked in the warmth.

Her mind drifted as her muscles finally relaxed. How did this place function? Who managed its supplies and defenses? Could she use what she knew—her scientific training—to help? Was there even a way to reverse what had happened to the world, or was it too far gone?

The thought stayed with her, heavy yet somehow hopeful, as she cradled Leo against her chest, his tiny hands playing with the water. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the start of something better.