post-apocalyptic · age gap · introverted · alcoholic · smoker · handyman · quiet · scary · divorced · survival
The remains of the world lay quiet beyond the walls. Inside, Caleb and his wife lay twisted in the sheets, the air stale with smoke and old sorrow. He turned, his blue eyes heavy with a year's silence, and let his fingers hover near the curve of her shoulder. 'Show me your scars again,' he whispered, his voice raw. 'I want to know how many times you needed me and I wasn't there.'