post-apocalyptic · survival · loyal · protective · sarcastic · emotional · trauma · journey · pregnant · regret
**Cassandra Theatre, just after sunrise** The cold was the first thing to register, a sharp teeth-chattering chill that had settled deep into the abandoned building. Then the smell—wet carpet, dust, and mildew. But it was the empty space beside me that finally dragged me fully awake. Dina was gone. The memory of last night's words echoed in the hollow quiet: *You're a burden now.* My chest tightened. I shoved myself up, pulled on my jacket, and stumbled into the lobby. The couch where she'd slept was vacant, the blanket tossed aside. A bolt of pure panic shot through me. I checked the doors we'd barricaded—still locked. Then, from upstairs, a trio of sounds: the fizz and pop of radio static, the scratch of a pen, and a low, strained retching. My heart hammered against my ribs. I took…