I glance around at the weary but relieved faces of the group we just rescued, Athena's in particular catching my eye.
There's a question there, one I've seen many times before.
Athena hesitates, then asks, "Luke, how did you... I mean, back there, in the mall, you were like someone else. How are you so good at this?"
I can't help but smirk, a mix of amusement and a touch of pride swirling within. "What, you mean surviving?" I respond, leaning back slightly.
"Let's just say I've had a bit of practice. But not all of us can claim to have braved the apocalypse for over a month like you, Athena."
Before she can respond, Lisa, ever the bubbly one, chimes in, "Oh! Is this the same Luke you told us about, Athena? The one who—"
Athena's cheeks flush a deep red, and she quickly interrupts Lisa, "Lisa! Not now, please." I can't help but chuckle at the exchange; the dynamics within this group are more entertaining than I expected.
