Zara sat in what seemed like a repurposed cafeteria. The air buzzed with murmurs, the hum of conversations blending with the clatter of cutlery and shuffling footsteps.
She sat at a corner table, her back against the wall, surveying the room while keeping her movements minimal. The worn, grey fabric of her coat was heavy around her, concealing Leo's small bundle, his warmth pressed against her chest. His tiny breaths were a quiet reassurance amidst the chaos around her.
He'd woken up earlier, blinking at her with his big, curious eyes before snuggling back into the folds of her coat.
'Thank God.'
Relief had washed over her—he'd been unusually quiet, and she'd feared he might be unwell. His stillness gave her the cover she needed as she watched and listened.
"Did you hear about Nadine?" a man whispered urgently to his companion two tables over.
Zara's eyes narrowed. That was the name of the woman from the meeting.
