The dim twilight deepened as the jagged skyline of City B's middle districts cast long shadows over the snow trails. Zara leaned against the rusted frame of a burned-out car, keeping Leo perched on her hip. Her back throbbed from where she'd hit the shelves earlier, and the strain from holding Leo added to her discomfort. Despite the ache, she didn't set him down. Her grip on him felt like a tether to sanity in this crazy world.
Zara stared at the two kids with wide eyes, confused and worried. They had saved her from those scavengers
The girl stood nearby, her slingshot dangling loosely from her hand, the elastic band snapping softly against her fingers in a rhythm that matched her quiet energy. She glanced at Zara, then to Kit, who had edged closer to Leo, his eyes wide with curiosity.
