CHAPTER 30: 30: A WORLD FILLED WITH WATCHING AND WAITING

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.

"Who hasn’t? Rumour is she’s chasing some new guy around now." The other man shook his head.

"Poor Sud. He better take what she gives if he plans on surviving here," someone sighed.

"She’s ruthless. Sent Parker and his group into the outskirts after they argued about rationing. None of them came back."

"Typical. She gets what she wants, no matter the cost. You think she’ll—"

Zara’s attention slid to another group closer to the centre of the room. A wiry woman with dirt-streaked hands gestured animatedly. "A team left early this morning!"

"Yeah, saw them off. They had some heavy hitters with them, too""

"That scouting team better find something good out there. The last cache barely kept us going. I heard they’re heading further than usual."

"Foolish," a bearded man muttered. "Further out means more danger. More of... them."

A shiver ran through Zara as the conversation shifted. She knew perfectly well what they were talking about. Her heart twisted slightly. Was it a wise thing for Winter to have left with them?

Zara sipped from a battered tin cup filled with water, feigning disinterest, though her ears were sharp. Supplies, scouting trips, and that rude bitch from earlier.

"That guy, though. Winter, right? He looks familiar, doesn’t he?"

Her ears perked up. She shifted slightly, angling her body closer to the table where the voices had dropped to a murmur.

"Yeah. Like... I don’t know. Someone I’ve seen before. But how could that be? He just got here."

"Still. Something about him. Can’t put my finger on it."

Zara pretended to take another sip, her focus narrowing on the conversation. People who were familiar with Winter? Were they allies or foes?

"Hey there."

A voice cut into her thoughts, startling her.

Zara stiffened, her grip on the mug tightening as she glanced up. It was the healer—Gregory, she recalled—grinning as he slid into the seat across from her without waiting for an invitation. His eyes roved over her face, lingering on the bundle beneath her coat.

Zara tried not to scream in frustration. She had thought to gather information from a few people here but bumped into the healer instead. And with Winter not being here, no one could save her from him.

"Drinking water again? That all you do?" he teased, leaning forward.

Zara’s fingers tightened around her cup. "I don’t have much of an appetite," she replied coolly.

"Must be tough," he said, his eyes flicking to her coat, where Leo was tucked away. "Being pregnant and all, and separated from your husband? That can’t be easy."

Her jaw clenched. The lie about being pregnant had kept prying eyes away from Leo so far, but this man’s persistence was grating.

"I manage," she said, her tone clipped.

He smiled brightly, "Where have you been? You disappeared for a while. I was worried. And how’s the... baby?" His hand reached out, brushing against her arm.

Zara froze, her body stiffening. "I’m fine," she said sharply, pulling her arm away.

Gregory leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. "If you ever need anything—anything at all—you know where to find me, right?"

"I’ll keep that in mind," she said through gritted teeth, her eyes darting back to the table where the conversation about Winter had been taking place.

"Really, though," Gregory continued, oblivious to her rising irritation. "How are you holding up? You must miss him terribly."

Zara shifted uncomfortably.

"Come on now," he said, grinning wider. "No need to be so cold. I’m just looking out for you. You must be feeling it, huh? The fatigue, the cravings..." His hand rested on her thigh.

Her patience snapped. "I don’t need looking after," she said, standing abruptly, causing the chair to scrape loudly against the floor.

The movement made her head spin, a wave of dizziness washing over her. She steadied herself against the edge of the table, cursing her lack of proper meals.

But Gregory mistook it for something else.

"Whoa there," he said, reaching for her again. "That’s probably the pregnancy. You need to sit—"

"I’m going to my room," she interrupted, her voice hard.

"I’ll walk you," he offered, standing as well.

"No," she snapped, her eyes flashing. "Leave me alone."

The sharpness of her tone seemed to pierce his thick skin finally. He stepped back, hands raised in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. Don’t bite my head off."

She turned and strode out of the cafeteria, ignoring the curious glances from nearby tables.

*****

The door to her small room closed with a definitive click, and Zara leaned against it, her legs finally giving out. She slid to the floor, her body trembling with exhaustion and anger.

How dare that weirdo? What was wrong with everyone in this place?

Leo stirred, his tiny face peeking out from the warmth of her coat. He blinked up at her, his sleepy eyes filled with curiosity.

"Out you go," Zara murmured, opening her coat to let him free.

Leo toddled into the room, his steps wobbly but determined as he began to explore the sparse space. His small hands patted the walls and tugged at the frayed blanket on the cot.

"What are you looking for?" she asked, her voice softer now. The tension in the cafeteria was fading as she watched him.

Leo pouted, his little lip jutting out. "Want to play hide and seek. No place to hide."

Zara chuckled as she watched him. Although he was easy to care for, moments like these reminded her that he was still a child, prone to moods and whims. She crawled over to him slowly. "We’ll find something else to play. Don’t you have your toys?"

Leo huffed, crossing his arms. "Don’t want toys." He mumbled something under his breath, and Zara’s smile widened.

She closed her eyes, tilting her head as if searching. "What’s this? I smell a little boy..." Her voice took on a mock growl. "A tasty little boy..."

Leo’s eyes widened, a flicker of excitement crossing his face as he peeked at her from the corner of his eye.

"I can smell him," Zara continued, her voice low and growling. "A yummy little boy, hiding somewhere close..."

Zara turned her head, sniffing dramatically.

Leo giggled softly, his hands clapping over his mouth as he tiptoed toward the cot. His small hands gripped the edge as he tried to climb up, his legs kicking slightly in the effort.

"I hear him now," she said, her tone exaggerated.

Leo let out a delighted squeal as he finally managed to scramble onto the bed, hiding his giggles behind his hands.

"Oh no, where could he be hiding?" Zara asked, standing by the bed.

"Ah-ha!" Zara exclaimed, pouncing onto the bed. She pulled the blanket away, revealing Leo’s beaming face.

"Nooo," Leo tried to crawl away. She grabbed him gently, her fingers tickling his sides as he shrieked with laughter.

They mock-wrestled, Leo’s high-pitched giggles filling the small room as Zara pretended to nibble on his soft cheeks and round tummy.

Leo shrieked with laughter, squirming beneath her. "No! No eat me!" he squealed, his voice filled with delight.

"Baby, we are getting too loud," she laughed softly, chest heaving with effort.

Finally, he collapsed onto her chest, both of them breathless but smiling.

"I love you lots, Mama," he said, his voice soft.

Zara’s eyes welled with tears. She hugged him tightly, pressing a kiss to his messy hair. "I love you lots, too, my little lion."

Leo was silent for a moment, his small fingers playing with the hem of her shirt. Then, he looked up at her, his expression curious. "Where’s Uncle?"

Zara’s smile faltered. She took a deep breath, smoothing his hair. "He went out for something," she said gently. "He’ll be back soon."

"What something?" Leo asked, his brow furrowing.

Zara flicked his forehead lightly, amused by his indignant squawk. "Adult things. You’ll see him when he gets back."

Leo huffed, his small hands rubbing his forehead. "Hmph." He laid back down on her chest, his pout fading as her warmth soothed him.

Zara stared at the ceiling, her thoughts drifting. Winter. What was he doing now? When would he return?