We drove in silence for a while, both of us a little shell shocked. I curled up in my seat and hugged my knees as Liam kept his eyes on the road.

“Are you hurt?” he asked finally, his voice thick with concern as he glanced at me.

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine Cherry.”

I sighed and hugged my knees tighter. The gesture sent sharp, needle-like pain across my skin from the bites I’d sustained and I winced. Oh don’t worry, a zombie bite doesn’t turn you into one. They just hurt like hell.

I squeezed my eyes shut and tried to block out the pain and shock. My body shook as I fought to control myself. Any moment I would break down in great weepy tears and I just couldn’t afford that. Not right now.

Liam reached over and gently put his hand on my arm. That touch, the strength I could feel in it… That did it. I gave up the control and I wept. Liam pulled over and stopped the truck. He turned to me, pulled me over to him and just held me while I cried for the ones I couldn’t save tonight.