As she intended, Chris stopped trying to speak when Paris touched her fingers to his lips, instead watching her sadly as she fought with her own emotions. They had both been through so much. How many others had gone through worse…? He couldn’t even imagine. He tried pushing any survivors’ guilt aside as he did what he could to comfort Paris, conflicted because he also felt guilty that he was actually glad they made it out alive. They almost had everything they’d wanted taken from them, but now it was like they were given a new chance.

He closed his eyes as she sobbed against him, very gently brushing his fingertips along the top of her head in what he hoped was a comforting motion. People would say they were much too young to have a family, that they had their whole lives ahead of them for that.

But they didn’t.

Normal people could never understand the danger they willingly put themselves through in order to try and protect others. Only those who did the same as they did would know how quickly it aged them. If they didn’t take advantage of what they could now, who could promise them they’d get another opportunity tomorrow?

Sunshine Alouette
Fin!