Page 10 of The Last of Love

Lena looked happy to have someone understand her and Fleur felt the same.

Lena leaned back, her expression contemplative. “It’s a tough balance. Sometimes it feels like no matter how much you give to your work, it’s never quite enough. And in the end, you’re left with the echoes of the sacrifices you made.”

Fleur looked at Lena with a newfound respect. “And yet, here you are, still pushing forward. It’s admirable, really.”

Lena shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “We all do what we can to make a difference. It’s not always easy, but it’s what keeps us going.”

“Well, at least right now we’ve got each other to rely on. In a world like this, that’s something to hold onto. I’m grateful you’re escorting me. I wouldn’t have pushed if I didn’t believe in it.”

Lena nodded, her smile growing more genuine. “You’re welcome. And absolutely. Here’s to making the most of what we have and finding strength in unexpected places.”

They clinked their glasses in a moment of understanding, each drawing comfort from the connection they were beginning to build. As the night unfolded, their conversation continued.

“So. Gene. That guy is a piece of work,” Fleur muttered, swirling the wine in her glass, flicking out a bit of dirt she’d missed.

Lena raised an eyebrow. “Oh, he’s not that bad once you get to know him. He’s just high-strung, is all.”

Fleur shook her head. “He said some... interesting things to me after you left. It kind of left a bad taste in my mouth.”

Lena leaned in. “What did he say?”

Fleur hesitated for a second before speaking. “He said that humans are now just mindless zombies.”

Lena’s eyes widened. “He said what?”

“That’s not all,” Fleur continued, taking a small sip of her wine. “He also mentioned that if there was a cure, people would be angry at scientists.”

Lena frowned, confusion settling on her face. “That doesn’t make any sense. Why would anyone be angry at the people trying to save them?”

“That’s what I said. But now it’s got me wondering,” Fleur admitted, her voice trailing off. There was a seed of doubt in her tone, one that was hard to shake.

Lena placed a hand on Fleur’s arm, reassuring her. “Don’t think about what he says too much. Gene likes to get a rise out of people. Especially people who intimidate him. And a strong, intelligent woman like you? That must scare the hell out of him. Most guys can’t handle it.”

Fleur let out a soft, mirthless laugh. “I’ve met men like him before. They think they’re smarter than everyone else, and they get defensive when they feel threatened, especially by women with something to say.”

“Exactly,” Lena agreed. “Gene’s the type to talk big, but when push comes to shove, he folds. Don’t let him get under your skin.”

Fleur sighed. “I know. I just... I don’t trust him.”

“You don’t have to,” Lena said, her voice soft yet firm. “You just have to trust me.”

“How are you strong enough to trust in this world?” Fleur asked, her voice carrying concern. “When so many people are after power? So many people are willing to step on others to get even just a sliver of it?”

Lena’s gaze grew thoughtful, her expression serious. “If I were to dwell on those fears and suspicions all the time, it wouldmake me a terrible, paranoid leader. You can’t lead effectively if you’re constantly second-guessing everyone around you. True leadership requires a degree of trust, even in a world that’s broken. Without it, you risk becoming a tyrant or losing the support of those you rely on.”

Fleur leaned in slightly, her eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and skepticism. “But isn’t it dangerous? You’re putting yourself out there, exposing a vulnerable side. How do you manage the balance?”

Lena’s lips curved into a small, understanding smile. “It is dangerous. Every leader faces that risk. But trust is also a way of showing strength. It’s a gamble, but it’s a gamble worth taking. If you can’t extend trust, you end up isolating yourself. And in times like these, isolation can be just as dangerous as betrayal. I don’t usually answer this many questions, you know, you’re lucky!”

Fleur couldn’t understand Lena’s trust in others. It felt foreign, almost reckless, to her. Fleur had been burned too many times, each betrayal and loss chipping away at her faith in people. She had learned to rely on herself, to keep her guard up. But watching Lena, with her unwavering belief that people could be better, stirred something in Fleur. It was as if Lena saw the world through a different lens, one where humanity wasn’t doomed to repeat its mistakes.

Lena finished her glass, setting it down with a quiet clink. “I think we should turn in. We need our strength, and we gotta start early tomorrow.”

Fleur nodded, a small sigh escaping her. “You’re right. Are you sure the couch will be comfortable, though?”

“I’ve slept on worse for the past three years. This feels like a feather bed compared to what I’ve been sleeping on,” Lena replied with a smirk.

“Okay. Well, suit yourself,” Fleur said, though a part of her was tempted to offer Lena her bed instead. She knew better than to complicate things.

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