Page 16 of The Last of Love

“Let me see.” Lena moved closer, her brow tensing as she examined Fleur’s foot.

“Okay. It doesn’t look too bad, but we almost died trying to get those medical supplies you thought we needed. Why not use them?” Lena’s voice softened, a hint of frustration mixed with worry.

“I didn’t want you to feel like I was slowing you down.” Fleur glanced away, ashamed.

Lena frowned, her expression shifting to one of empathy. “I would rather you tell me about these things.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Let me grab a Band-Aid and some disinfectant. You don’t want an infection there.”

“Okay.”

Lena returned, gingerly holding up Fleur’s foot like it was something precious. The tenderness in her touch made Fleur’s heart skip a beat. She winced at the sharp sting of the disinfectant on her skin.

“Are you okay?” Lena asked, her voice low and concerned.

“Yes. It just stings a little,” Fleur admitted, trying to mask the discomfort.

Lena dabbed the wound with precision, placing a Band-Aid over the blister with a gentle touch.

“Thank you,” Fleur said.

“Please don’t keep your pain to yourself. We’re a team now,” Lena said firmly, locking eyes with Fleur.

“You’re right.” Fleur smiled softly, reaching out to brush Lena’s hand. She wanted to say more, but she hesitated, retracting her hand slowly.

“What’s up? You were going to say something, weren’t you?”

“I’m just… fond of you. Very fond.” Fleur was avoiding eye contact, like a nervous schoolgirl admitting her first crush.

“Well, it sounds like you have a crush on me, but you’re only human,” Lena joked, grabbing Fleur’s hand to pull her closer.

“Oh quit being a big joker, I can tell you’re into me, too. Especially after last night…” Fleur bit her lip.

“You would be correct, but I’m not that good at feelings. I’m just good at doings.”

“That’s fair enough.” Fleur shrugged as she moved closer to Lena, and pressed a soft kiss upon her lips.

7

LENA

As the afternoon passed, Lena couldn’t help but feel close to Fleur. She couldn’t help but think about the words she had said. A crush? A feeling? Was it all too much to feel for someone, when life could be taken away so quickly?

She buried her thoughts and focused on the journey ahead.

“I think we should try to look for a car again if the coast looks clear,” Lena insisted, her eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger.

“As long as we’re not jumping into a car while being chased by a horde of zombies, I’m okay with it,” Fleur replied, a teasing glint in her eyes that momentarily lightened the heavy atmosphere.

“Well, maybe try not to venture into any doctors' offices this time,” Lena shot back with a playful grin.

“Deal.”

Eventually the path led to a road, and the road led to an old gas station. But it didn’t take long to see there were no signs of cars, fuel or much left at all.

“Well, I guess we’ll just be walking for a while longer,” Lena sighed, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice. Shesurveyed the barren lot, the remnants of a once-bustling place now eerily quiet. The sun beat down on them, and the weight of their situation felt heavier than ever.

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