Page 4 of Her Shadow

Sam’s eyes grew distant for a moment. “Back before…I was a teacher—a university professor with tenure, as a matter of fact. I taught tribal studies, different societies, and how people adapt to changes. And then, weirdly, when everything collapsed, I joined a nomadic group. And now, I guess you could say I’m actually applying what I’ve learned, what I used to teach.”

Kara’s eyes widened in surprise. “I have to say that’s pretty impressive. And you know your stuff. It kinda shows.”

“I don’t think so.” Sam shrugged. “I think we’re all just making do. We’re all adapting and surviving.”

Kara recognized Sam’s resilience and realized within an instant how much she admired this stranger. She felt her heart flutter under her breastbone at the mere thought of being around her. What sort of life did this woman lead—and what could she learn from her? Why did she affect her so?

Sam pushed herself up off the ground. “You really do need to get some rest now. We’ll talk in the morning. We’re going to have to quarantine you. I know you weren’t infected…and I guess it’s not very hospitable…but it makes sense that you don’t share a tent with any of us tonight. I hope you understand. And I know we have been very accommodating, but trust me, you don’t want to fuck with us either, got it?”

“Loud and clear.” Kara nodded enthusiastically, feeling relieved that she had a place to stay, however harsh it was.

Sam turned her back and walked away. Kara couldn’t take her eyes off this woman—this warrior—her unexpected savior.She didn’t know whether she was imagining it, but she felt a connection to Sam. Was it attraction? Should she ignore it?

It’s everything about her. The way she speaks…the way she moves her body.

Kara looked to the side of her and the makeshift bed one of Sam’s group members had made out for her. The blankets looked worn and threadbare, but she knew she would enjoy a night looking up at the stars. It was just what she needed. The weather was warm enough despite the slight humidity in the air. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this at peace. The previous year or so had been spent in chaos and a sense of permanent fear and rushes of adrenaline. Her sense of safety felt almost overwhelming, as did her gratitude for these people.

As she drifted off to sleep, the slightly out-of-focus image of Sam’s concerned yet gentle face stayed with her.

I feel like I know you somehow.

But as sleep came, the image ebbed away, Sam’s smile fading into darkness. That night, Kara slept the sleep of a woman unplagued by thoughts of famine and horror. She was in her own cocooned world trusting the kindness of strangers.

2

SAM

The morning brought with it a crisp, cool wind that bit at the exposed skin of Sam’s neck as she stood near the fire, speaking with a few members of the group. Her tone was firm and authoritative as they discussed the day’s plans, but her thoughts drifted toward Kara. She had noticed the woman stirring not far off, her body still recovering from her injuries.

A cry broke through the bustle of camp. "Ouch! Argh!" Kara’s voice, strained and sounding pained, sharply pulled Sam’s attention. She watched as Kara sat up, her face creasing in discomfort. Sam’s eyes narrowed slightly as she observed Kara swallow back a sob, trying to compose herself. She was tough, Sam could tell, but vulnerability was there just beneath the surface.

As Kara began a series of stretches, Sam returned her focus to the conversation at hand. But out of the corner of her eye, she saw Kara carefully getting to her feet, testing her strength as she hobbled forward. The wound on Kara’s shoulder would still need time to heal, but at least she seemed determined to power through. That was an attitude Sam could respect. Kara walked toward the fire, where Sam had started preparing breakfast.She could feel the woman’s presence even before she heard her speak.

“Morning,” Kara said, her voice casual.

Sam looked up, her expression purposefully neutral. “Hey. How are you feeling? Did you get a good night’s sleep?”

“Better than I expected,” Kara replied, though she grimaced slightly. “I woke up with a cramp. I guess…I feel as if I’m almost not connected to my body. I don’t know why. It’s a weird feeling. But I feel ready to start moving if that’s the plan.”

Sam studied her, narrowing her eyes for a brief moment. Kara was eager, maybe too eager. "I think we’ll spend another day and night here," Sam said firmly. “We’re going to take it easy today. We need to make sure you’re strong enough before we set out.”

They ate in relative silence for a few moments, pan-fried snails with flatbread filling the air around them with a delicious-smelling savory smoke. As they chewed, Kara spoke again, this time with a small, surprised laugh. “If you’d told me only a year ago that waking up to hot snails would be the best treat imaginable, I’d never have believed it. But these are incredible.”

Sam chuckled, relaxing slightly. “I know. I can see why the French do it. Or did it.” She glanced down at her food, her mind drifting to darker thoughts. “Gosh, when you think about people all over the world…that this shit must have happened everywhere…it’s so hard to wrap your head around. I imagine some countries are faring better than others. But I’ll bet half the world’s population is dead.”

Kara’s demeanor seemed to change suddenly, her earlier lightness vanishing. “To be honest, I try not to think about it,” she said, her voice distant, almost vacant.

Sam noticed the shift but felt compelled to continue. “But it’s important to think about these things.” She tucked her legs under her, finding comfort in the weight of the conversation.“It’s the future. The future of humanity is at stake, and the more we know, the better.”

Kara took a long moment before responding. When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter. “Yeah, you’re right. It’s just that…it’s putting me on a bit of a downer. I’ve just lost some close friends…and…”

Sam felt a sudden pang of guilt burning in her chest, realizing too late where she had led the conversation. She reached out instinctively, her hand covering Kara’s in a gesture of apology. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. How stupid of me. Let’s enjoy these snails, and I’ll shut up.”

Kara gave her a weak smile, the pain of loss still evident in her eyes. “I don’t want you to shut up. Maybe we can talk about something else. Anything else.”

Sam squeezed her hand gently before pulling away. “I’m going to head off and collect some more firewood. This fire looks like it’s dying down, and we can’t have that. It would be best if you were kept warm today. I don’t want you moving a muscle, okay?”

“Yes, boss,” Kara said, a corner of her mouth turning upward in a weak smile.

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