Page 22 of Her Shadow

“No probs, lady,” Marla said with a grin stretched from one ear to the other.

As they continued to make plans, Sam’s heart swelled with hope.

This is the start of something.

9

KARA

Kara looked around as Fort Haven buzzed with excitement. The community festival brought the people together under an old battered canopy of twinkling lights.

“This looks wonderful,” Sam cried out, laughing. “Have you done this sort of thing before here?”

“Yes,” replied Kara. “We try to do it every year. It’s a great idea and really brings us together. The captain started it. She aims to foster community spirit and all that jazz.”

Children ran through the open square, their laughter mingling with the melodies of a roughly put-together folk band. The band consisted of a female singer and two guitarists, each with only four strings on their instruments. They didn’t have much in the way of quality, but it didn’t stop them from trying.

“Hey!” said Sam, looking surprised as she moved closer to the musicians. “They sound pretty good, seeing as they haven’t got a decent guitar between them.”

“I know. Actually, I may pick up some strings for them on my next mission to town. I’ll bet the music shops weren’t raided. Who looks for spare picks during the zombie apocalypse?”

While the tables weren’t exactly brimming with food, there was enough to go around, with fresh vegetables and berries from the settlement’s gardens. Kara stood on the edge of the gathering, watching as Fort Haven’s people—herpeople—gathered in celebration. She wasn’t quite sure what they were celebrating, but who needed an excuse when life gave you cards like these, right?

Beside her, Sam’s arm brushed Kara’s as they both took in the scene. Sam had always been a little aloof, unsure of her place in the community, but tonight there was a difference. For the first time since they'd arrived, it felt as if Sam belonged.

“So, are you feeling better since the captain got back to you?” Kara asked, nudging her lightly in the ribs with her elbow. “It’s great news that she’s taken on what you said. Onward and upward, right? What do you think, babe?”

“Yeah, I guess it looks as if they finally warmed up to me,” Sam said, glancing up at Kara with a playful smile. She then chuckled, the deep hum of her voice sending a pleasant shiver down Kara’s spine. “I think it’s because of you, though,” she continued. “You vouched for me. You made them listen. And it feels great that we’re putting plans in place.”

Kara shook her head. “No, you’ve earned it. Your ideas, your strength—they see you now, Sam. For whom you are. That’s why things are changing around here. And you’re right. It feels so much better to be proactive, and not just be sitting ducks behind a big, high wall. Have I convinced you to stay for good?”

A slight smile tugged at Sam’s lips, and her eyes shone. “You’re right. I’m feeling pumped! But I think they see me as part of us, not just me alone. And I’m okay with that. Sam and Kara. Or Kara and Sam. I don’t know which way sounds best. And yeah, maybe I will. For now anyway.”

“Ha! I don’t know. We’ll have to work it out, and I’ll have to make that a certain yes,” Kara giggled, and she brushed her hand against Sam’s.

This is it. This is as close to peace as I’ll ever get.

A familiar voice called out to them, disrupting the moment. “Kara! Sam! Over here!”

Kara turned to see Joanna, one of the teachers who helped school the kids, waving them over to a circle of people gathered around one of the fire pits. The flames cast an orange glow across everyone’s faces as they passed around cups of fermented mead, which Kara had joked with Sam earlier tasted like ass, but she accepted a cup anyway.

Kara hesitated for a moment before passing a cup to Sam.

“Am I really ready for this?” Sam joked, her nose screwed up and eyebrows raised in mock horror.

“Absolutely not. You don’t know what you’re letting yourself in for, but it’s the most fun you can have outside of our cabin, so get it down you,” Kara replied with a wink.

They found seats on a weathered plastic bench, Kara leaning into Sam as the group welcomed them into the fold. As the evening wore on, the stories they shared grew more lighthearted, tales of childhood mischief and near-misses with the undead that were somehow funny in hindsight. Kara found herself laughing more than she had in a long time. She couldn’t remember when she had last felt this relaxed.

At one point, Joanna leaned over, her eyes sparkling with mischief, and pulled Kara close to her. “I want to tell you a little secret. You two make such a cute couple,” she said, her voice warm with affection (and mead).Isn’t it such a great story that you found each other in the way you did? I mean, what are the odds? I think even Captain likes Sam now.”

Kara blushed, glancing at Sam, who returned Joanna’s smile with a nod. “You’re not wrong. I hear you,” Sam said, her voicelow and sincere. “I could have picked up anyone that day. But no! Who do I rescue? The West Coast’s last surviving cutest lesbian, that’s who!”

The tempo of the music changed, and the trio played a slow, lilting melody. Couples began to move to the center of the communal space, swaying together under the open sky. Kara felt a tug in her chest, and she couldn’t resist asking the question.

“Dance with me?”

Sam didn’t hesitate. “Why not?”

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