Chapter Twenty-One
Packed for the Future Morning came with resolve. The light was barely creeping in when Emily woke, the sky outside still pale and undecided. For a moment, she stayed still, listening to the familiar sounds—the low hum of the plant, the faint rattle of something loose in the wind, Chandler's breathing steady beside her. Today was the day. She shifted carefully, resting a hand over her stomach out of instinct more than certainty. The nausea had eased overnight, leaving behind a strange mix of nerves and determination. Before fear could take root, she focused on the plan. Plans were grounded. Plans were how they survived. Chandler stirred as she sat up. "Morning," he murmured, voice rough, eyes blinking open. "Morning," she said softly. "Ready to go back into the city?" He exhaled, the
- Writer
