I had no idea why, but Lila was different.
Even now.
Even as she led us through the borough like she had lived here her entire life.
The streets that had almost gotten us killed didn't seem to bother her anymore. Neither did the infected. Neither did the soldiers.
Whenever something got in our way, she handled it.
Quickly.
Efficiently.
Without hesitation.
A part of me hated how relieved that made me feel.
Because it meant the infection had changed her.
There was no denying it anymore.
Something inside her brain had shifted.
Maybe broken.
Maybe evolved.
I didn't know.
All I knew was that every time danger appeared, Lila moved before anyone else did.
Like the idea of either of us dying simply wasn't acceptable to her anymore.
Ironically enough, that was exactly what I had been telling myself this entire time.
That she'd survive.
That she'd find a way.
That she wouldn't let herself die as long as she thought I was still alive.
