Felix Fields's sudden appearance and departure had stirred the calm waters of Josie Quinn's heart, leaving ripples that still lingered a night later.
She was up early today, and after dressing, she stood at the window, gazing out.
When Cole awoke, he found the space beside him empty. He opened his eyes, searching for her.
He got up, walked quietly to her side, and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.
Josie naturally leaned back against his shoulder.
"What are you looking at?"
Josie stared at a few humans who had just run past. "Humans seem like the most fragile of animals, but they're also the most adaptable. I thought that after this winter, we'd hardly see any ordinary people alive out here. I'm surprised there are still so many."
Cole held her tighter. "Those who couldn't adapt were weeded out. The ones who remain will be better equipped to face the extreme cold from now on."
They didn't embrace for long; they had to get back on the road.
