Sofia nodded in understanding. Of course it was their only option, even if it wasn’t an easy one to follow through. Her brow furrowed at the knowledge that if something were to happen to either of them, it would be her fault. Could she survive without Dex? Could he survive without her? The thought of being without him for the first time in her life squeezed her heart painfully. Her eyes glistened and the anguish was overwhelming. In a world where getting attached was dangerous, they had forgone all warnings.<br/><br/>A sharp tug to her scalp forced her from such a dark trail and thrust her, literally, into Dex’s embrace. Her nose wrinkled at the action though she couldn’t complain too much. It was her fault she kept her hair long enough for others to snag but she couldn’t bring herself to cut it. Even if she could, she doubted Dex would allow her to take away his stress reliever. Her large eyes stared into his from beneath sooty lashes and her breath hitched in her throat. His conviction was clearly heard from his stern tone and his features took on a look he rarely used with her. He was serious. Gravely so. She relaxed in his hold, trusting him to support his weight while they came to an understanding.<br/><br/>Her small hand cupped his cheek, enjoying the way the coarse hair grazed her palm. Yes, she remembered their promise though she couldn’t honestly agree with it. What if children had joined their parents, could she honestly say she would allow a child to be thrashed to death by nature? Devoured alive by some animal? Sold into slavery by some worthless dirt bag? Could she? It was moments like this that she seriously questioned where life had taken them. From a carefree child to someone who could possible watch a child be torn from the world in order for her to save her own hide. She mentally shook her head, ridding herself of a situation she may never be put into. Plus she doubted children would join considering how few there were. Not many people were willing to bring a child into the world.<br/><br/>Children were their future but they were also another mouth to feed in an already starving world. They were a huge liability to keep safe, to keep alive...Her lips pursed and she quickly shifted her mind back to the topic at hand. She didn’t want to remember her promise to him but she did have to honor it. Her dark eyes hardened and she leaned up to place a chaste kiss on his lips, enjoying the few remaining solo moments they had left together.<br/><br/>“I remember and I understand.” She replied dutifully, offering him a grin in reassurance. “Now help me back up. It’s dangerous to be like this.” She scolded him, regaining her balance with his help and focusing on the water in front of her. It was smart to travel along a water source but it could also be a hindrance. A shiver traveled along her body at the thought of what lay in wait below the surface. Getting water would be risky, especially if something lunged at them to pull them under. And if they were attacked on their right side, they could run straight with all their might but if a trap were set in place they would have to take to the water. She could swim, her parents made sure of it before their untimely demise, but water scared the hell out of her.<br/><br/>“When we get there I want to take a nice bath and eat some peach pie.” She changed the subject to something a little lighter. True her parents were always involved in their research but one thing their families did together was share pie that Mrs. Claudia made. A little break in favor of her. “Your mamma made the best pies.” Sofia said thoughtfully. So much time had passed that the sadness had turned into a fond memory. She rocked on her spot, bumping his shoulder with own and grinning mischievously at him.<br/><br/>“If I make some, you’ll eat it right?” She teased knowing full well she couldn’t bake and the chances of her pie being edible were slim to known. Her grin faded as she noticed movement from beside one of the cars abandoned not too far from where they were sitting. Was it the sun’s heat bouncing off the pavement? She body froze and she focused completely on the area, gasping at the movement once more. “Dex…” She whispered, not wanting to alarm the thing to their knowledge of it. Slowly, it inched its way into view and she relaxed only slightly to see a medium size coyote with his teeth bared, eyes locked on their position. One coyote they could handle, a whole group would be a problem. She duly noticed the ribs protruding from beneath the matted fur caked in dirt. No signs of spores or seeping wounds, just a regular hungry coyote.