The air was filled with muffled sobs and words of comfort.
For the first time in days, Karen felt warmth again—the kind that came not from safety, but from love.
But what Karen didn't know… was that someone else had followed her into the bunker.
Someone she hadn't expected to see again so soon. Or ever.
"Karen."
Her name was spoken in a low, familiar voice. She turned around sharply, her heart skipping a beat.
Standing just a few steps away was a tall, handsome man—his clothes dusty, his expression weary, but his smile genuine.
"Marco…"
Karen gasped, her emotions overwhelming her. She rushed to him and threw her arms around his neck, holding him tightly as if afraid he might vanish if she let go.
"You're safe… I can't believe it—you're really safe!"
Marco chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"Of course I am. You didn't think I'd let the world end without finding you first, did you?"
For a brief, fleeting moment, Karen smiled.
