"Natasha, Cindy, Mom. Are you okay?" Jaxon's voice cracked as he pushed himself up. A sharp pain stabbed through his ribs and shoulder, stealing his breath. He bit back a groan and forced himself upright anyway.
'Damn it, damn it. Why did it turn out like this? We should have reached the safe zone in a few hours. How did the infected get here?' His thoughts spiraled, anger and fear twisting tight in his chest. But he pushed it down. None of that mattered right now, he had to make sure everyone was alive.
He crawled forward, hands shaking as he tore at the layers of blankets and coats. From beneath the padding, someone coughed. Then a weak whimper.
"Jaxon…"
His heart tightened. "Cindy, Cindy, I'm right here." His voice shook as he dug faster. "Are you hurt? Say something."
He found her curled on her side, half buried beneath the padding. Her face was pale, streaked with grime. She wasn't crying, but her whole body trembled.
