The sun rose gently over the ruins of Zombieland, casting a golden hue over the settlement. Peace, though tentative, lingered in the air. Alina held her newborn daughter close to her chest, her tiny breaths syncing with her mother's heartbeat. She had named her Aurora, a name she said represented "a new beginning after the darkest night."
Kai hadn't left Alina's side since the birth. He took every chance to be close to Aurora, cradling her in his arms with care that surprised even himself. He was no longer just a boy who once sneaked off to kiss Alina in secret—he was becoming a father.
But peace wasn't as easy for Elena.
She watched from a distance, torn between pride and fear. The memories of her own teenage pregnancy haunted her, and she couldn't help but be protective—maybe too protective. Every time Kai held the baby, she tensed. Every time Alina made a decision without her, she questioned it.
"You're holding her wrong," Elena snapped one morning as Kai rocked the baby in a sling while Alina slept.
Kai gave a tense smile. "She's fine, Elena. I checked her position. Her neck's supported."
Elena crossed her arms. "Next time, ask me. She's still fragile."
"She's my daughter," he said softly but firmly.
That night, Alina confronted her mother. "You're pushing too hard, Mom. I love you, but you can't control everything. This is my baby."
"You're still a child, Alina," Elena replied, her voice shaky. "You don't know what it's like to raise a child in a broken world."
"I do now," Alina whispered. "And I'm trying."
Ethan stepped in before the argument escalated, pulling Elena aside. "She needs to do this her way. Just like you once did."
Meanwhile, Lyra watched from the doorway, feeling invisible. Everyone's world revolved around the baby now. She loved her niece deeply—but she missed her sister. Determined to prove she still mattered, Lyra began sneaking away at night… no one had noticed. Not yet.