Virus | The Darkest Minds Ψ

Twenty Questions

Chapter VI

I woke up to Zu tossing and turning next to me. I sat up and glanced down at her, trying to see her face in the dark. She wasn't awake, yet I could make out traces of tears on her cheeks and she let out a whimper.

Zu suddenly shot up quickly and took a deep breath. I hesitantly put a hand on her shoulder.

"Was it a nightmare?" I murmured, soft enough so the boys wouldn't wake up.

Zu looked at me with her dark, innocent eyes, tears brimming in them. She buried her face in my lap and took a shuddering breath.

I was reminded of the many times I had calmed Nico down from nightmares. In their own ways, Zu and Nico were both so alike. Both young and innocent, too innocent for the world they lived in. I started humming a soft tune, while brushing the top of Zu's head with my fingertips.

"I don't know what you were dreaming about," I said softly. "And I know you don't know me well. But it's okay right now. I'm not gonna lie to you and say they'll stop, but I promise one of us will be with you, okay?"

Zu wrapped her arms around my waist and held on. I was surprised at the sign of affection. After all, Zu really didn't know me. If she did, I was sure she wouldn't nearly be as content.

I hadn't been touched with a soft affection and kindness from another person in a long time. The PSF's certainly never gave me hugs. Regardless, I put my arms around her and both of us drifted off to sleep.

***

"Rise and shine, grannies!" A voice called out, and I sat up from my uncomfortable position against the headboard of the bed.

For a moment, I panicked, wondering where I was. Then I remembered; I was now traveling with three other kids — for the time being.

My neck was sore from sitting up half the night, but I didn't complain when I saw Zu in a considerably better mood.

"Alright, team," Liam clapped his hands together. "We'll have to try to find a gas station or something to get some food. Can't live off of optimism forever!"

Liam gave Chubs a meaningful look at his last sentence.

"Um," I started, raising my hand slightly as if I were in a class. I quickly brought it back down in embarrassment, flushing a little. "I have a bag of food from that gas station you kidnapped me from last night."

"We didn't kidnap —"

"We can't trust food from a stranger," Chubs cut in, giving me a suspicious look. "We don't even know anything about Miss Mystery. How can we eat her food?"

"It was just a suggestion," I said quietly.

Stupid, they don't want your food or your help. Zu didn't need you last night either. You don't even know them, why are you trying to help with something you don't understand?

"Chubs is just being paranoid," Liam rolled his eyes. "Of course, if you're okay with it, we'll eat."

"Oh, uh, okay," I said, scratching my wrist in anxiety. It was a nervous tic I had picked up after my hair was shaved off. I used to pull on my hair when I was a little girl — it annoyed my mother to no ends — but once it was gone, I figured a different way.