They had been traveling for almost a day and a half, navigating the barren routes to their base. Staying alert following the incident in the city, they only stopped to refuel, utilizing the gas reserves meant for such trips. A brief conversation took place regarding their upcoming report to the General, recognizing that the condition of the camp was the top priority.
Mae was reeling from the discovery that the Infected were the civilians from the mountain camp, which had been a haven against the infection for years, fortified with top defenses. She recalled being invited to join the camp but declined because her team and spouse couldn't accompany her. Although she never visited, she was familiar with it through updates from the supply truck's crew. The image of Nari, a woman she'd occasionally chat with during supply runs, haunted her; her lifeless gaze and the haunting sound of her neck breaking lingered in Mae's mind. Nari, who loved to sing, always had a new song to share, lifting Mae's spirits with each visit.
She sighed, brushing away a tear as she turned away from the window. Beside her, Namjoon slept, his snores soft and rhythmic. She watched him, her mind adrift with worry. The fear of nearly losing him still lingered, and the weight of her losses felt unbearable. She couldn't bear the thought of losing anymore.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Yoongi's voice broke the silence.
"Just thinking about Joon," she replied.
"It was a close call back there. I didn't think I'd make it back in time," Yoongi said.
"Yeah, well, I wasn't about to let this idiot take the easy way out," she grinned, glancing at Namjoon again.
"You know, I could have sworn I saw him trip himself, but I can't be too sure," Yoongi chuckled.
"I can hear you," Namjoon mumbled, opening one eye to glare at his two friends.
Their laughter filled the air as they indulged in playful banter for hours until dawn's light crested the horizon. The sight of the base brought a wave of relief; they had returned safely. Approaching the gates, they drove through, swung open, and parked by the main tent. Mae and Yoongi dismounted, and she moved to assist Namjoon on his side.
Suddenly, a loud voice called out, "Mae!"
She spun around to see her handsome husband hurrying toward her, her heartbeat quickening. His presence brought a surge of emotions, and the previous night's events suddenly felt more intense.
"Go ahead, I've got him," Yoongi said.
With a smile, she allowed Namjoon to rest against Yoongi before she turned and dashed into his embrace.
"Jin! I've missed you so much," she exclaimed as she ran into his arms.
He lifted her in his arms and gently kissed her lips. "I'm so relieved you're back. I've been worried sick."
Jin and Mae's marriage spanned two years, blossoming from their shared time at the base. At 35, Jin had transferred from another fallen base to serve as a medic. The instant Mae's eyes fell upon him, his broad shoulders, impeccably chiseled features, and beaming smile completely enchanted her. Their paths crossed when she sustained injuries on an early mission. They conversed as he tended to her wounds, and those conversations evolved into strolls during her downtime. Jin's warm welcome awaited her after each mission, culminating in his heartfelt confession, which led to their marriage.
"I'm relieved to be back home. Could you check on Joon? He's injured his ankle," she requested, guiding him towards Namjoon.
"Certainly. How did it happen?" he inquired.
