From Sunrise to Survival

Prolog

The ragged climb up the steep hill was a struggle, my lungs screaming for air. Yet the view was worth it. Dawn blead crimson and gold across the horizon, the first genuine sunlight Id seen in years. No smog, no city lights, Just the raw untainted light of a new day.

Finally! a voice rasped behind me. April, her dark hair plastered to her forehead, grinning, a rare sight these days. Years of scraping by had forged a bond between us stronger than any blood sister. Id die for her without a second thought.

We made it! laughed a voice infused with an energy that seemed to defy the grim reality of our world. Charlie, a man built like a golden retriever on two legs, grinned, his teeth flashed white against his slightly tanned face.

Took you long enough sunshine, mumbled Kestin, the ever optimistic one despite the perpetual tan of grime clinging to his face. A playful glint in his eyes. Sunrise isnt the only thing worth catching, ladies

April scoffed. Even before the world went to hell, Kestin, you wouldnt have stood a chance with Alana.

Kestins cocky grin faltered. Who says I was talking to you, Short Stack? Alanas a stunner, thats all Im saying.

Kestin, April, I growled, exhaustion gnawing at my patience. Can you shut up for five minutes? Its barely sunrise.

It had been a blur, the days bleeding into weeks, then months, then years. These two strangers-turned-families were all I had left. A chilling thought wormed its way in. What if I hadnt survived? What if they werent here, squabbling beside me?

The sun crested the horizon, bathing that wasteland in an eerie glow. We stood there, a fragile trio amidst the wreckage of the world, a silent promise hanging thick in the air, wed survive together, no matter what.