The Last Shot

2: The Morning After

Nina woke up with a jolt, her heart pounding in her chest. She sat up quickly, her eyes dating around the tent in confusion. Gradually, her breathing slowed as the memories of the previous night came rushing back.

"Hey, Nina." Joe's voice called from outside the tent. "Are you awake?"

"Yes." She replied, her voice still groggy.

"Are you decent?" He asked.

"Yes." She confirmed.

"May I come in?"

"It's your tent." Nina said, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Joe chuckled softly and pushed open the front flap, stepping inside. He knelt in front her, his expression a mix of relief and concern. "We sure put on a performance, last night huh?" He said, rubbing his stubble thoughtfully. "I think you should go introduce yourself to everyone." He looked down, rubbing his temple before looking back up. "I've got to figure out who's going on a supply run into the city. Let me tell you, Dallas ain't like it used to be."

"Wait, we're in Dallas?" Nina asked, her baby blue eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes ma'am." Joe replied with a nod.

"I made it back home?" Disbelief in her voice. "The last place I remember being was in Missouri."

"Damn, that sure is a long way... But welcome home kiddo." He smiled warmly. "Don't forget to help yourself to some breakfast." He said as he stood up.

With that, Joe walked out of the tent, leaving Nina to prepare for the day. She stretched, feeling the stiffness in her muscles, then slipped on her boots before retrieving her knife and revolver from the crate.

As she stepped outside, she immediately collided with a small body. "Hey, girl." A young boy with perfectly combed dirty blonde hair and deep brown eyes, who appeared to be not much older than seven, stood in front of her, arms crossed.

Nina crouched down to his level. "Hey boy." She responded with a playful smile.

"I'm Liam." He said, extending his small hand.

Nina shook it gently. "Nina."

"Nina... I like that name." He grinned, showing off his deep dimples.

"I like your name too." She replied standing back up and ruffling his hair. He laughed, pushing the hair out of his eyes and smoothing it down.

Nina felt eyes on her and turned to see a middle-aged woman with a messy bun, watching them, a smile on her face as she leaned against a red truck.

The woman noticed Nina looking and quickly approached, holding her hand out. "I'm Lynette; Liam is my son. It's been a long time since I've seen him smile like that. Thank you."

"He's just an innocent little kid, shame he has to be in this world." Nina said, returning the handshake.

Lynette gave the younger girl's arm a gentle squeeze and walked away, calling Liam for breakfast. Nina slowly made her way through the camp, observing the people as they prepared for the day. She scanned the area, searching for Andrés and Alejandro but couldn't spot them. She saw Joe talking to an old black man, a map spread across the hood of the camper van in front of them. Nearby, a mother and daughter silently are breakfast whilst a rough-looking man sat beside them, smoking his cigarette. He rubbed his long, scruffy brown beard and met Nina's gaze, causing her to quickly look away.

Laughter from behind caught her attention. Turning around, she saw two blonde haired girls sitting in the back of a blue pick up truck, talking amongst themselves. The younger of the blondes noticed Nina and waved her over. Feeling suddenly shy, Nina approached hesitantly.