Metal Rose

Chapter 12

The morning was unusually silent. Birds did not chirp, and squirrels did not scurry. Even dogs seemed to lose their bark. Only the faint sound of a fan was heard. State cleanup crews and police officials were silent as they re-entered the school to survey the aftermath. The mayor sat in a limousine, preparing for a press conference to address the events. Commuters drove to work without the radio. The city appeared to grieve in quietude. Surviving students and staff pondered the reasons. Why was their school targeted? Why did they survive while others did not? Hunter and Mercedes slept soundly in his bed, oblivious to their rest, before awakening to the reality of their existence. Mercedes' mother descended the stairs silently to discover Dr. Sylvester in the kitchen. He sighs upon seeing her.

"Good morning, Olivia."

"Good morning, David. Are they awake?"

Dr. Sylvester shrugs and glances toward the staircase leading to Hunter's room.

"I actually don't know. Maybe we should check on them. I've been up for a while and I haven't heard anything from down there."

Mercedes's mother nodded and silently followed Dr. Sylvester down the stairs. The room was quiet. Game controllers lay untouched where they had been left. Shoes remained scattered in front of the couch. Mercedes's mother took a moment to survey the room, each detail a testament to Hunter's presence. Eventually, her gaze met Dr. Sylvester's, resting on the bed. Approaching the bed, they discovered both still in peaceful slumber, facing one another with a small space between them under Hunter's blankets. Olivia looked at David sadly.

"They look so sweet and innocent sleeping. These poor babies are going to wake up and remember exactly what happened."

Dr. Sylvester looks at Olivia and sighs.

"I don't really know what else we can do besides try to be here for them and help them through this. I know they're late teenagers, but still just kids."

Mercedes's mother and Hunter's father come to a halt when Mercedes begins to move. She sits up a bit, oblivious to them, but notices Hunter and starts to raise his arm gently. Hunter, stirring faintly, cracks his eyes just enough to see Mercedes lifting his arm. Rather than Mercedes climbing into his embrace, Hunter draws her in closer and softly kisses her forehead. Mercedes cuddles into Hunter, and he lays his head atop hers. They both appear to fall back to sleep instantly. The parents exchange glances, both struck with disbelief. Dr. Sylvester shakes his head.

"I mean, it's a little cute but wildly inappropriate."

Mercedes's mother tries not to laugh and whispers.

"Yes, but it's okay. It's precious. They're alright. They could be doing a lot worse. Let's cut them some slack."

Dr. Sylvester nods.

"I mean, we can't really be shocked by this. How about we make breakfast? Maybe they'll wake up soon."

Ten minutes later, Mercedes opens her eyes and sees Hunter's chest. Her head was up by his shoulder. She could feel Hunter's firm grip around her waist. Gradually, her mind recalls the events of the previous day, prompting her to withdraw from Hunter and sit up a bit. Hunter shifts and eventually opens his eyes, finding Mercedes gazing at him. She gives him a weak smile.

"Hi..."

Hunter returns the same smile. The silence falls again until Hunter sighs.

"How are you feeling?"

"I don't know."

Mercedes reclines again, her gaze meeting Hunter's. He offers her a melancholic glance before leaning in to kiss her forehead. Mercedes offers a fleeting smile before turning to lie flat on her back.