Beyond the Last Star

Chapter 7- Ria

As I run down the street with my girlfriend, I notice houses empty. Barren yards with burnt grass, empty windows with closed blinds, cars with busted windows, and the few unfortunate people outside without a home. Those wandering down the road with dried tears on their face and burnt skin. I'd given Kati my hoodie, keeping her protected as best I could from the sun. She occasionally cried out and we had to stop but for the most part she stayed my strong warrior, running right beside me, keeping pace and occasionally taking the lead. Unfortunately, neither of us could drive and my house (the closer one) was a six mile walk from the school. We managed to reach my front door as I opened it, I heard my baby brother crying upstairs.

"Stay here baby, I'll be right back." I ran up the stairs leaving Kati in the kitchen, trying to find Andi.

 "I'm almost there baby hold on," I mumble as I find him in my parents' room. "Why in the world are you in here?!" I almost yell as I scoop him up, finding that his clothes and body are soaked in sweat. "Oh Andi what happened to Mom?" I sigh and find some cooler clothes to put him in, a tshirt and shorts as opposed to the long sleeve jumper he is in.  "Does that feel better baby?" I ask as I take his drenched clothes the laundry, carrying him in my arms. The only reply is a small whimper as he falls asleep on my shoulder. 

Once back downstairs, I find Kati asleep on the couch. I walk over with some water and wake her up. "Hey kitten, it's time for some water ok?" She doesn't reply. I start to shake her, becoming worried. "K-Kitten! Kati!" She grins and pushes me over laying on top of me and kissing me. 

"Hehe sorry, I had to at some point. This whole thing is insane I had to make it more fun."

I feel my face turn red as she giggles. I want to get mad, but she's way too adorable to get mad at so I simply flip us over so now I'm on top. "Oh, I noticed that it's insane. I also noticed that you're incredibly adorable." I smile as I lean in, kissing her again.  

We kiss for a while until I realize Andi is still in his crib. "Hey baby?"

"Yea Ria?" Kati asks sweetly

"Can I go get Andi?"

"Does that mean we can't make out anymore?" she asks pitifully.

"Yea I'm sorry but he needs to stay with us."

"Aww, okay babe. That's fine." 

Awwwwww Kati is the best!!! 

I walk into the nursery and find Andi laying in his crib crying. I pick him up into my arms and start to softly sing to him. I feel Kati come up behind me and wrap her arms around me. 

"Can I hold him?" she asks softly making my heart melt. 

I hand her my brother and move to find us all some water. Gathering cups of water I hear Kati's voice from the nursery.

"Oh my gosh Ria! Come here quick!"