As we stepped out of the meeting hall, I wasn't expecting to run into her so quickly.
Sofía.
She stood in the middle of the corridor, fists clenched, eyes filled with tears, and visibly angry.Before I could say anything—
She lunged at me.
Her little fists struck my chest, fast but soft.Hits that didn't mean harm...only that it hurt her.
—Why didn't you let me fight?! —she shouted between sobs—. I'm strong! I could've helped!
I let her vent.Then, gently, I placed my hand on her head and ruffled her hair.
—Next time… you can lead a squad.
Sofía looked up at me, surprised.
And within seconds, her face lit up with a huge smile.
—I'm gonna take down all the monsters by myself!!! —she shouted, raising her arms proudly.
And honestly…I didn't doubt her.
After that, I went to see Matías.
He was sitting near a window, more recovered, staring at the sky as if searching for answers.
When I told him what I was going to do...
He got upset.
—Why can't I go?! —he yelled—. I can help! I can fight!
Tears filled his eyes.
—I don't want you to go alone!
I knelt in front of him and took his hands.
—Matías…I need you to watch over Mom and Dad while I'm gone.
His expression shifted. He hesitated.
Then, he nodded.
—Okay… —he whispered.
But deep down, I knew the truth.
I wasn't taking him because I was afraid.
He was still small.Still far from regaining the power he once had.He wasn't ready for what we might face out there.
And I couldn't risk losing him.
Our squad would leave in a few days.
We used that time to rest.To recover.And to prepare every last detail.
I had one last task:
Distribute the remaining artifacts.
There were still relics from the auction that hadn't been handed out.
I gave some to my family.To my uncles, the captains, the defense leaders.
I also gave a set to my father—items meant to be rewards for those who performed outstanding feats within the community.
He nodded thoughtfully.
—It'll do them good to know their efforts matter.
And then, without realizing it…
It was my birthday.
I had forgotten completely.
But Grandma Roxana hadn't.
She organized a surprise party for me.
The whole family gathered.Even Sofía was invited, glowing with excitement.
There was food, soft music, laughter.A rare night.A luxury in this apocalyptic world.
And as I laughed with them, something whispered inside me:
"Remember this night.Because the dark days will return."
And I will remember it.
The night before departure, I focused on one final objective:
Information gathering.
Some communication networks still worked.
Sat links, fringe forums, scattered message boards.
And in one of them…
A signal.
From a city hundreds of kilometers away, someone had placed a beacon atop a building—a call for survivors to seek shelter there.
A promise of safety.
And the one who had broadcasted it…
Was someone I knew.
Vega.
A former U.S. soldier.She had arrived in our country years ago.In our past life, she was one of our teachers.Strong. Cold. Brilliant.Her file had always been classified.
I had searched for her with my father before—but we never found anything but sealed records and dead ends.
But now…
she was close.
I gave myself a new mission:
Find her.And bring her home.
Our squad was ready.
Weapons checked.Packs full.Maps updated.
We said our goodbyes, one by one.
With hugs.With promises.With hope.
And with firm steps…
we set out.