Chapitre 23: Chapter 23

Caroline was still smiling an hour later as she and Lincoln finished their breakfast in the empty dining hall of the hotel. Then they packed up the car with their supplies and got back on the road. She kept the radio close by so they could hear if the CDC made any more announcements. Even the sight of burned-out buildings, looted stores, and abandoned homes couldn't penetrate the small bubble of hope that now blossomed in her chest.

Four hours later, they were almost at her home, and she fought to control her excitement.

"You're going to love my parents. My father is a sweetheart, and my mom is fierce." She grinned like a fool at Lincoln, but he wasn't smiling. "What's the matter?" she asked. He continued to drive, but he reached out and placed a hand over hers on her left knee and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm worried, that's all," he replied.

"Worried? We haven't seen anyone on the road, and"