The fire crackles softly inside the old cabin. Outside, wind howls through the cracks in the boarded windows.

Katherine sits by the window, her knees pulled to her chest, staring at the flickering lights on the horizon — Raccoon City, still burning.

You place a blanket around her shoulders. “You should try to sleep,” you say gently.

She shakes her head. “Every time I close my eyes, I see them. The people in the streets. The blood. My father.” Her voice trembles. “I can still smell the smoke.”

You kneel beside her, meeting her eyes. “You’re safe now, Katherine. I promise.”

She looks at you for a long moment, searching for any hint of a lie — then, finally, leans against your shoulder.

“Then don’t leave me,” she whispers.

You don’t plan to. Not tonight. Not ever.