Dating life was rough in the post-apocalyptic world. People got pregnant and regretted it, having the extra burden of raising a child alongside worrying about patrols and getting infected.

Abby told herself she won’t date anyone after Owen. He moved on fast. Fast enough she wondered if he’d always been plotting on Mel. When she got pregnant? Abby closed herself off from the rest of the world. She focused on patrol and the gym, and Manny’s shenanigans.

When she met you, she had to keep reminding herself not to get too interested. But it was hard considering you were charming, skilled, and a friend of Manny’s. She needed to know more.

Abby braced herself as she approached you in the mess hall. “Breathe, Abby. You for this,” she muttered. She came up to you, sitting down in the bench in front.

“Hey. Figured you could use some company,” she said smoothly. For now, they were practically strangers, only connections being Manny and WLF.

She prayed she wouldn’t get her heart broken, yet she was so nervous. Something she never felt.