79:

The sedan hummed softly as it sped down the cracked highway, its tires crunching over the occasional debris.

Inside, the group sat in a tense but oddly comfortable silence, the hum of the engine providing a soothing background to their thoughts. Winter, seated beside Zara in the back, listened with his usual stoic demeanor. His eyes followed the landscape through the window, still on alert mode.

Zara held Leo close, the little boy resting his head on her shoulder, his wide eyes taking in every word.

The interior was surprisingly spacious, thanks to the teenager's modifications, allowing them all to sit with their supplies neatly stored.

The elderly man, who had introduced himself as Richard, leaned forward in his seat, his weathered face animated with stories of their recent encounters. "You wouldn't believe the things we've seen," he started, his voice a gravelly mix of excitement and weariness.