Mallory sat on the roof of their latest hideout, the crisp night air tugging at her hair. The stars above were clearer than she'd ever seen, an ironic beauty born from the apocalypse's destruction. The world had gone dark in many ways, but the night sky was alive, glowing with a brilliance she'd never noticed before.
"Mind if I join?" Alex's voice broke her thoughts.
She glanced at him, surprised. He rarely sought out quiet moments like this. "Sure. Plenty of room for two."
Alex settled beside her, handing her a mug of what he claimed was hot chocolate. Mallory sipped it cautiously, wrinkling her nose.
"This is coffee," she said.
He smirked. "Well, it's mostly coffee. Supplies are limited."
She rolled her eyes but took another sip anyway. It was bitter, but the warmth was welcome.
"You've been quiet today," Alex said, his tone casual but his gaze sharp. "Something on your mind?"