Chapter 11: New Bonds

Night had fallen over Sanctuary, and the light from the campfire illuminated the tired faces of the group. The day had been long, but finally, everyone could sit and rest. Nora, still processing everything that had happened, sat in one of the rusted chairs they had found in the abandoned houses.

Izuku had given her a place in one of the more stable homes, but even though she had a roof over her head, her mind found no rest. Everything she knew was gone. Her home, her job, her life. What would she do now?

She rubbed her temples, trying to sort her thoughts, when a voice pulled her out of her reverie.

Piper: Do you like it hot or more lukewarm?

Nora looked up and saw Piper offering her a cup with something steaming.

Nora: (Taking the cup with a weak smile) Thanks… Piper, right?

Piper: (Nodding as she sat next to her) Exactly. Reporter, survivor, and the only one who manages to keep Izuku grounded.

Nora let out a brief but genuine laugh. However, her gaze wandered to Izuku, who was sitting by the fire, entertaining Eri with little hand tricks.

Nora: (Sighing) I don't know how he keeps going after all this.

Piper: (Also looking at him, with a soft expression) That guy is stronger than he lets on…

There was a brief silence between them before Piper turned to Nora with curiosity.

Piper: And you? What did you do before all this?

Nora lowered her gaze to her cup.

Nora: I was a lawyer. I fought for people. Now… I don't know what I am.

Piper looked at her for a moment before giving her a light nudge on the shoulder.

Piper: You're a survivor. And believe me, that's already a lot.

Before Nora could respond, she felt a small tug on the sleeve of her clothes.

Eri: (Looking up at her with curious eyes) Miss Nora?

Nora blinked in surprise at the little one.

Nora: (Gently) Just Nora is fine, little one.

Eri tilted her head, as if processing something.

Eri: Are you sad?

The girl's words made Nora feel a lump in her throat. She tried to force a smile.

Nora: I'm just… trying to understand all of this.

Eri puckered her lips and seemed to think of something. Then, she pulled something out of her little pocket and extended it toward Nora. A withered flower, fragile but still holding a hint of color.

Eri: This helps.

Nora took it gently, feeling a strange warmth in her chest. She looked up and saw Izuku watching them with a faint smile.

For the first time in a long while, Nora felt like she wasn't completely alone.

Nora: (Smiling faintly) Thank you, Eri.

As the night went on, the campfire continued to burn, and the bonds between them began to grow stronger.

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End of Chapter 11.