Epilogue
EPILOGUE
L ena leaned back against the porch railing, breathing in the crisp air of the early morning. A small garden stretched out before her, vibrant and alive, and the smell of brewing coffee drifted from inside the house. She turned at the sound of footsteps. Fleur appeared in the doorway, her smile soft, her eyes holding the warmth of the life they had built together.
The years had passed. They hadn’t always been easy, but they hadn’t been too bad, either; the change was almost astonishing. There had been immense progress since the early, frantic days at the lab, where each moment felt borrowed, and survival was uncertain. Now the lab had expanded into a bigger community, with social areas, agriculture, and education. It had become a secure hub of growth and connection.
Fleur looked around at the bustling hub of activity. The expansion of the lab had been nothing short of miraculous, and she often caught herself marveling at the transformation. Where once they were fighting just to have enough supplies to get through the day, they now had stores of food, tools, and technology, all made possible by the hard work of the people who had joined them along the way. They had taken in plenty of strays, some good, some bad, but Lena was usually pretty good at judging them during the initiation process.
Lena had managed to make contact with her old community, who had gladly joined her new venture. It hadn’t been an easy process; convincing them, coordinating the move, and ensuring their safety had been challenging, with no guarantees of success. But Lena had been determined, and her passion was contagious. She couldn’t bear to leave those people behind, knowing there was a chance for something better. So, she’d taken the risk.
Yet, even in their newfound peace, the stress of the world outside remained a looming presence. There were still whispers of danger, rumors of groups who wanted to take what they had built or destroy the progress they were making. Security was always a priority, and Lena took her role in safeguarding the community seriously. She trained tirelessly with her team, learning new tactics and strategies to defend their home. She wanted to ensure that Fleur and the rest of the community were protected, even if it meant sacrificing her own peace of mind.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day, they sat together in their shared space. Lena leaned against the wall, her gaze fixed on the floor as she rubbed her temples. Fleur watched her, feeling a rush of affection mixed with concern. “You know, it’s okay to take a break,” Fleur said softly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence. “We’re doing well. We’re safe here. You don’t have to push yourself so hard.”
Lena glanced up, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips, though it didn’t reach her eyes. “I know, but I can’t help it. There are still so many unknowns out there. I can’t let my guard down. Not yet. It feels never ending.”
Fleur moved closer, taking Lena’s hand in hers. “I understand. But don’t forget to take care of yourself in the process. You’re not just a protector; you’re my world. And I need you to be well.”
Their eyes locked, and in that moment, Fleur felt a flicker of understanding pass between them. Lena nodded, her expression softening. “You’re right. I just, sometimes I feel like I’m carrying everything, and I don’t want to let anyone down.”
“You won’t,” Fleur reassured her, squeezing Lena’s hand gently. “We’re building something incredible here. Together. And we’re doing it for each other, for everyone we’ve brought into this community. Remember, we’re all in this together.”
“When did you get so optimistic?” Lena laughed as she jabbed at Fleur’s arm.
“Well, I have good news to share with you, really big news actually.”
“Oh yeah? Don’t keep me hanging!” Lena stood up straight, tugging at Fleur’s hand.
“So, you know how the research and lab work has been… difficult at times? And how we almost got the cure, but then it wouldn’t work on certain people?” Fleur sighed.
“Just spit it out already!”
“Well, I think we’ve finally done it. As in, really done it. This new drug seems to not only reverse the infection, but stop it from mutating and prevent it from being caught. It’s working so well on all of our testing cells. This could save everything.” Fleur smiled.
“Are you serious? That’s incredible!” Lena stood with her eyebrows raised, taking in the news that could really save the world, or what was left of it.
“I’m serious. We need to arrange a community meeting in the hall and tell everyone, but first we are going to make a plan for how to move forward. We were thinking we continue to grow this place, and create a city, a new life for more people. Vaccinate everyone who comes through the gates so they don’t pass on the virus.” Fleur paced as she spoke.
“I am so fucking proud of you. When I first met you, I didn’t know what to believe. And then our journey together, what a nightmare that was. But now, look at us. Look at everything around us. Whatever you want to do, I am right by your side.” Lena held Fleur’s hand, slowing down her pace, pulling her closer.
“And because you’ve always been by my side, I’ve managed to achieve this. It’s down to you as well. I love you so much, and it got me thinking. I want us to get married.”
“Oh, wow, um, I did not see that coming. Are you trying to give me a heart attack with all these shock statements?” Lena laughed, her expression surprised.
“No, Lena. I want to love you, forever. Marry me? I don’t have a ring yet, but I’ll get one. I know this isn’t a big romantic gesture, but I did just tell you I’m going to save the world with the vaccine, isn’t that kinda romantic?”
“Oh, shut up and kiss me. It’s a million percent yes from me,” Lena replied hastily as she pulled Fleur in and pressed her body into hers.
Their lips locked as their bodies became one, and everything finally fell into place.