Zara’s fingers traced the brittle edges of the leaf, its once-vibrant green now faded to a sickly yellow. She held it gently, afraid it might crumble to dust at the slightest pressure. The specimen was a rare find in this desolate world, a fragile reminder of what had been lost. “What’ve you got there, doc?” Nico’s voice startled her from her reverie. He peered over her shoulder, his breath warm against her neck. ...
The first rumble came just after midnight. Mira Patel jolted awake, her heart racing as the bed trembled beneath her. Earthquake? She fumbled for her phone, squinting at the bright screen. No alerts. A second tremor, stronger this time, sent a framed photo clattering to the floor. Mira leapt up, maternal instinct overriding confusion as she rushed to her son’s room. “Ethan!” She flung open the door to find the 12-year-old already sitting up, eyes wide with fear. ...