The best thing about living on a boat during the apocalypse? Is how easy it is to forget the world has gone to shit. When I am not fighting off zombies, I’m just a regular twenty-year-old trying to make and maintain friendships and maybe even find love.

“Hey.” Asher’s already at one of the cafeteria tables with a salad, pasta, and a bag of breadsticks on his tray.

I sit down across from him, my plate piled high with today’s special: honey walnut chicken and rice. “Hi.” I glance around the space, hoping the heat in my cheeks subsides.

The room buzzes with midday energy as I settle in. Each survivor has a place aboard the ship to ensure its smooth operation, giving us a semblance of normal. Honestly, I enjoy the purpose it brings to my life. The daily routine keeps me grounded whenever I feel lost.

Asher sighs, bringing my attention back to him. He’s dressed in cargo shorts and a band tee, his dark hair combed over and his tired eyes full of remorse. “Izzy, I am sorry about the other night. I’ve been so exhausted lately and took it out on you. No excuses. I shouldn’t have snapped like that.”

I swallow a sip of my iced tea, the liquid a perfect balance of sweet and refreshing. As my stomach unknots, I offer him a small smile. “I appreciate the apology. It means a lot. I am sorry you’ve been so tired. Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks the past week has been rough.”

“You aren’t, trust me on that.” Asher grabs my fingers and squeezes. “How was your first night in your room?”

“It’s so nice being back in my bed.” I used my free hand to fork chicken into my mouth. It is warm and buttery with a hint of garlic, and I think I’m low key obsessed with it.

Asher’s laugh is light, easing the earlier tension. “I can imagine. I’ve spent a time or two on them, usually talking my way out of staying for too long.”

“You’re saying Dr. Rhodes has discharged you early?” I quirk a brow.

Asher grimaces. “No, I’ve been unsuccessful in my endeavors with him. It’s always a nurse or I avoid the infirmary altogether with Jesse’s help.”

I shake my head. “Why does that not surprise me?”

He shrugs, taking a bite of a breadstick. “Any plans while you have the next couple of days off?”

“Not unless you count chores.” I wrinkle my nose.

Asher rolls his eyes. “Come on, Iz. Enjoy some freedom.”

“I do better with my routine.”

Asher’s eyebrows raise. “You want to work?”

I shrug a shoulder. While I am not looking forward to training and seeing those zombies again, I do not enjoy being confined to one space for too long. “Yes, and no. I don’t really handle boredom well.”

Asher blinks. “There’s another social happening tomorrow.”

Every couple of weeks, the Captain hosts these events to stave off restlessness, offering everyone a chance to connect. They’re organized by age, although sometimes they are open to all. Honestly, they can feel more like group therapy than a party. Chewing my bottom lip, I glance at Asher. “I do enjoy hearing everyone’s war stories.”

Asher smirks. “I’ve noticed.” He clears his throat, shifting slightly in his chair. “We could go together?”

I smile, heat spreading up my cheeks. “Are you asking me out?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Asher rubs a palm across the nape of his neck. “I am into you, Izzy. Besides, it wouldn’t be our first date.”

“I like you too, Ash.” I nod, mouth full of egg roll, fingers picking at my napkin. “Yes, I’d love to go to the social with you.”

“Great,” Asher grabs my hand and squeezes.

“Good,” I grin and squeeze back. “Oh, I was going to ask: do you know how long it’ll take to get to that island for the next mission?”

We both understand the uncertainties it will bring and, after our last raid, are more aware of things that can go wrong. Asher blows out a breath. “A few days, I’d say. Dad’s been on a warpath, especially since we had a test subject pass away.”

“What do you mean?” I frown. The only way a Rabid can die is by taking out the brain, usually by decapitation or a bullet to the head. If the Rabids pass away from natural causes, a new infection, or illness, this could bring a potential end to the outbreak. I swallow past the lump of hope forming in my throat. “When did this happen?”

Asher shrugs. “One of the droolers died. You were still in the infirmary. Mom’s been in hysterics. She’s planning on doing an autopsy in the next day or two. They’re observing it to make sure it is truly dead. We don’t know if it can go into some sort of hibernation. Everyone’s been really tense about it all.”

“So that’s why you’ve been acting weird.” I try to wrap my head around the implications, feeling the weight of new uncertainty settle in. “We all knew something was amiss.”

“Yeah,” Asher breathes. “We’re entering unfamiliar territory. That’s why my dad is so hellbent on getting to this island. I hope it has the answers we need.”

Editor: Lucy Cafiero