Chapter 1

Hal's POV

"Hal," I looked up and saw Ben and Matt standing by the door. There were looks of concern on their faces. I must have been the reason.

"Here, we brought you some food. You missed dinner," Matt came over and handed a bar of chocolate to me. It was his favorite. I can't help but gave him a slight smile and took it from him as a gesture of appreciation.

"You have been here for the past five hours. Why don't you come back later after you have rested a while," Ben suggested as he closed the door behind him. I looked over to where Maggie was lying on the bed next to where I was sitting. Her breathing was soft. There were wounds on her abdomen and some cuts on her forehead. I reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her eyes. She looked pale but she was still beautiful. She hasn't regain consciousness ever since I brought her here. She shouldn't be the one lying down here. I should be. Why did she come back for me? She should just have run when we were attacked by skitters this morning while on our patrol.

"I don't want to leave her side," I told Ben and held Maggie's hand. It feels warm.

"I'll stay here with her while you go get freshen up and rested a bit," Ben offered. I wanted to protest but Matt butt in.

"Yeah. Ben will stay with Maggie and if she wakes up, he will let you know immediately," Matt's voice was hopeful. They were really concern about me and I do not want to make them any more worried that they were already so I agreed.

"I'll walk you back to your room," Matt said and looked up. I ruffled his hair and stood up. Ben gave me a tight squeeze on the shoulder when I passed him. Ben and I had many fights and arguments when we were younger. And after the invasion, we still have many disagreements but that very moment I saw kindness and care in his eyes. I knew deep down he cares for me. I am so glad to have my two brothers here to support me when I needed it the most.

"Thanks," I muttered and walked out with Matt.

Ben's POV

I have not seen Hal in such a condition before. He looked haggard, tired, and distraught. Even in the worst of situation, he has always been optimistic, confident, courageous and strong. When we were younger, we got into a lot of arguments much to mom's chagrin but he has always been the big brother to me and Matt. Seeing him this way makes it very difficult for me. Maggie means a lot to him I supposed. In this fallen world that we are living right now, Hal has found a soul mate whom he could find meaning to go on. And now with Maggie badly injured, I understand this is very devastating to him.

I sat on a small couch at the corner of the room and I looked over to Maggie. I prayed silently that she would recover. We have lost so many people and fighters and I don't want to lose anyone anymore. And most importantly, I can't bear to see Hal in pain if anything was to happen to Maggie.

Much later, the door opened and Hal walked in. He looked much better but there was still a forlorn look on his face.

"She is ok. Anne came to check on her a while ago," I told Hal as he sat next to me.

"Thanks," I looked at him and saw worry and anger in his eyes. I didn't try to say anything. In fact I don't have anything to say. What can I say? This invasion has caused nothing but misery in all of our lives. Both of us were quiet for a long time before Hal finally spoke.

"Maggie might look tough on the outside and could be seen as a no-nonsense girl but she has a kind heart. Her nasty past has made her who she is today. There is this sweet side of her that we rarely get to see. In fact, I didn't get to see them that often too. She guards her emotions very cautiously, afraid that someone might see through her. But lately, she has become more open to me. We are getting closer and I could see a future with her. And now….." Hal's voice trailed off. I pulled him into a hug.

My big brother is a tough nut and to see him break down like that, in front of me, hurts me too. I wanted so much to console him by saying both Maggie and he will have a future together but that would be pretentious of me. We both know future is the farthest thing in our lives right now. Our presents are what matters because by making sure of our present only then will we have our future.

"Hal?" we heard Maggie's soft voice and we both turned towards the bed. She looked pale but her eyes were fixed on Hal. Hal went to her in an instance.

"Hey girl" He bent down and kiss Maggie on the forehead. It was a sweet and gentle gesture and his voice was full of gladness. I was glad too. I left the room quietly to give them some privacy.

Many of our dreams have been smashed. Many of our lives have been destroyed. Many of our hopes have been dashed. But love will sustain us. I have just witness that a moment ago.

"Is she ok?" I turned around and saw Matt standing at the hallway.

"She woke up." There was relief in his eyes.

"Hal is in a really bad shape right? I have never seen him like this before. Maybe once when you were kidnapped by the skitters," he looked up at me. I drew him close and hugged him. Those were some of the difficult times that my brothers and dad went through since the invasion.

"None of us will ever be safe, right?" Matt asked. Such a simple question but I have no idea how to answer.

"Right, none of us are safe but we will not give up. You don't give up too, kiddo." I hugged him tighter.