As they advanced towards Tommy's wife Maria's settlement, the tension between Joel and Anna was palpable. She was a constant presence in his thoughts, and he struggled to understand the reason behind this inexplicable feeling.
Joel was known for his coldness and for not showing his feelings, but something about Anna moved him in a unique way.
A few hours passed and they were getting closer and closer to their destination.
Tommy was trying to find out more about Anna.
- So... where did you come from? - he asks.
- From far away...
- You need to share a bit about yourself. If you don't do it now, they'll want to know when we get there - Tommy says.
- I came from Boston... but my parents were Mexican, I was born there. Everyone I've met so far has died and I've been struggling to survive ever since. I haven't been infected yet. - Anna replies.
- Ah, ¿sí? So we can talk like this - Tommy says in his own language, with a mischievous smile on his face.
Anna looks away, gives a slight smile and shakes her head.
Tommy turns to Joel.
- Let me go ahead and keep an eye on - You keep an eye on Anna.
Joel nods, moving closer.
His eyes meet hers and she feels a shiver run down her spine.
- Joel? - she murmurs, staring at him - Hmm, sorry about... - she begins to speak shyly, but soon finishes, turning her attention to a group of horses approaching.
- At last! - exclaims Tommy with joy.
The group belonged to the settlement and was coming to check who was approaching.
-Tommy! Joel! - a man approaches them with concern evident on his face.
-We're fine - Joel replies briefly.
All eyes turn to Anna.
- She's with us - reassures Tommy. We've already checked, she's free of infection.
As they approached the refuge, Anna noticed a change in the atmosphere. The silent tension was giving way to a feeling of welcome and security.
The high, fortified walls of the community were a constant reminder of the dangers of the outside world, but also of the people's determination to protect each other.
When they finally entered the gates, Anna felt a deep sense of relief.
Maria, Tommy's wife, came to meet them with a hug. She noticed Anna's presence and her eyes shone with admiration at her beauty.
- Who is this beautiful young woman? - Maria asked Joel and Tommy with a friendly smile - I'm sure she'll cause a stir around here with all that beauty!
Tommy laughed, casting a playful glance at Joel.
- We found her on the way, Anna needed our help - Tommy informs Maria.
- Welcome to our settlement, sweetheart. Here, we're a family and we all help each other. I'm sure you'll find your place here. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me.
As the group settled down, Maria took the opportunity to share some important news.
- Speaking of needing something, we have a new mission ahead of us. We need a crucial piece of equipment to ensure the safety of the community. We'll need brave volunteers to help us. The equipment is in an infected area and we don't know the exact location of where it will be, but if we can bring it in, our community will be better protected.
- I... I know where it could be - Anna replies, leaving the group perplexed.
Everyone was surprised when Anna, with determination in her gaze, spoke up.
Maria was apprehensive, trying to understand the situation, and asked her to explain how she would have this information.
Firmly, Anna explained that she had come across a group of robbers who were looking for the same equipment. They had mentioned the location where they intended to look for it.
Joel and Tommy exchanged glances, intrigued by Anna's revelation.
- That's great! We'll talk about it later - Maria replied, looking at Anna with admiration and determination.
Maria took her to see the settlement, and it was impossible not to notice the curious looks from the people around, especially the men. Anna was aware of her surroundings and felt their gazes on her.
- Don't worry, they won't do anything rash. But someone like you doesn't come here every day - said Maria, understanding the attention Anna was receiving.
Maria accompanied her to the place where she would be staying. While Anna was settling in, Joel entered silently, surprising her.
- Anna - whispered Joel, making her jump with fright.
Anna recovered from her shock and looked directly into Joel's eyes. As he got closer, a climate of tension and desire formed between the two of them, even though they both tried to hide their feelings.
- Joel, you scared me! - said Anna, trying to disguise the slight tremor in her voice.
An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as they stood there, exchanging intense glances. They both knew they were fighting against a connection that was emerging amidst the chaos of the world, but it was hard to resist the attraction that existed between them.
- Anna, we must... - Joel began, but was soon interrupted.
They moved away quickly, as if they had been caught in an intimate moment. Maria appeared at the bedroom door.
- I'm sorry, did I interrupt something? - she says, arching an eyebrow.
Joel and Anna exchanged nervous glances, not knowing how to react to Maria's provocation.
- No - Joel replied, regaining his posture.
- Well, if you need anything, meet me at the lookout post - Maria replied.
Joel and Anna stood there, feeling the electricity in the air and the tension that remained between them. It was clear that there was something more than just a friendship brewing.
