Susan

Susan leaned back against the car seat, staring out at the landscape as they drove back to the safe post. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the horizon, but her mind was elsewhere, lost in memories of home.

Italy. The word itself brought a flood of images: the rustic charm of her small town nestled between rolling hills and vineyards, the rich aroma of homemade pasta wafting from her family's restaurant, and the laughter of her younger siblings playing in the courtyard. It seemed a world away from the chaos she now faced.

Five years ago, Susan had made the bold decision to move to the UK to pursue her degree in hospitality. Leaving the familiarity of home and the comfort of her family had been difficult, but she was driven by a desire to explore the world and carve out her own path. The UK, with its prestigious universities and diverse opportunities, had been the perfect place to start anew.

Arriving in the UK, Susan had felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The bustling streets of London, with its historic buildings and melting pot of cultures, had been overwhelming at first. But Susan quickly adapted, throwing herself into her studies with determination.

After graduating, she landed a job at a prominent hotel in the heart of the city. It was there that she met Harry. Both new to the industry, they quickly bonded over their shared passion for hospitality and a mutual love for anime. They spent their breaks debating the merits of their favorite series—Susan championing Naruto while Harry defended One Piece. Long hours and the daily challenges of hotel work forged a strong friendship between them.

Despite her busy schedule, Susan made it a point to stay in touch with her family back in Italy. Weekly video calls with her parents and younger siblings were a cherished ritual. She would regale them with stories of her life in the UK, while they kept her updated on the happenings back home. Her parents were proud of her accomplishments but always reminded her to take care of herself.

When the world started to change—when monsters began appearing and chaos erupted—Susan's thoughts immediately turned to her family. The constant worry gnawed at her, even as she put on a brave face for her friends and colleagues. Underneath her jolly and confident exterior, there was a deep-seated fear for her loved ones' safety.

It had hardly been two weeks since the first signs of the apocalypse, but it felt like an eternity to Susan. Every day was a battle, not just against the monsters, but against the anxiety that threatened to overwhelm her. She kept herself busy, focusing on the tasks at hand, but her heart ached for the comfort of her family.

During their brief moments of respite, Susan would find a quiet corner and call her parents. Hearing their voices, even for a short time, was a balm for her troubled soul. They assured her they were safe, that they had fortified the restaurant and were helping the community as best they could. Their strength and resilience gave Susan the courage to keep going.

As they neared the safe post, Harry glanced over at Susan. He had known her long enough to sense when something was bothering her. "You okay?" he asked gently.

Susan forced a smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yeah, just thinking about home. It's been tough, I hope they are ok."

Harry reached out and squeezed her hand. "For sure they will be Ok. Tell you what, once this is all over, let us take a trip to your home."

Susan nodded, she took a deep breath, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. No matter what happened, she was determined to protect her new family in the UK and her beloved family back in Italy.

The car pulled up to the safe post, and Susan stepped out, ready to face the next battle. She glanced up at the sky, whispering a silent prayer for her family.