Vera

The tunnel was collapsing behind us.

Each explosion sent tremors through the walls, dust filling my lungs until every breath burned. I ran, clutching Vanessa against my chest, her small arms wrapped around my neck, her cries swallowed by the roaring sea.

“Nicolas!” I screamed again, but the only reply was the echo of falling stone.

He was gone.

The thought tore through me like a blade.

No. He couldn’t be. He couldn’t.

“Mommy…” Vanessa’s voice was weak, trembling. ...