The world outside still burned. Zombies roamed in packs, cities remained silent ruins, and survival was a daily war—but within the reclaimed colony walls, peace had made its home.
Asharab sat on the rooftop under the soft orange glow of the setting sun, leaning against the railing. Habiba sat beside him, resting her head on his shoulder, their fingers loosely entwined. For once, the air didn't feel heavy with dread. It felt… warm.
Downstairs, laughter echoed through the house.
His mother was teaching Habiba's little brother how to cook rice without burning the entire pot. Asharab's elder brother was helping his newly wedded wife hang clothes outside while occasionally trying to steal kisses, only to get smacked playfully with wet towels. Even his best friend—finally out of his depressed crying phase—was now reading a book and occasionally giving dramatic sighs like he was a tragic prince.
Habiba tilted her head slightly. "You know… it feels like a dream."
Asharab turned to her with a grin. "What? My stunning face? Yeah, I get that a lot."
She rolled her eyes, chuckling. "No, I mean this. Us. Together. Safe. Family."
He gave her hand a small squeeze. "You know, when I first saw you cry for your parents, I swore I'd bring you back something better. And I did. A real home."
She smiled and leaned in a little more. "You gave me a family."
"Correction," he said with a smirk. "I gave you two annoying brothers, a drama queen best friend, and a mother who now forces you to eat until your stomach explodes."
Habiba laughed. "Don't forget the overconfident guy who thinks he's everyone's savior."
"Ah yes," he nodded seriously. "The one with a perfect jawline and unmatched bravery."
Just then, Habiba's little brother and Asharab's best friend appeared, climbing onto the rooftop.
"Oi lovebirds!" the little brother shouted. "We're having family time. Stop hogging her, Romeo!"
Asharab raised a brow. "What do you two want? Can't you see we're having a deep, emotional bonding session?"
His best friend crossed his arms. "We were downstairs wondering what's more painful: being chased by zombies or watching you two exchange lovey-dovey eyes."
Asharab gestured dramatically. "Jealousy is such an ugly trait, my friend."
Habiba snorted. "He's just mad he doesn't have anyone to look at like that."
"I can hear you, you know," his best friend said, clearly offended.
Habiba's little brother added, "Someday I'll find someone prettier than Habiba!"
Asharab turned to him slowly. "Excuse me?"
The kid blinked. "I mean—uh—Habiba is the prettiest! I just meant—uh…"
Asharab stood up, grabbing a plastic watering can. "You dare challenge your sister-in-law's title? Prepare to face my wrath!"
The two boys shrieked and ran off the rooftop, knocking over a bucket on their way down.
Habiba laughed, resting her forehead against Asharab's shoulder. "Stop scaring them! They'll have nightmares."
"They disturbed my peaceful moment," he said, still holding the watering can like a sword. "Justice was served."
Later that evening, everyone sat on the living room floor. Asharab's mother handed out food, scolding anyone who tried to escape without second helpings. Habiba helped serve rice while Asharab stole bites from her plate.
"Eat your own food!" she whispered.
"Yours tastes better," he replied.
The others laughed at their small banter.
Asharab's best friend nudged him. "You know, I never thought I'd see the day you'd turn soft."
Asharab shrugged. "Only soft for one person. The rest of you still get my full roast mode."
Habiba chuckled and shook her head. "Be nice to them. They'll cry again."
"I'll hand them tissues in advance," Asharab said.
His best friend crossed his arms dramatically. "You know, someday I'll find someone who appreciates my emotions."
Asharab patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. Someone out there is ready for your three-hour crying sessions."
Everyone burst into laughter.
As the evening rolled into night, they all moved to the backyard. A small fire burned in the center, casting warm light across their faces. Habiba leaned her head on Asharab's shoulder again, both of them watching the flames dance.
Asharab's elder brother brought out a guitar and began playing a simple tune. His wife hummed softly beside him. Habiba's little brother played with a wooden toy sword nearby, pretending to be a warrior.
Asharab's mother sat on a blanket with tea in hand, smiling as she looked at all of them. "It's strange," she said softly. "To feel peace again."
Asharab nodded. "We've all earned it."
His best friend joined the circle, sipping from a cup. "You know, if someone had told me two months ago I'd be alive, well-fed, and surrounded by family, I'd have laughed at their face."
Asharab looked at him with mock seriousness. "Now you just cry at emotional speeches."
"Hey!"
Habiba laughed again. "Be nice!"
Asharab looked at her, a small grin on his face. "You're always defending them. You sure you're not on their side?"
She nudged him with her elbow. "Maybe I am."
"Oh wow," Asharab said dramatically. "A betrayal in my own home."
"You're so dramatic," she whispered, still leaning on him.
They sat in that peace for a long time—talking, laughing, teasing each other until stars dotted the sky and the fire slowly died down.
Asharab's mother pulled a blanket over the sleeping little brother and whispered something to Habiba, who smiled and nodded.
As everyone began heading inside, Habiba tugged Asharab's hand. "Let's stay for a few more minutes."
They stayed by the fire, their hands still intertwined. Silence surrounded them except for the chirping crickets and the distant breeze.
"I like this version of life," Habiba said. "Where we're safe, and everyone's happy."
Asharab gave a small nod. "Me too."
She leaned closer and whispered with a smile, "And your hand is warm."
"Of course. It's holding the most precious thing in the world."
Habiba snorted, trying not to laugh. "You had to ruin it."
He chuckled. "What? I was being romantic."
She shook her head. "You're ridiculous."
"And yet, you're still holding my hand."
"Because if I let go, you'll go chase the boys with a broom again."
"Hey, justice is important."
With soft smiles and a heart full of peace, they finally stood and headed inside, knowing that no matter what chaos the world threw at them next… their home was filled with love, laughter, and hope.
And Asharab, the protector and joker of the group, knew one thing for certain: as long as Habiba was beside him, every day would be worth living.
but the real survival now just starts and a lot of combat is coming