Chapter Text
Even with the lantern light, the basement walls seem darker, somehow, and closer than they were before. The radio is turned down low and the dinner dishes are put away.
“I’m not scared,” Sari says stubbornly, her arms wrapped tightly around herself. She has become more subdued the longer they stay down here, so far from the bright sunshine of before. Has it really only been a couple hours since then?
“I am,” Alexis replies. What if this really is the end? Mom, Dad, are you okay? Are we okay? Can they really not find us down here? Chip lays a hand on her shoulder, and Alexis gives him a weak smile.
Sari considers this for a long moment and then pulls herself into Alexis’ lap. “I’ll protect you,” she informs her seriously, and Alexis feels like laughing and crying at the same time. Instead she gathers Sari’s small warm body into her arms and holds her tight.
“We’ll protect each other,” Chip says softly, and his words are a promise.