The group sat in stiff silence, tension humming between them. The air in the so-called park—more of a concrete slab with a few scraggly trees—felt heavier now, thick with unspoken words on what they'd just seen.
A few feet away, the spot where the civilian had been dragged away was already clean, like nothing had happened. Like he had never existed.
Zara scooped a spoonful of food and brought it to Leo's lips, her other hand resting protectively against his back. "Come on, baby. Eat a little." Her voice was soft, but inside, her mind was a battlefield.
Leo, nestled against her side, shook his head stubbornly. His curls bounced with the movement, his lower lip jutting out in the beginnings of a pout. "Not hungry."
She sighed, brushing his curls away from his face. "Just a few bites."
He hesitated before taking the spoon into his mouth, chewing slowly.
