Chapter 9

                                    

                                          
~Past~

Marie's mother looked at her husband with wide eyes as he stood in front of her. "You want to what?" 

"Charlotte-" He began but she interrupted him. 

"We are NOT doing that." She hissed, glaring at him as she leaned against the wall, the baby in her arms cooing softly in her sleep. 

"It's the only way we can ensure that we aren't found." He explained calmly, his eyes softening as he gently lifted her head to look at him. "Trust me, please." 

"I do, I swear I do but-" 

"Shh. I know." He said as he shushed her before looking down at the baby. "There's other ways she can communicate. Plus, this gives her a better chance of surviving." 

Charlotte remained silent as she weighed their options. Even the smallest peep from her could give them away, let alone if she started crying while they're surrounded. She looked up at her husband with sad eyes. He stood tall in front of her, his eyes soft as he stared into hers. 

"You don't have to watch." He whispered as he took the baby from her. "Just keep an eye out." 

The woman simply nodded before turning around so that she wouldn't have to watch, tightening her grip on her rifle. She heard her husband begin shushing the baby before her screams pierced the silence of the room. Stifling a cry, Charlotte kept her gaze forward as she watched for anything that would come to investigate. After a few moments there was silence, the only sound was the sound of metal being put back in its case. 

"Alright." Her husband said, making her turn around. The baby's face was red and soft cries were coming out but nothing extremely loud, breaking her heart. "See, much quieter now." 

She took the baby from her husband and held her close as her husband gave her a piece of cloth and instructed her to keep an eye on her so that she didn't choke. The baby stared up at her as she cried. 

The three of them traveled from where they were through a small town, collecting supplies as they went. Things were tense between the couple as they moved, Charlotte second guessing what they had done every time their baby opened her mouth. They scavenged for food and supplies in the houses, her husband killing any infected that approached. 

"We'll stay here for the night." Her husband declared as he led her into the back room of one of the buildings before blocking the door with the desk. "See? Nice and safe." 

Charlotte simply nodded as she sat against the wall as she began singing a lullaby to her. "Hush little one, close your eyes." 

Her husband sat against the wall, sliding down it to sit next to her and peaking at the baby who cooed softly as she opened her eyes. She stared up at them with huge brown eyes, and then she smiled at them.  

"She's got your eyes." Her husband said as he leaned against her, resting his head on her shoulder.