Chapter 4: From the Ashes
Have you ever had a moment so special that it changed literally your entire outlook on life? Because when I held my baby for the first time after hours of pain and suffering that is how I felt. It was overwhelming and terrifying to hold such a little someone, who is so fragile and untouched by the world. My little Claire.
Salim and I were ready to be martyrs, if it meant taking back our little world. Bringing new life into a world made of ashes has got to be the scariest thing I’ve ever done, but I’m so glad I did it. I’m no longer ready to die for a greater purpose. I am ready to fight tooth and nail to stay alive and keep my baby safe. I want to give her everything the world has to offer.
We named her after my mother, the strongest woman I knew. If Claire has to live in this world, she has to be a warrior even if we’d rather not have her be. Salim and I grew closer too. He was upset at first when I told him, but he was just scared that we wouldn’t be able to take care of her properly. We talked about it, and in the end he was happy to have her. I was so scared he would leave, but then he told me about how his own father wasn’t around, and he refused to be like that.
I think Claire drove us together more then anything. The three of us love each other. It’s been a few months since Claire was born, and I might actually be pregnant again. It’s a little less scary this time, because I know what happens. There aren’t exactly doctors around here, but one of our neighbors used to be a nurse, and according to them the fact that I’m rather young helped me have a easier pregnancy. I wish we had more education for the people around here so there could once again be doctors and other health care specialists. Salim is still gathering information on Glassbolt Inc, and together I think we can build a case against them. They can’t be judge, jury and executioner forever. Not when I have kids around to take care of.