Robin Schiller? She wasnt sure naming the brat after someone who had died was a good idea. Some enclave beliefs stayed with her, which was why the thimble shed been named for would always remain safely on her person. So long as that object was safe, she should be too. Maybe it was just more lies, but it offered some comfort when the world was all uncertainty.
Just Robin. Remember the alphabet book?
Oh! she said, remembering. R is for Robin, a beautiful thing, when the bird brings the promise of spring?
Growing up, shed read the alphabet book to Stone more than once. To repay him for thumping the brats that mocked her.
Do you like it?
I do, she said, leaning down to nudge the brat gently. What do you think? Does that work?
Bah, Robin said.
Stone drew her into his lap and kissed her breathless. A shivery breath escaped her when she pulled back. Ive wanted you forever.
You have? He gazed at her with blue, blue eyes.
It killed me to know what
you had to do in the enclave. With so many girls who werent me, and that I could never have you. Because Im In the enclave, people didnt kiss or touch or mate because they wanted to. They didnt pick their partners. The elders had been in charge of population and breeding schedules. This much freedom was amazing
and terrifying.
If the world hadnt ended, they couldnt be together like this. Ever.
Youre not, he said sharply. Youre the reason we survived. With your amazing mind, and incredible ideas. The fact that you could feel
anything for someone like me, its
Inevitable, she cut in. Dont belittle yourself. I wont hear it.
Maybe we should accept that we make the perfect team, he said with a half smile.
Bah, Robin said.
Once they uncovered its secrets and left the safety of this place, there would be more danger. But whatever came, Thimble knew they could endure it. Together.