/0/66681/coverbig.jpg?v=ca50ecf129f76468f3a7763cc010f9b4)
In a world shattered by a catastrophic disaster, Jillian and Tom are among the last survivors, bound together by a shared will to survive and the budding, undeniable bond between them. As they traverse the wreckage of civilization, scavenging for supplies and navigating the horrors of a world stripped of life, they find comfort in each other's presence. But as the days slip by, they must confront the question: Can love bloom in the midst of darkness and death? Amidst campfires, fleeting moments of joy, and the harsh reality of their new world, Jillian and Tom face not only the danger of the outside world but also the fear of losing each other. Will their connection be enough to overcome the shadows that threaten to consume them?
Chapter 1 1
Jillian lay on the makeshift bed in the small motel room, staring at the ceiling. The faint hum of the air conditioner was the only sound that broke the oppressive silence of the world outside. Tom's slow breathing beside her provided a strange comfort amidst the chaos. It had been six days since the disaster-six days since the world as they knew it had collapsed. The world they had once taken for granted now felt like a distant memory, a dream that faded with every passing hour.
She squeezed his hand, the warmth of his skin grounding her in the present. Tom shifted slightly, but neither of them spoke. They were both lost in their thoughts, contemplating a reality that seemed to grow darker with each day. It was a strange thing, this quiet companionship they had developed, born from necessity but now something more. The silence between them wasn't awkward; it was a shared understanding that words couldn't express.
After a long while, Jillian reached for the remote control and turned on the TV. The familiar comfort of a rerun of Murder, She Wrote flickered on the screen, a small beacon of normalcy in a world that had lost so much. They watched without saying a word, the unspoken bond between them deepening as they lost themselves in the fictional world of Jessica Fletcher's mysteries. For a brief moment, it was as though nothing had changed. No apocalypse. No wrecked cities. No deaths.
The sound of sirens in the background of the TV episode felt almost out of place, but Jillian couldn't bring herself to turn the TV off. They needed this-this moment of distraction, of pretending that things weren't falling apart around them. Tom sat up and stretched, breaking the spell of their brief escape. His face, once youthful and carefree, now carried the weight of someone who had seen too much.
"Code Black," he muttered, a small, tired smile curling at the corners of his lips. "They used to say that when there was a full trauma bay. I remember the first time I heard it-intern year. It was like the world was collapsing around you, and you were the one holding it together. Except, you never felt like you were."
Jillian glanced at him, her brow furrowing. "You didn't like it?"
"No," he answered simply, his eyes darkening. "I loved it, at first. The adrenaline, the feeling of being part of something bigger. But it was always the same-the constant cycle of trying to save lives and watching them slip away. I didn't want to do it anymore."
He paused for a moment, as though deciding whether to continue. Jillian didn't rush him. The weight of his words hung in the air, unspoken but understood. She waited.
"I wanted to be an OB-GYN," Tom finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to bring life into the world, instead of just watching it... leave it. I practiced at a fertility clinic for a while. You can't imagine the joy of delivering a baby for a couple who had been trying for years and thought it would never happen. There was something beautiful about it. Something real."
Jillian nodded slowly, her heart aching for him. She could see the pain in his eyes, the unhealed wounds from a past he had left behind. His decision to become a fertility specialist made sense, given everything they had lost. In this new world, where death was a constant companion, the idea of creating life felt like a distant, impossible dream.
But then Tom's smile faded, and his eyes darkened once more. "And now... that's gone too. All those children. The couples I helped. It's all... swallowed up by this darkness." His voice trembled slightly as he spoke, the weight of his words settling between them.
Jillian felt a lump form in her throat. She knew exactly what he meant. The darkness had swept across the world with a ferocity they had never imagined. It wasn't just the physical destruction that haunted them-it was the dreams, the plans, the lives that had been cut short without warning. She could still hear the screams of the people she had lost, the faces of those who had fallen before them. It haunted her, too.
"Why were we the ones to survive?" Jillian asked quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why did we make it through when so many didn't?"
The question hung in the air, unanswered. Tom didn't have an answer, and neither did she. Neither of them could explain why they were here, when others had fallen. It was the question that kept her up at night, the question that gnawed at her insides like an itch she couldn't scratch. Why them? Why now?
A dark cloud moved across the sky outside the window, blocking the faint light of the setting sun. It cast a shadow across the room, a stark reminder of the world outside. Jillian shivered, despite the warmth of the room. The world felt colder somehow, even in the face of Tom's comforting presence. She wanted to say something-anything-to break the silence, but the words escaped her. Instead, they simply lay there together, holding hands as the darkness outside mirrored the growing unease within her.
On the sixth day, when the signs of infection in Tom's wound had finally disappeared, they made a decision to get back on the road. There was no time to linger, no time to waste. They had to keep moving, keep looking for supplies. The world outside was too dangerous, too unpredictable to stay in one place for too long.
Jillian stood and stretched, feeling the stiffness in her body. "I made an excellent nurse," she joked, a wry smile playing on her lips. "I should've become a nurse instead of a lawyer."
Tom chuckled, but there was a touch of sadness in his laugh. "As long as you don't give all your patients the cuddling that you..."
He halted abruptly, his eyes locking with hers. Jillian wondered if he was worried about the growing closeness between them. She could feel it, too-the pull between them, the way her heart raced whenever he was near. It wasn't just the need for survival that kept them together. It was something more. Something she wasn't quite ready to admit, even to herself.
Instead of answering, she shrugged and glanced out the window. "We need groceries," she said, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground. "We've just about used up all our supplies. I didn't want to leave you while you were sick."
Tom smiled faintly. "I wondered why we had soup for lunch and dinner last night." He paused, then added, "Let's pack up and go find a grocery store. Or better yet, a Target. We can get groceries, a new tent, sleeping bags... all of it."
Jillian nodded, feeling a flicker of relief at the thought of some normalcy, however fleeting. It was strange, the things she found herself longing for now-things she had once taken for granted, like a decent meal, clean clothes, a place to sleep without fear.
They quickly packed their belongings, the routine of it bringing a small sense of stability in a world that had lost all sense of order. Tom's eyes scanned the room one last time before he grabbed the keys to the Jeep. "We're almost out of gas," Jillian muttered, eyeing the fuel gauge.
"We could get a new car full of gas like we did before," Tom suggested. "But I like the Jeep. It holds our supplies well, and it's better for getting around the wrecks than most other cars. I know we'll need to get a new one eventually, but let's make this one last."
Jillian nodded. "Do you think we can get gas here?"
"If we can find an all-night gas station," Tom replied. "They might not have shut off the pumps yet. And your credit card should still work. We could use mine, except they don't issue credit cards in prison."
Jillian grinned at his dry humor. "You know, you're not the only one who's had to adapt to new circumstances. A woman's gotta make a living somehow."
They laughed together, the sound a rare and precious thing in this new world. But soon, their laughter faded as they walked out into the bleak silence of the outside world, ready to face whatever came next.
View More Comments on App
Other books by Twitch
More/0/66711/coverbig.jpg?v=bf000f1c0db14fac8d063c4a90864e1a)
Fated To Fall: A Second Chance At Forever
RomanceIsla has spent her entire life waiting for the moment she would find her mate, believing in the fairy tales of fate and eternal love. But when her mate, Alpha Asher Nightshade, rejects her on the night of their fated union, Isla's world shatters. Deemed too "ordinary" for the powerful and ambitious Alpha, she is cast out of the Shadowfang Pack. Fate, however, has other plans. Years later, Isla has rebuilt herself, finding strength and purpose among a rogue pack that values her for who she is. But when Asher's pack is threatened by an ancient curse, he seeks her out, desperate for her unique gift to commune with the spirits of the forest. Thrown back into each other's lives, Isla and Asher must confront the wounds of the past while facing a dangerous future. Will Asher prove he is worthy of a second chance, or will Isla find a love even greater than the bond that once broke her?
/0/66686/coverbig.jpg?v=0281b9706575427ca7cc5036df01be7b)
Veins Of Vengeance
MafiaIn a world where family ties bind with unbreakable chains, Zara and Damon are caught in a web of loyalty, blood feuds, and forbidden love. The moment their eyes meet, sparks ignite, but their families have been enemies for generations. Zara, the daughter of a powerful crime lord, is promised to a man she does not love, while Damon is the heir to the rival family who killed her brother. As their paths intertwine, the heat of their passion becomes the ultimate betrayal, and every stolen moment could cost them everything. In a world of vengeance and sacrifice, can love survive the storm?
/0/64560/coverbig.jpg?v=85d1dc221d3b4849aa793de2f771da37)
The Billionaire Bargain.
RomanceWhen billionaire Cameron Reed needs a wife to secure his family's business empire, he turns to beautiful lawyer Aurora "Rory" Wellesley. Their contract marriage promises a hefty payout, but as they navigate the complexities of their agreement, they must confront their growing feelings and the secrets threatening to tear them apart. Will their love be worth the risk, or will their bargain destroy everything?
/0/63742/coverbig.jpg?v=47bffbbc8e654bef9953c6bdaac4b05d)
When Stars Align
RomanceEmerson Grant, a successful event planner, returns to her hometown after a painful divorce. She butts heads with her new neighbor, former NFL star Caleb Mitchell, who's hiding a secret. As they work together to restore the town's iconic lighthouse, their initial animosity turns into a fiery attraction. But will their pasts and fears extinguish the flames of love or will they find their forever?
/0/63696/coverbig.jpg?v=d22ebb1b36394b4698b626fb3722511b)
Love in the vineyard
RomanceWealthy businessman Ryder Thompson inherits a struggling vineyard in Tuscany, he sees an opportunity to turn his life around. But what he doesn't expect is to fall for the vineyard's beautiful and fiercely independent manager, Sophia De Luca. As they work together to restore the vineyard to its former glory, Ryder and Sophia must navigate their own complicated pasts and confront the secrets that threaten to tear them apart. Will their love be enough to overcome the challenges that lie ahead?
/0/63688/coverbig.jpg?v=6e8bb02e7ca1475b870ac559c9fb43a8)
Moonlit Serenade.
RomanceStruggling musician Avery Wells meets enigmatic billionaire Elijah Stone, their worlds collide in a whirlwind romance. But as their love deepens, dark secrets from Elijah's past threaten to tear them apart. Can Avery's music heal Elijah's heart, or will their love song fade into silence?
You'll also like
/0/62446/coverbig.jpg?v=38761145c8767e855c4e9668ff55049b)
Secrets Of The Neglected Wife: When Her True Colors Shine
After hiding her true identity throughout her three-year marriage to Colton, Allison had committed wholeheartedly, only to find herself neglected and pushed toward divorce. Disheartened, she set out to rediscover her true self-a talented perfumer, the mastermind of a famous intelligence agency, and the heir to a secret hacker network. Realizing his mistakes, Colton expressed his regret. "I know I messed up. Please, give me another chance." Yet, Kellan, a once-disabled tycoon, stood up from his wheelchair, took Allison's hand, and scoffed dismissively, "You think she'll take you back? Dream on."
/0/60228/coverbig.jpg?v=7483aee7126a0c4a3441e4a4b8830ed8)
Tears Of The Moon: A Dance With Lycan Royalty
Betrayed by her mate and sister on the eve of her wedding, Makenna was handed to the ruthless Lycan Princes as a lover, her indifferent father ignoring her plight. Determined to escape and seek revenge, she captured the interest of the three Lycan princes, who desired her exclusively amid many admirers. This complicated her plans, trapping her and making her a rival to the future Lycan queen. Entwined in jealousy and vindictiveness, could Makenna achieve her vengeance in the intricate dance with the three princes?
/0/64840/coverbig.jpg?v=0b5c5f63b9b58c15488ddbb0e4eb67f6)
Mr. CEO, You Have Lost My Heart Forever!
Three years ago, Cecilia was left battered and alone by the man she loved most, Alston, yet she bravely completed the wedding ceremony while pregnant. Three years later, although they were married, they grew apart over time. Cecilia focused on her career, no longer foolishly believing in love. But her transformation instantly threw Alston into a panic... And what is the secret from 11 years ago that Cecilia has always been reluctant to reveal? *** "She went to a law firm, met with a lawyer..." A lawyer? Is Cecilia suing someone? Who? Is there any recent litigation against the company? Alston suddenly chuckled coldly, "Who could she sue? I'm the CEO of this company. How come such a matter doesn't come to me first?" The assistant swallowed nervously, speaking softly, "Sir, there's no litigation against the company. She met with... a divorce lawyer."
/0/70558/coverbig.jpg?v=8ee486b9ae4a3b56bf21b82ce78fbaa8)
My Neighbor's Wife
"You're a creepy bastard." His eyes smolder me and his answering grin is nothing short of beautiful. Deadly. "Yet you hunger for me. Tell me, this appetite of yours, does it always tend toward 'creepy bastards'?" **** Widower and ex-boss to the Mafia, Zefiro Della Rocca, has an unhealthy fixation on the woman nextdoor. It began as a coincidence, growing into mere curiosity, and soon, it was an itch he couldn't ignore, like a quick fix of crack for an addict. He didn't know her name, but he knew every inch of her skin, how it flushed when she climaxed, her favourite novel and that every night she contemplated suicide. He didn't want to care, despising his rapt fascination of the woman. She was in love with her abusive husband. She was married, bound by a contract to the Bratva's hitman. She was off-limits. But when Zefiro wanted something, it was with an intensity that bordered on madness. He obsessed, possessed, owned. There'd be bloodshed if he touched her, but the sight of blood always did fascinate him. * When Susanna flees from her husband, she stumbles right into the arms of her devilishly handsome neighbour with a brooding glare. He couldn't stand her, but she needed him, if she was ever going to escape her husband who now wanted her dead. Better the devil you know than the angel you don't. She should have recalled that before hopping into Zefiro's car and letting him whisk her away to Italy. Maybe then, she wouldn't have started an affair with him. He was the only man who touched her right, and the crazy man took no small pains in ensuring he would be the last.
/0/67179/coverbig.jpg?v=92820b55ddaf3bc2d667aca57b1777e7)
His Scorned Bride Turned Out To Be Legendary
Rumors claimed that Fernanda, newly back with her family, was nothing more than a violent country bumpkin. Fernanda just flashed a casual, dismissive grin in response. Another rumor suggested that the usually rational Cristian had lost all sense, madly in love with Fernanda. This frustrated her. She could tolerate gossip about herself, but slander against her beloved crossed the line! Gradually, as Fernanda's multiple identities as a celebrated designer, a savvy gamer, an acclaimed painter, and a successful business magnate came to light, everyone realized they were the ones who had been fooled.
/0/64841/coverbig.jpg?v=d90c3f0975476c1bc71ff9ce7307707c)
Beauty And The Beta
Bailey seems to be never destined to fit in, a little geeky, but under it all, a hidden beauty that so many seem to miss, but still not what her pack Alpha is looking for in a fated mate... so he is determined to reject her and make her life hell. Bailey, knowing her life will likely never be the same focuses on what she can control, her future, and heads off to study; becoming a teacher. Asher is the Beta of Autumn Valley Pack, a neighbouring pack. A broken man having suffered the loss of his mate after a rogue attack, Asher is slowly crumbling. Falling to pieces. A shadow of his former self, and not a man that anyone wants to be around anymore... Until, Autumn Valley Pack require a new teacher, and Bailey finds herself there and pushed together with the Beta. Is there a connection building or is that in their imaginations? And what will happen when Bailey's mate comes back to claim what is his?
© 2018-now CHANGDU (HK) TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
6/F MANULIFE PLACE 348 KWUN TONG ROAD KL
Referrals
APP STORE
GOOGLE PLAY