Dominic was carrying the weight of the loss of his children. Aliana had been beneath the frostbitten earth; her grave was already covered by heaps of snow. But he knew by heart where it was, and he could find it with his eyes closed.
For days, he and his wife had not been outside to see anyone. The residents had also not dared to bother them. The base was silent like the very grave in which Aliana laid. Like the mutated animals and watchers could tell what had happened, they were staying away as well.
But there was no peace in the silence for Dominic. His wife was like a doll, unresponsive when spoken to and useless in taking care of herself. She had survived death, but she seemed to have lost her soul. She had not cried or screamed since she woke up. For days, food had not crossed her lips.
Her hands were always holding one of Aliana's toys or a picture of her.
