Chapter 21:A Truth Too Heavy to Bear

I should have known better than to believe we were safe. The first warning came as a crackling sound on the cabin's lone radio, static laced with unintelligible murmurs. I glanced at Alex, who sat at the table sharpening a knife, his movements slow and deliberate. He froze when the sound broke through the room, his eyes meeting mine in an instant of shared panic.  

"What’s that?" I asked, my voice trembling as I held Reid closer. He was sketching something with the crayons Alex had brought him, oblivious to the tension.  

Alex set the knife down and moved to the radio, his...