21.

As Zakariah dialed a number on his phone, Sarah watched with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. She could only catch snippets of his conversation, but it was clear that he was speaking to someone important—perhaps his brother, given his earlier mention of seeking refuge at his place.

As they continued their journey, Zakariah made a brief stop for fuel, hastily purchasing some food for Sarah as they had missed breakfast. Sarah gratefully accepted the meal, her stomach rumbling with hunger as she devoured the food.

But their moment of respite was short-lived. As Zakariah paid the bill at the counter, his sharp eyes caught sight of armed rebels surrounding the shop, their menacing presence reflected in the mirror. Without hesitation, Zakariah sprang into action, his hand instinctively reaching for his pistol as he bolted towards their vehicle.

"Fuck!" he cursed under his breath, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he raced to start the engine.

"What...what is happening?"