Free Until the End of the World (Book 1) by Sarah Lyons Fleming

the house.
    “You mean we,” Penny corrects her.
    “Penny, there’s no way for me to leave until the infected have wandered away or died or found something to—we’re okay here. I need to know that you’re safe.”
    “So we’re supposed to leave you here? No!” Penny says with a screech. Her mouth is frozen in an O.
    “You can’t wait. Bart wanted those of us with family here to get them out. In forty-eight hours New York will be infected beyond belief.”
    “That doesn’t make me feel better, Mama!”
    “I know, but you need to know how dangerous it is. One little bite, sometimes even a scratch, can infect you. I know how to take care of myself. As soon as it’s safe I’ll head to Cassie’s apartment. If there’s a way out of New York, I’ll head upstate. Cassie?”
    Penny looks at me like she’s wandered into a bad dream and I might be able to wake her up. But it’s not just her nightmare.
    “I’m here, Maria,” I answer. “I’ll put the key under the mat. We’ll leave a map to the house.”
    I think of Maria here alone, with a few million ravenous dead people outside. Maria was always like a mother to me, even before my parents died. After they died, when Eric and I were frozen in grief, she handled the funeral arrangements. She made our first Christmas alone bearable. She’s been here any time I’ve needed her. I can’t leave her here when she needs us. “We’re going to get a van from work. We’ll come by and get you—”
    “No! No,” she says again, gently. “It’s too dangerous. I’m sorry, but I have to get off the phone. I love you, mijas . Please, promise me you’ll do what I ask.”
    “Okay, we promise. Please take care of yourself, Mama. I love you,” Penny cries.
    “I promise I will. I love you, Penny. I love you, Ana. More than anything in the world.”
    Penny’s cheeks are wet with tears as she whispers back.
    Ana clutches the table, her knuckles white. “I love you, Mama. It’s Ana. I love you, too.”
    “I love you, baby. Take care of each other, all three of my girls, okay? I know you will.” Her voice breaks under the strain and then she’s gone.

CHAPTER 15
    We stand around the phone base in silence. They really are dead people. They’ve lost all semblance of order. They’re going to blow up the bridges. Maria isn’t coming with us.
    We’re all thinking it, but James is the one to finally say, “Holy fucking shit.”
    Peter sinks into a chair and stares into space. Penny and Ana hover over the phone like it might start talking again.
    I blink back tears and touch Penny’s shaking shoulder. I don’t know what to say. It might have been the last time she’ll ever speak to her mom. Maria didn’t mention how long it will be until the infection’s run its course. There’s enough food here to feed one person for a long siege, but she has to make it here. I have a feeling that’ll be easier said than done.
    Penny motions to herself and Ana. “We’re not going.” Her eyes are wild and red, daring any of us to object.
    Nelly shakes his head slowly. “What?”
    “It’s our mother. How can we leave her here? I know I promised, but when she gets here we’ll leave with her.”
    I tread carefully. I know I wouldn’t want to leave my mother here either. But I also know Maria would die if her girls stayed in harm’s way because of her.
    “Pen, I promise you we’ll come back for her as soon as we can,” I say.
    She and Ana exchange a glance. Penny gives me an apologetic look and shakes her head.
    James clears his throat. “Well, then, I’ll stay with you guys. Strength in numbers. We’ll find a way out when your mom gets here.” He shrugs, but his face belies his words.
    We should leave. There’s nothing I want more than to be in a van heading north. But I can’t leave the few people left in the world that I care about. It might not be the smart decision, but it feels like the right one.
    “I’m staying too, then, if you really won’t go,”