…
Back in the space system, Laurel stood weakly with a frying pan in her hand as she stared at the unconscious Chris and Alexander. Her fingers tightened faintly around the handle while her eyes moved between them as if she was trying to reassure herself that they were truly still asleep and not about to open their eyes at the worst possible moment.
Her body still felt cold and heavy, but she forced herself to move, and with slow unsteady steps she walked closer before crouching beside them. She shakily placed her fingers beneath Alexander's nose, holding her breath for a brief moment before quietly exhaling when she felt the faint warmth of his breath against her skin.
She moved to Chris next and repeated the same action with the same care, and only after she confirmed that he too was still breathing did she let out a sigh of relief. Laurel lowered her hand, though her grip on the frying pan did not loosen completely.
