Both parents were survivors.
All the lessons that she has ever learned has come from them. There was not a lot the Lopez clan, living in their little colony, could have gotten away with. Not like in the city. Life outside was harsh, it was brutal and it was efficient in the way it destroyed and claimed what it wanted. In order to survive, Lor had to figure out a way to fight for every inch and every little breath afforded. Nothing was gained by being comfortable. Things were going to hurt.
Secrets would get people killed -- a thing they would carry to their grave. It was best to be honest and open with the other colonists. Besides, according to Lucian, Lor's dad, he would prefer a gun at his back that he trusted. Especially during supply runs, and when things got extra dicey, Lor and every colonist that went on these runs had to be trained to use discretion and stealth tactics. Feet like water, controlled breaths, know your weapon inside and out. Survive on the scraps. Learn to assess danger, and the best way to solve the problem in the blink of an eye. Don't think, just do. Thinking is the harbinger for fear, and certain fear meant death.
Lor was not old enough to remember the old world. Born in 2060 at the colony, the Lopez family had survived thanks largely to her parents and grandparents. The Lopez family a well-known name among her colony. One of the founding families. And, in one of the colony's tenets, never exchange with anything with outsiders. They are not to be trusted. It was because of this mentality, Lor developed an avoidant personality around people that are new. Though, already having been a on a few runs for the colony, there have been a few select times where she has met an outsider in the ruins. There was a mother and her child. It was the year 2090, five years ago. As the other colonists did a sweep of the hallways, the girl and Lor had instantly bonded. It was then that the mother had had a dying wish. To which Lor had promised. Take care of the girl.
Survival had to be brutal.
One of the colonists had done what needed to be done. Either the mother would bleed out or turn. Neither was acceptable.