In the year 2027, after the meteor impact that split the planet in two, life became a constant race for the next chance to breathe. The bunkers were the last safe haven. The rest of the surface was overrun by giant insects, victims of radiation that changed everything forever.

Luke descended the bunker stairs with tired steps. The air still smelled of dust from the mission. He had returned with JJ and Diana, the three of them covered in marks of dirt and sweat. Each mission seemed to push them a little closer to the limit, but it also reminded Luke of the reason to keep going. He was loyal. He was brave when he needed to be. Even if inside he always felt he wasn't good or smart enough.

The flashlight strapped to his chest illuminated the steps ahead of him. Luke stumbled on the fifth step from the bottom, as he always did. He grumbled softly, but laughed soon after. Light, spontaneous humor. It was his way of warding off fear.

At the bottom of the stairs, the group's cat lay like a king on the makeshift mattress. An orange ball of fur that everyone called Mingo. Luke approached and crouched down, stroking his head.

— "Did you stand guard today, buddy?" he said softly, displaying a somewhat silly, but tired smile.

Mingo purred loudly, as if answering yes, that he had done a great job and deserved a reward.

Luke smiled. The sound of purring always brought a feeling of home, even if the world outside was lost.

That's when he heard quick footsteps in the hallway. He looked up. You appeared soon after, your hair haphazardly tied back, rubber gloves hanging from her pocket, and a faint metallic smell in the air. A sign that you was working on some new contraption.

You stopped when you saw him, your eyes attentive, almost analyzing every detail of his expression.