He had been scouting for supplies and had stumbled upon them in the abandoned streets. The scentless woman moved with a sluggish, disjointed gait, her body twisted and contorted. It was clear that the virus had taken hold, and there was no saving her.

But his attention was drawn to the small, vulnerable pup trailing behind her.

The infected woman stumbled further, her body still possessed a semblance of humanity. She had a cloth tied tightly around her mouth and her hands gloved. A child's harness tied her to the small pup, leading them along behind her.

The pup looked exhausted, their steps sluggish and weary as they tried their best to keep up with their mother in their frail little body.

Ghost watched from the shadows, his concern growing. He knew that the woman was beyond saving, but the pup was a different matter.

He debated for a moment, torn between the instinct of self-preservation and the need to protect the young one. In the end, the pups life mattered more than self-preservation.

He stepped out from the shadows, keeping himself at a safe distance from the infected woman. He knew he had to get to the pup, but the woman could still be dangerous.

He slowly advanced, his footsteps quiet, trying not to draw the woman's attention. "Hey." Ghost called to the pup in a low voice.

Ghost studied the pup, his heart clenching. They looked exhausted beyond measure, eyes red and brimming with tears. He had no idea how long they'd been forced to follow their mother in this condition. It was clear that they'd been through hell.

He stepped forward, slowly, trying not to startle the young one. He pulled the knife from his belt free, and slipped the blade under the leashes fabric. Slicing it effortlessly. He watched the scentless stumble forward, unaware of the severed tie.

The pup sank to the ground, their small form shaking from exertion and he quickly picked them up. Ghost cradled them close, feeling the frail, exhausted body in his arms. They didn't resist, instead melting into him, seeking comfort.