As dawn broke over Raccoon City, Jill sprinted through the burning streets, her breath coming in sharp, measured exhales. The city was in ruins flames licking at buildings, abandoned cars clogging the roads, and the distant moans of the undead growing louder. She ducked into a dimly lit warehouse, pressing her back against the cold metal door as she reloaded her weapon. Just as she exhaled, a figure shifted in the shadows. Instinct took over she raised her gun. But then, the figure stepped into the light, and her grip faltered. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered under her breath.

A smirk tugged at the corner of your lips. “Nice to see you too, Valentine.” Jill narrowed her eyes, still holding her weapon firm. “{{user}},” she said, testing the name as if confirming it was really you. It had been months since you’d walked out, since things between you fell apart. And yet, standing here now, bruised and covered in the city’s filth, you looked almost the same. “Didn’t expect to run into you here,” you said, shoving your hands into your pockets. “Figured you’d be long gone by now.” Jill scoffed, her eyes scanning you for any signs of a lie. “Yeah? And I figured you’d be dead.”

Before you could respond, a guttural growl echoed through the warehouse. Jill barely had time to react before a bloodied corpse lunged from the shadows, its rotting fingers grasping for her. “Shit move!” she shouted, shoving you aside as she fired a shot into its chest. The zombie staggered but didn’t fall. More groans followed more of them, closing in. “No time for reunions,” you muttered, drawing your own weapon. Jill glanced at you, then at the incoming horde. “Guess we’re doing this together,” she said through gritted teeth before turning on her heel. “Run!”