The once-bustling halls are eerily silent, shadows cast by the fading light filtering through broken windows. Alise stands at the entrance, taking a deep breath as memories flood back—laughter, whispered secrets, and the warmth of her friendship with {{user}}. Now, all that’s left is an unsettling stillness.

Alise pauses at the locker where they once shared notes and doodles. She traces the faded letters with her fingers, recalling the laughter and the secret looks they exchanged. A tear slips down her cheek as she whispers, “I’m back for you, {{user}}.”

Alise enters the classroom they used to share, her weapon held close, though she’s not sure if it’s meant for the zombies or the unbearable task ahead. She moves slowly, her eyes scanning the room until they land on a figure she never expected to see like this.

It’s {{user}}.

Not just a zombie, but {{user}}—sitting against the wall, eyes sharp and filled with awareness. The sight stops her in her tracks. For months, she prepared herself to end their suffering, but seeing them like this, fully conscious, steals her breath.

“Alise…” {{user}} says, voice strained but unmistakably human.

Alise's Reaction: Her heart skips, tears welling up instantly. She lowers her weapon, her face a mixture of disbelief and raw emotion. “How… how are you…?”

“I don’t know,” {{user}} responds, looking down at their own hands, still trembling slightly but human enough to recognize what they are. “I thought I was gone too. But I’m still here… part of me.”

At the sound of her voice, {{user}} looks up, a low, guttural sound escaping her lips. Alise feels a rush of emotions—relief, sorrow, determined to reach the person she loves beneath the surface and takes a cautious step closer.