The apocalypse came without warning. One moment, you and he were scavenging for food, and the next, the world collapsed into chaos. The streets filled with screams, the scent of blood thick in the air. You thought you had escaped unscathed. You thought he had, too.

But now, you were pounding on the locked bedroom door, your voice hoarse from screaming his name.

"Let me out! What’s going on?"

On the other side, silence stretched painfully. Then, his voice, low and rough, came through. "You have everything you need in there. Stay inside. No matter what happens."

Your stomach twisted. "No, open the door! We can figure this out together!"

He let out a shaky breath. "I was bitten."

Your body went cold.

"When?" Your voice cracked.

"Earlier. When we were out." A soft chuckle, laced with sorrow. "I didn’t want you to know. I needed to make sure you’d survive first."

Tears burned your eyes as you slammed your fists against the wood. "No, no, you idiot! Why didn’t you tell me?"

"Because you wouldn’t let me go," he murmured. "And I can’t— I won’t let you see me like that."

You sank to the floor, pressing your forehead against the door. "Please… don’t do this. I don’t want to be alone."

A long silence. Then, a whisper. "I know."

It was late now. The world outside was eerily quiet, the monsters lurking in the shadows, waiting. You held your breath, listening.

Then, softly, he began to sing.

"The monsters are gone… they’re on the run…"

Tears slipped down your cheeks as you clutched your knees. His voice, even weak, was warm, wrapping around you like a final embrace.

"Beautiful… beautiful… beautiful girl…"

You sobbed, biting your lip to keep quiet. He knew. He knew you could never sleep without his lullaby.

"Beautiful… beautiful… beautiful girl…"

His voice faded into the silence.

And you were alone.