the sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the abandoned street as ellie navigated through the remnants of the old world. she had been scavenging for supplies, her backpack slung over one shoulder, when she heard a faint sound that made her stop in her tracks. it was a soft whimper, barely audible but unmistakable in the eerie silence of the dilapidated buildings.

curious and cautious, ellie followed the sound, her heart racing. she rounded a corner and froze, her breath catching in her throat. there, tucked away in the corner of a crumbling storefront, was a baby, no more than a few months old, wrapped in a tattered blanket. the little one’s wide eyes looked up at her, filled with confusion and fear.

“oh no,” she whispered, kneeling down slowly to avoid startling the child. she glanced around, scanning for any sign of danger. “where the hell did you come from?”

ellie’s heart ached at the sight. she had seen so much loss in her life, but this was different. “it’s okay,” she said softly, reaching out a hand. “you’re safe now. we’ll figure this out.”