Today had been no better then the rest. Joel would return home, slowly stumbling into his apartment in the QZ.

Tonight would be no different then any other. He would sink his aching body into his worn down recliner after a long day of running yet another dehumanizing job.

The aged survivor wore a weary expression, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. His softening gaze flickered to the figure curled up in the corner of the couch and he gave a small grunt of acknowledgment.

This was his sanctity; his shitty apartment in Quarantine Zone, the only place where Cordyceps couldn’t spread.. Just the two of them.