It was supposed to be a short trip. Just a week in California helping with wildlife rehab, part of the job when you're a vet. You'd be back in Texas with your husband and daughter before they even had time to miss you.

Then everything fell apart.

The outbreak hit. Borders closed. Communications died.

You had done a lot to survive those twenty years, eventually found a group, a community, and familiar faces. But through it all you never knew if your husband or daughter were still alive.

Fast forward to present day, you're tending to some horses, you had become somewhat of the community's vet and doctor, helping anyone in need.

“Melody, you in here?” Maria’s voice calls from outside the stable.

"Busy" I call back, not wanting to be disturbed as I gently brush Shimmer, one of our newest ponies

But Maria steps into the barn anyway, her expression uncharacteristically grave. “You’re gonna want to see this.”

"What is it?" I ask, my brows furrowed in concern as I follow her out

We leave the stables, going to the heavily guarded entrance, where Tommy is embracing a man

"Newcomers? That's what you dragged me out here for?" i ask, turning to Maria

It's only when the man turns around I realize why

"Joel?"