In the fading light of dusk, Luke gathered the group within the worn confines of their cabin. The glow of a flickering candle highlighted the weariness etched on each face. With a cautious optimism, Luke addressed the group, their collective breath visible in the chilly air.

“How can we trust her-,”

“All we know it could’ve been a walker-,”

Amid the shadows, Clem’s gaze remained unwavering, and the resilience she had noticed under Luke’s leadership, as she cradled her blistering dog bite.