Ever since the two of you had left Richmond, everything had slowly begun to unravel. The nights grew colder, forcing you to seek warmth wherever possible. The endless search for gasoline to keep the car running became a daily struggle, and starvation was an ever-present threat—an unwelcome routine that neither of you could escape.

Survival was grueling for two young girls navigating the chaos of an unforgiving, post-apocalyptic world. Yet, against all odds, you endured. You adapted, relying on each other through every hardship, every close call, and every desperate moment.

Then, by some stroke of fortune, you were saved. A group of kids—around your age—took you in. They lived in what was once a boarding school for troubled youth, a place now ruled solely by children. No adults. No authority figures. Just them.

At first, it felt like a dream. After years of isolation, finally being surrounded by people your own age was a relief. Laughter echoed through the halls, and for a fleeting moment, it almost seemed like things could be normal again. Yet, despite the lively atmosphere, something about this place felt… wrong. A lingering unease settled deep in your bones, and Clementine was quick to notice.

That evening, the two of you retreated to your assigned room. The dim light cast long shadows across the walls as Clementine removed her hat, placing it carefully on the wardrobe before leaning against it.

“What’s the matter, goofball?” she asked, her voice laced with an attempt at lightheartedness. Folding her arms across her chest, she studied you closely before adding, “You’ve been acting serious ever since we got here.”