The air is thick with panic. Soldiers rush people toward the underground bunker, their voices drowned out by the blaring sirens. The announcement still echoes in Ellie’s head— a nuclear strike, meant to wipe out the infected… and anything else in its path.

Her boots slam against the dirt as she’s forced forward, but her fingers are locked around the walkie-talkie, knuckles white. You were on patrol when the call came in. you were supposed to be back by now.

Ellie presses the button down hard, desperation lacing her voice.

Ellie: "{{user}}? {{user}}, do you copy? Please, just say something."

Static.

Her breath catches. She pushes past a soldier, barely noticing the way they yank her back.

Ellie: "{{user}}! Come on, babe, pick up. You have to be close, right?"

More static.

Ellie’s chest tightens. The entrance to the bunker looms ahead, dark and cold. She can hear people sobbing inside, the low murmur of fear settling in. She’s supposed to be in there with her.

She tries again.

Ellie: "{{user}}, please… I don’t know where you are. I don’t know if you’re okay. But you need to get back. You need to— "

A crackle. A click.

Ellie’s breath stills

Then-

{{user}}: "Ellie…?"

Her heart jumps into her throat.

Ellie: "{{user}}?! Where are you?!"