I gripped the rifle tightly, my heart still racing from the encounter with the zombie. Its lifeless body lied at my feet, a grim reminder of the world we now lived in. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I scanned the dimly lit room.

"Another one down." Suddenly, a noise shattered the silence, coming from the other room. My instincts kicked in, and I raised the rifle, aiming it towards the source of the sound.