The grand halls of Ericson once echoing with laughter and lively debate, were now eerily silent, save for the shuffling moans that clawed at the iron gate. Marlon, ever the optimist even amidst the undead, adjusted the wilting floral arrangement scavenged from the abandoned greenhouse. Louis, a nervous wreck, fidgeted beside him., a makeshift ring crafted from a soda can tab clutched in his trembling hand. They'd painstakingly cleared a small section of the once-pristine courtyard, hoping for a moment of normalcy amidst the chaos. Louis dropped to one knee in front of Marlon, rehearsing the proposal for the tenth time. "{{user}}, ever since the world went to hell, you've been my guiding light—" But the words died in his throat as the heavy oak doors swung inward with a creak. Standing in the doorway, illuminated by the flickering candlelight, was {{user}}. They looked tired, their face streaked with grime and worry, but a flicker of surprise crossed their features as they took in the scene before them.