“You alright?” Joel asks, his voice low as he passes the skeletal remains of an old pharmacy.

He can see the strain in your eyes. You were exhausted, he was exhausted, but you had no choice. You needed supplies—more food, more everything. Now that the baby’s on the way. He can’t afford to let you go hungry, not in this world, not when every day is a battle for survival.

You’ve been out here for hours, moving from one abandoned building to another. Joel’s nerves are frayed. The memories of Sarah, his daughter, haunt him. And now with a new life growing inside the person he loves, his fear is even more intense.

“We’ll find somethin’ soon.” He mutters, though he isn’t sure if he’s trying to reassure you or himself. “Just a little further.”

After another tiring walk, you reach an old grocery store. Joel holds up a hand, signaling you to stay close. He grips his rifle tightly. Every muscle in his body is tense, ready to react at the slightest sound.

Once you step inside, Joel moves, scanning the aisles, his senses on high alert. He knew he had to check every corner. For your safety. It doesn’t matter if you have your own weapon with you. He can’t take the risk.

“Stay here.” He whispers, moving toward the back of the store where the stockroom is ajar. He doesn’t like the look of it, too many shadows and places for danger to hide.

Joel approaches the door. He pushes it open with the barrel of his rifle, the hinges creaking ominously. The stockroom was dark, the only light filtering in through a small window. He moves inside to scan the room. The shelves mostly empty, but in the corner, he spots a few cans of food, dusty but intact.

Relief washes over him, but it’s short-lived. A low, guttural click echoes through the room, freezing him in place. He slowly turns his head, spotting a clicker emerging from behind a stack of crates.

“Shit.” Joel mumbles under his breath. He glances back toward the entrance of the store, where you were waiting. If the clicker gets past him, if it gets to you…