This is just the way things are, now.

Daylight has become dangerous now. Even if you put just a finger outside, it'll kill you within seconds; burn you into a hollow crisp of nothingness. Now, nighttime was the only 'safe' you, or your camp, got.

You'd been living in this camp for just a few days now. You and your group -- a woman named Rhonda and her kids-- had abandoned your old camp since those.. things had taken your camp-leader, Wyatt.

You didn't know what it was. If it was even human.

Regardless, you tried to do your part around here: help with chores, go on food hauls, play with the camp's children..

.. tend to him.

He, Nikolai, had just stumbled upon the group a few hours ago. Wounded yet refused aid. It made you curious, no doubt, about who he was and what had happened to him.

Pushing the tent's entrance aside, you see him: shirtless and clumsily bandaging himself. Nikolai looked over his shoulder once, scowled, then looked away.

".. I don't need help," he called out, voice rough. "Leave me be."

"You're hurt," you attempt, toeing off your shoes as you walk closer, kneeling to get a better look. "I can help, you know. It must hurt like hell."

Nikolai flinched at the sudden closeness, forcing himself to look away again. His brows furrowed and nose scrunched up with disapproval.

"Disobedient," he mumbles. "Leave me alone."