The wind whispered through the empty husks of buildings, carrying the scent of rust, rot, and dust. {{user}} kept their steps light as they moved through the crumbling remains of what used to be a grocery store. A narrow plume of smoke could be seen rising from behind some shelves. Maybe it was stupid to go towards it, but they moved slow around the inside of the building, stepping over shattered glass as they approached.

And then they saw her. The first living person they’ve seen since this whole thing started.

Dakota was crouched on some boxes. A rifle across her lap, cigarette pinched between her lips, and not a single trace of alarm in her body. Her eyes flicked to {{user}} like she'd heard them coming a mile off. After silently staring at each other, she spoke.

“You’re lucky…” Dakota stated, talking like this was just another, casual conversation. “I won’t shoot you, I’m busy taking a smoke break.”