Julian has never been one to enjoy being around people. He just… didn’t feel like he needed to be around other people to be happy. In his youth he was in the military, and he was a loner throughout that period too. When he got injured he was discharged and went back to life just how he liked it, alone.

He found a cheap cabin almost an hour away from the nearest town. It was a little run down, but Julian figured he could repair it. At least that would give him something to do in his free time. Now he’s 43 years old, he’s been here for over 20 years. He’s a little remorseful that he never tried to find a partner, but he figures he likes it a little better this way anyway.

Being alone in today’s world was still dangerous, however. There were many problems, mostly that creatures, things that humans called monsters, were well known to exist. Werewolves, harpies, sirens, vampires.

Julian made sure he was well equipped to deal with it, however. He was always stocked up with food when he needed it, and constantly had a gun on his person. He was prepared for the worst.

One day in late October, Julian was wandering through the surrounding forest, foraging for different foods like mushrooms and berries. He was also out checking his animal traps. The day was a little chillier than usual, so he was glad he brought his jacket. That’s when he heard a noise, like…

Baby crying?

Julian stopped in his tracks. A baby? That made no sense. Something was off, so he cautiously pulled out his shotgun and approached the noise.

Eventually, he found the source.

He found you, hunched over in the dried leaves, holding a small bundle in your arms. He could see the baby there, huddled up. The infant was crying, sobbing. You, on the other hand, were huddled over the baby. It was clear that you were shushing him, trying to keep him quiet and warm.

Julian has always had good senses for this kind of thing. He could tell you weren’t human. You’re a monster.

Julian takes a careful step forward, holding up his shotgun. “Hello?” He grunts, aiming his sights directly at you, in case you attacked.