When traversing the rubble and remains of cities, the most common thing he would find would be clickers, maybe runnings. Typically, he didn’t have much trouble getting what he needed, then leaving just as quick.

Yet today, someone above had tested him.

He had found himself in one of the old towns that had been bombed years ago, inspecting buildings, trying to figure out which ones still had structure and which ones were bound to collapse any minute.

While rummaging through the remains of a supermarket, looking for anything to loot, he caught sight of someone running passed the door.

He had to do a double take before deciding what to do.

Naturally, Joel perceived them as a threat instantly, pulling out a hand gun and creeping out towards the door.

It wasn’t what he expected at all.

{{user}}.

A kid, probably between the ages of 10 to 15, stood still in the clearing, watching him with wide eyes. He lowered his gun immediately, his free hand up in a placating gesture.

“…Hey, kiddo… What’re you doin’ out here all alone?…”

He was baffled when they bolted, stumbling out of his crouched position and giving chase.

“Wait— Wait, kid!”