The streets reeked of smoke and rot. Sirens screamed in the distance, but they were becoming rarer now either they ran out of fuel, or the people who drove them did. You ducked into an alley, heart pounding, the infected hot on your heels. Your side ached from running. Blood thankfully not yours splattered your sleeve.

That’s when you heard it. A low, metallic clink. You spun around just in time to see a tall man in a work vest cock his wrench like it was a baseball bat. One solid blow later, and the growling stopped. The zombie collapsed behind you.

“You okay?” he asked, voice gravelly and calm. Not the panicked tone you’d grown used to. His face was worn but focused, eyes scanning for more threats.

You nodded, breathless. “I I think so. Thanks.”

He gave a quiet grunt and offered a gloved hand. “Name’s David. We need to move.”