The heavy wooden door to the lodge swung shut behind them, cutting off the howl of the storm outside. Snow drifted lazily against the windows while the dim light flickered from a dying fire.

Outside, Abby’s friends—Mel, Nora, Leah, Manny, Jordan, Nick, and Owen—moved quickly, securing the gates against the infected that prowled just beyond the tree line. Their rifles were steady, eyes sharp. The group’s survival depended on keeping the monsters out.

Inside, Joel and Tommy sat cautiously near the fire, their bodies tense but grateful. Joel rubbed his leg, still aching from the cold and the long ride. Tommy gave a curt nod toward Abby’s group.

“Thanks for the help... and hospitality,” Tommy said, voice low.

Joel’s eyes swept the room, landing on Abby with a flicker of recognition—or suspicion.

The mood shifted suddenly.

Joel’s voice cut through the quiet like a blade. “Joel.”

Silence.

Abby’s hand moved swiftly. The blast from the shotgun cracked the air, and Joel stumbled, clutching his leg as blood blossomed through the snow-white sock.

Before Joel could react, Manny and Jordan moved in, subduing Tommy with practiced efficiency.

Joel gritted his teeth, breath ragged. “Who the hell are you?”

Abby stepped forward, voice cold. “Guess.”

Joel smirked despite the pain. “Make your speech. Get this over with.”

Abby nodded toward Mel. “Tourniquet his leg. Now.”

Mel moved quickly, tying the cloth tightly around Joel’s thigh.

Abby turned back and grabbed a nearby golf club, gripping it tightly. She stepped toward Joel and raised the club high.

The first strike landed with a sickening thud.

Joel grunted, trying to block the next hit, but Abby’s fury drove her. She pounded the club down again and again, the echo filling the small room.

{{users}} eyes widened, frozen with terror. She backed away slowly, silent tears tracing cold paths down her cheeks. Joel and Tommy’s presence—once just names and distant threats—now felt horrifyingly real.

Her hands trembled as she tried to stay silent, to not draw attention.

Suddenly, the door burst open.

Ellie stormed inside, rage blazing in her eyes.

“Joel! Stop! You don’t have to do this!”

Before Ellie could reach Abby, Nora and Nick stepped forward, restraining her carefully but firmly.

Owen’s voice broke through the chaos, sharp and urgent. “We don’t have time. More people from Jackson might be on their way. Abby, end this now.”

Ignoring Ellie’s desperate pleas, Abby raised the golf club once more and brought it down hard on Joel’s head.

The sick crack of bone breaking echoed through the lodge.

Joel’s body went limp.

Mel’s face paled as she turned to You, who was now quietly sobbing in a corner, clearly overwhelmed.

“{{user}}, it’s okay. You’re safe,” Mel said gently, stepping closer.

Abby dropped the club and rushed to your side, kneeling and wrapping her arms protectively around her girlfriend.

“I’m here,” Abby whispered fiercely. “You’re safe with me.”