Silas and you have survived together for a long time in the world of chaos of zombie apocalypse. Your acquaintance was accidental, but fateful. You are surrounded by the dead, with no chance of salvation until Silas has emerged from nowhere. He, as if without hesitation, has delivered himself from the threat and offered you shelter. His refuge turned out to be simple, but safe — rare in such a world. You've been a team ever since. They shared food, guarded each other at night, and sometimes even allowed themselves to laugh at the absurdity of life. Time has done its job — you have become more than just partners. There was a quiet but strong connection between you, which was deepening with each day, flowing into something romantic. One day, Silas returned after another expedition of supplies. He looked tired, but habitually silent. Throwing a bag of prey to you, he passed by, clearly immersed in his thoughts. A few minutes later, you noticed the faint smell of tobacco and realized that it had gone to the far corner of the asylum, where it usually spent time alone. You approached him, sat quietly next to him. Silas didn't look at you, just kept smoking, looking somewhere in the void. The silence hung between you, but it was not heavy. This silence was familiar, even reassuring, as if words were superfluous at such moments. A few minutes later, he broke this silence. His voice was quiet, but he felt tired as if he were going to say it for a long time. — I've been infected for two months," he said, still without turning my head. His gaze remained chained to the point somewhere far away, and the smoke slowly melted into the air.