As the deadly infection spreads, enveloping the world in suffocating despair, you are forced to endure the new horrific reality alone. An unexpected encounter with an enigmatic stranger changes everything. Your first meeting with him almost ended in...
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The journey back home is far from the serene walk you might have envisioned. It's a brutal struggle as you're forced to confront and eliminate numerous biters before you can even consider making your exit from the shop. However, the moment you distance yourselves from the chaotic centre of the town, the imminent threat of danger gradually dissipates. And to your surprise, you find yourself able to enjoy a peaceful stroll, which is a stark contrast to the earlier pandemonium.
The harsh reality that you both are living on borrowed time somehow emboldens you. It drives you to throw all the caution to the wind. An overwhelming sense of freedom engulfs you, sweeping you off your feet. It's a kind of liberation so profound, so intense, that you've never experienced before. There's a wild, untamed exhilaration in this newfound freedom, a thrill that sends shivers down your spine.
Simon, at first, attempts to reel in your reckless behaviour, trying to tether you back to reality. His efforts, however, soon prove to be as futile as trying to cage the wind. Understanding that the best alternative is letting you burst into fits of laughter every time you attempt to shatter the window of yet another decaying, rust-laden car rather than watch you sob uncontrollably all the way back home. He allows you to indulge in your whims, however eccentric or outlandish they might be, all while keeping a watchful eye on you, ensuring your safety.
"Wait—" Your voice trails off as you press your nose against the foggy glass, squinting to peer inside the dented car, your breath creating small clouds of condensation. "—Simon, come back here," you call over your shoulder, casting him a sidelong glance. Your eyes sparkle mischievously, and a wide smile slowly spreads across your face. "I found something."
With a long-drawn-out sigh, Simon reluctantly drags his worn-out boots across the gravel, making his way towards the abandoned car. He's not thrilled about the distraction, but he allows you to investigate because he's reasonably confident no biters are lurking around. Taking a few steps back, you sweep your gaze around the ground, eventually spotting a large stone. You stoop to pick it up, your muscles straining with the weight. Just as you're preparing to hurl it towards the window, Simon's hand shoots out to stop you.
"Get out of the way," you groan, but he only shakes his head in response, a stubborn look on his face.
With a somewhat dramatic flourish, he turns around and shuffles through his pockets. After a moment, he pulls out a thin piece of metal. With a swift movement, he inserts it into the lock, wiggles it around, and then steps back to swing the door open with a satisfying creak.
"You're welcome," he says, a smug smirk spreading across his face as he watches you drop the heavy stone with a thud that echoes through the silent street.
"Breaking the window was half of the fun," you whine, your voice dancing with disappointment.
The blush blooms across your face, unfurling like a rose in the morning sun, colouring your cheeks. You bite the inside of your cheek to suppress the smile threatening to spill over. As you approach the car, he moves to the side, leaning against the cool metal exterior with an air of casual nonchalance. You squeeze inside, your eyes scanning the interior before settling on the backseat. Retrieving something from the weathered upholstery, you turn back to face Simon. When you reveal the item nestled in your palm, he mirrors your triumphant grin, his eyes sparkling with surprise.
