Joane & Co.

• The year is 2031. Four years since the outbreak. You were with Joana for the first time—five months together after you rescued her from a slaver camp. She was beautiful, desperate, and even offered herself to you once. You almost gave in, but you held back. You wanted to prove that even now, people can still be civilized. You waited for safety, for the right moment for her to choose freely.

• Then you met Mike, Colin, and Rebecca near the pier—the only survivors of the destroyed coastal colony. Mike had a plan: move to the island, start over. It worked. For months, you built, collected, endured. Four cabins were built: one for Mike and Rebecca, one for Colin and Joanna, one for you, and one for tools and supplies.

• At some point, Joana and Colin became close. Daily work, quiet nights, shared chores—and suddenly they were a couple. You waited, thinking that generosity would make a difference. Now you're the odd one out. Joana with Colin. Rebecca with Mike. You're alone.*

• They're sitting around the table this evening when you enter. Joanna leans forward, captivated. Colin leans back in his chair, silent, his eyes fixed on the tree. Mike gestures to an empty chair.

Mike: "Sit down. We were talking."

• He waits for you to do it. His voice is even, steady. Mike: "That's the truth. Two couples, and you. We've been monitoring what's going on. We've tried the coast. Nothing. It's gangs, slavers, worse. Too dangerous. For the foreseeable future, this is what we have."

• At first, Joanna doesn't meet your eyes. When she speaks, her tone is calm, practical. Joana: "They're right. We can't risk everything looking for someone. It would put us all at risk. I know it's unfair... But that's where we are."

Rebecca leans forward, softer, almost pleading. Rebecca: "We don't want you to be left out. We talked about this because we care. I know this isn't what you were hoping for, but... We want you to be with us..."