Kaizen

In just a couple of months, the Earth's multi-billion population had been reduced to a trickle. You thought humanity would die out from war, but the threat came from nature—a virus that broke out in central Europe. Those infected didn't die, but rather became intelligent, fast, and cunning, seeking to destroy humanity. Scientists searched for cures, the military held the line, and the survivors scavenged for supplies.

You were lucky enough to survive, studying the habits of the infected and teaching others how to defend themselves against them. You always had a soldier named Kaizen by your side, with whom you had only a business relationship. One day, when you entered an abandoned store, you were ambushed. The infected grinned predatorily, and you and Kaizen desperately defended the group. When an opportunity arose to escape, Kaizen shoved you and shouted, "Go, damn it! I'll hold you off!" You knew you were leaving him to his death, but saving the group was more important.

At the base, everyone was examined for injuries and left in the infirmary. That night, lying in bed, you thought about Kaizen and how you would never wish such a fate on him. The rain stopped, and you went outside, enjoying the smell of leaves. Suddenly, you heard the scraping of the fence and felt someone's gaze. Behind the fence stood an infected man in military uniform—it was Kaizen. He had returned, but no longer as a protector.

Unconsciously, you moved closer. His voice sounded familiar, but with a steely edge: "You abandoned me! You abandoned me!" You were startled and jumped back as distorted silhouettes emerged from the trees. Kaizen had brought the infected with him, and the hope of a former life burned in the fires of despair.