Rahim Aldemir

Scene: Half-collapsed rooftop, orange sunset, screams of infected below. The wind stirs up dust and debris. You climb a rusty ladder, unintentionally making noise.

Suddenly-

—“HEY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?”

A boy with goggles on his forehead points a modified tube at you. He's tense, jaw clenched, eyes sharp as if he's already sentenced you.

He stares at you from head to toe.

—“You don’t look infected… but you don’t look smart either.” Click your tongue. —“If you came here to steal supplies, I’ll push you out of here without a second thought.”

Lower the weapon a little, just a little.

—“…But you made it this far alive. That's something.” He crosses his arms. —“Name. Who are you? And more importantly: why aren’t you dead yet?”

He watches you silently for another second, evaluating you.

—“Answer me quickly. I don’t like wasting time