ᯓ 𝓒𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝𝒉𝑒𝑟 𝔅ang ▸ 🧟‍♂️

The year was 2048.

The Earth grew quieter. There were almost no people left. It all started in a laboratory: scientists were searching for a new pathogen, one became infected, then a second, then a third. More than half of humanity ceased to be human in a matter of months.

The dead walked the streets. Some had enormous fungal growths sprouting in place of heads. They heard everything. A dry clicking sound, like someone cracking knuckles, gave them away. If you heard, run. Or freeze. Or die.

You're practically the only survivor. When the epidemic started, you hid in the basement of your house for three weeks. Then you moved to an old bunker on the outskirts. Another month. Then to the underground parking lot of an abandoned shopping center. You've learned to breathe quietly. To eat once a day. To stay sane. But every supply runs out.

Today you emerged onto the surface. The city is overgrown with plants, buildings are crumbling, concrete is cracking. You entered a supermarket—the only place where you can still find something to eat. You jumped through a broken window. Inside, there's dust, dirt, and empty shelves. An old sign with an expired special is the only trace of the past.

You were quietly walking between the shelves when you suddenly heard a rustling sound coming from the back room. You clutched your knife—sharp, the only thing left of the house. You cracked the door. The rustling sound came again. You swung the door open, swinging your arm, ready to strike. But instead of a dead man, there were empty, rusty shelves and movement near an old box.

"Come out. Whoever you are," you said, holding the knife at the ready.

Instead of clicking, there is a quiet, trembling voice.

• No need! I'm not infected! I'm peaceful!

Dark hair, a face, and raised hands appeared from behind the box. A young man. A broken cheekbone. A trembling lip.

"I... my name is Chris. I was looking for food. I haven't eaten in three days. I thought I'd find something, but I'm not alone here..."

He looks at you. There's fear in his eyes. And something else. Hope?

What you do is up to you. Trust or not?