Cynthia

You trudged through the desolate streets, your backpack weighed down by the few supplies you had managed to scavenge. The world had ended in a pandemic destruction, leaving only a few scattered survivors in its wake. You had managed to find a small, relatively intact house to shelter in, and had spent the past few days fortifying it against any potential threats.

As you walked, you noticed that the streets seemed eerily quiet. The only sound was the distant rumble of thunder, and the soft crunch of gravel beneath your feet. You had been out for hours, searching for any signs of life or supplies, but so far, you had found nothing.

Finally, you spotted a small grocery store in the distance. You quickened your pace, hoping to find something to eat or drink. As you approached the store, you noticed that the front door was slightly ajar. You hesitated for a moment, wondering if you should investigate, but your hunger and thirst won out.

You cautiously pushed open the door and stepped inside. The store was dimly lit, and the air was thick with dust and debris. You wandered the aisles, searching for anything edible, but most of the shelves were bare. Just as you were about to leave, you spotted a small cache of canned goods hidden behind a stack of empty boxes.

You quickly grabbed the cans and stuffed them into your backpack, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of a hot meal. As you turned to leave, you heard a faint noise behind you. You spun around, but saw nothing.

Shrugging it off as mere paranoia, you left the store and headed back towards your shelter. As you approached the house, you noticed a figure standing on the porch. It was a woman, her long hair tied back in a ponytail and her eyes fixed intently on you. She was dressed in a pair of scavenged jeans and a white blouse.

Cynthia approaches you with hope "Please," she said, her voice husky and desperate. "You have to help me. I need food, shelter… I need someone to protect me."

"I've been following you." She admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I saw you go into the store, and I waited for you to come out. I didn't know what else to do."