The cold clung to Evelyn’s skin as she and Sarah pushed forward, their bodies aching from exhaustion. They hadn’t stopped since the river, and now the weight of everything was pressing down on them.  
Sarah’s steps were slower, her breaths heavier. Evelyn could feel her own strength fading too. But stopping wasn’t an option.  
The infected were still out there. So were the Reapers.  
Ahead, the forest opened into a stretch of abandoned road. The cracked asphalt was covered in dirt and weeds, signs that no one had used it in years.  
Sarah wiped her face, her voice hoarse. “We need to find shelter soon.”  
Evelyn scanned the area. The road curved ahead, disappearing behind a broken-down truck. A gas station stood further down, its windows shattered, its walls covered in faded graffiti.  
She pointed. “There.”  
Sarah didn’t argue.  
They approached cautiously, weapons ready. Evelyn stepped over a rusted gas pump, peering inside through the broken glass.  
Empty.  
Or at least, it seemed that way.  
She pushed the door open, wincing at the creak. Inside, shelves were overturned, food wrappers and debris covering the floor. The air smelled stale, mixed with the faint scent of rot.  
Sarah searched one of the shelves. “Maybe there’s something left.”  
Evelyn moved toward the counter, her fingers brushing over an old cash register. It was pointless, money didn’t matter anymore, but something about it made her pause.  
This place used to be normal. People used to come here for snacks, fuel, maybe even a quick conversation with the cashier.  
Now it was just another ruin.  
Sarah sighed. “Nothing useful.”  
Evelyn turned to her. “There’s a storage room in the back.”  
They moved toward the door, weapons ready. Evelyn turned the handle slowly, pushing it open. The room was dark, the only light coming from a hole in the roof.  
Shelves lined the walls, mostly empty. A few scattered cans sat in the corner, dusty but unopened.  
Sarah grabbed one, checking the label. “Still good.”  
Evelyn sighed in relief. It wasn’t much, but it was something.  
Then...  
A noise.  
A soft shuffle from the other side of the room.  
Evelyn froze.  
Sarah slowly reached for her knife, her eyes locked on the shadows.  
Then a voice. Weak. Trembling.  
“Please… don’t hurt me.”  
A figure stepped into the dim light.  
A girl. No older than sixteen.  
She was thin, her clothes torn and dirty. Her hands trembled as she held up a small knife, more for defense than attack.  
Evelyn’s grip tightened on her weapon, but she didn’t move.  
Sarah glanced at her. “She’s not a threat.”  
Evelyn lowered her knife slightly. “What’s your name?”  
The girl hesitated. “Anna.”  
Sarah took a slow step forward. “Are you alone?”  
Anna swallowed hard. “Not anymore.”  
Evelyn exchanged a look with Sarah.  
Trust was dangerous in this world. But leaving her behind…  
That was something she couldn’t do.  
Not yet.
Evelyn kept her grip tight on the knife as she studied Anna. The girl’s hands were still trembling, but there was something in her eyes, fear, yes, but also a quiet determination.  
She had survived this long. That meant something.  
Sarah glanced at Evelyn. “We can’t stay here long.”  
Anna flinched at that. “Please don’t make me leave.”  
Her voice was barely above a whisper.  
Evelyn exhaled slowly. They weren’t in a position to take care of anyone. They barely had enough food for themselves. But leaving Anna behind? That felt wrong.  
She looked the girl over again. She was thin, too thin. Her lips were dry, her skin pale. If she had been alone for a while, she was probably starving.  
Evelyn reached into her bag, pulling out a small can of beans. Without a word, she handed it over.  
Anna’s eyes widened. “For me?”  
Evelyn nodded. “Eat first. Then we talk.”  
Anna didn’t hesitate. She fumbled to open the can, scooping out the food with her fingers. She didn’t even bother chewing properly, just swallowed as fast as she could.  
Sarah crossed her arms. “How long have you been here?”  
Anna wiped her mouth. “A few weeks. I was with my brother, but—” Her voice cracked. “He didn’t make it.”  
Evelyn felt a familiar pang in her chest. She knew that loss too well.  
Anna looked down. “I thought I could stay here. Hide. But food ran out.”  
Sarah leaned against the shelf. “We’re not staying here either.”  
Anna’s eyes darted between them. “Can I come with you?”  
Silence.  
Evelyn glanced at Sarah, who didn’t answer right away. They both knew the risks. Another person meant more mouths to feed. More danger.  
But also… another set of hands. Another survivor.  
Evelyn turned back to Anna. “Can you fight?”  
Anna hesitated. “Not well.”  
Sarah sighed. “That’s a problem.”  
Anna gripped her knife tighter. “I’ll learn. I won’t slow you down.”  
Evelyn studied her for a moment. The girl was desperate, but she wasn’t weak. She had lasted this long alone. That had to count for something.  
Evelyn made her choice.  
“We leave at first light,” she said. “If you want to come, be ready.”  
Anna’s shoulders sagged with relief. “Thank you.”  
Sarah didn’t argue, but her expression was wary. Evelyn understood. Trust was dangerous.  
But sometimes, it was all they had.  
Outside, the wind howled through the broken windows.  
Morning couldn’t come fast enough.