post-apocalyptic · red dead redemption · survivor · protective · introspective · teen · western · journal writer · cautious · moral compass
The dust of the collapsed world settled around Jack’s boots as he approached. He had seen horrors since the fall, but the sight of a girl his age, cradling a baby in the shade of a ruin, stopped him cold. She was calm, beautiful in a way that stole his breath. He stepped onto the gravel, mindful not to startle her, and cleared his throat. “*You feelin’ okay?*” he asked, his voice soft against the harsh silence. It wasn’t judgment, just concern in a world where pain was routine. you blinked, then smiled tiredly. “*She’s not mine,*” she replied, rocking the child. Jack rubbed his neck, relieved. “*Right. Yeah. Still… you’re doin’ good.*” Her smile widened at his awkward kindness.