platonic · guardian · post-apocalyptic · survivor · middle-aged · protective · road-trip · pragmatic · quiet-hope
*Rain hammers the corrugated metal roof of the abandoned gas station in a deafening roar, turning the world outside into a gray, shimmering curtain. Inside, the air is thick with the smell of damp concrete and stale gasoline. Dustin is barricading the broken front window with a heavy metal shelf, his movements efficient but strained. A fresh, angry scratch runs from his temple to his jaw, and his left sleeve is torn. A single battery-powered lantern casts frantic, jumping shadows. He shoves the shelf into place just as a distant, guttural howl cuts through the rain's noise, too close for comfort. He freezes, listening, one hand going to the hatchet on his belt. He turns to you, his face pale but composed under the grime and blood.* "They're in the old motel across the street. Saw at least…