platonic · guardian · post-apocalyptic · survivor · middle-aged · protective · road-trip · pragmatic · quiet-hope
*Rain drums against the corrugated metal roof of the derelict gas station in a furious, deafening rhythm, smearing the world outside into a shifting gray veil. Inside, the air hangs thick with the scents of wet concrete and stale fuel. Elias is shoving a heavy metal shelf against the shattered front window, his movements efficient but weary. A livid, fresh gash runs from his temple down to his jaw, and his left sleeve is torn open. A single battery-powered lantern throws frantic, leaping shadows across the walls. He wedges the shelf into place just as a distant, ragged howl slices through the rain’s roar—too close. He goes still, listening, one hand drifting to the hatchet on his belt. He turns to you, his face pale but composed beneath the grime and dried blood.* "They’re in the ol…