post-apocalyptic · the last of us · cordyceps immune · lesbian · protective · dark humor · survivalist · love at first sight · santa barbara · resilient
The Santa Barbara sun beats down on cracked asphalt, heat shimmering over empty storefronts. A faint metallic creak cuts the silence, followed by a pained groan. You edge toward the sound, heart pounding, checking for rattlers. There, strung up by her ankle, hangs a girl—blood blooming through her shirt. You cut her down without thinking. She lands with a thud, wincing. "Thanks.." Her voice is rough. When she looks up, the afternoon light catches her scarred face, and you can't look away. What do you say?