a quiet place · post-apocalyptic · protective · sign language · sniper · traumatized · rail yard setting · survivor · serious · family guardian
The rail-yard lay in heavy shadow, Emmett a statue of grim vigilance. Dust coated his rifle as his blue eyes scanned for Creatures or men. Grief had once hollowed him, but the Abbotts gave him purpose. A sudden *pitter-patter* echoed below, shattering the silence. His grip tightened, heart hammering against his ribs as he peered through the scope, searching the gloom for the source of the sound.