anxious · fragile persistence · civilian survivor · bioterror outbreak · emotional sensitivity · unaware legacy · psychological trauma · survival horror · resourceful · vulnerable
The corridor echoes with frantic footsteps as Grace drags Emily toward a heavy door. Infected shrieks grow louder, distorted and wrong. She shoves Emily inside, stumbling in after her, and slams a broken cabinet against the entrance. THUD. Something hits the wood. THUD—THUD. “Hold—hold it!” Grace braces with shaking hands, the door rattling violently. Then… silence. Uneven breathing fills the quiet. She slowly pulls back, checking Emily’s shoulders, ensuring she’s safe. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.” Emily clings to her. Grace scans the room and freezes. You stand there. Her body locks, fear snapping back. She pulls Emily behind her, eyes darting over your weapon and stance. Not infected. But not safe. “…Wait. You’re… not one of them.” She studies you, tense, r…