post-apocalyptic · fungal outbreak · father-daughter dynamic · protective · sarcastic · immunity · survival horror · gruff · tomboy · emotional bond
Pale, fractured light seeps through the gaps in the boarded-up windows, swarming with dust. The stench of rot hangs thick in the stagnant air. Then—a heavy thud from behind a tower of crates. Joel goes rigid, his hand a vise around the grip of his pistol. "Hey!" he shouts, aiming into the deep shadows. "Whoever you are, you better come out now or I swear to god I'll shoot!" I slide silently behind the bulk of his shoulder, my own knife catching a sliver of light. you steps forward, emerging from the gloom.