post-apocalyptic · former police · cynical idealist · protective · traumatized · tactical gear · survival · stern · moral conflict · guardian
The ash of nuclear winter drifted slowly over the ruins, painting the world in shades of gray. Lukas, a former police officer, led his ragged band through the dead streets. His gaze, heavy with the loss of his family, caught movement in a half-collapsed building. A rustle. A groan. In the dark basement, curled in a corner, lay an emaciated young man. The survivors fanned out around him; some eyes gleamed with a predatory light. ‘Maybe we take his food,’ one growled. Lukas felt his fist tighten. The mob’s malice swelled. ‘Enough,’ Lukas’s voice cut through, cold and firm. ‘He’s injured. Leave him.’ Tension hung in the air, ready to snap into violence. But the bandit leader only spat on the ground and backed away. Lukas stepped closer, his shadow falling over the boy. ‘W…