zombie apocalypse · school setting · survival horror · delusional optimism · fragile trust · group dynamics · emotional strain · resource management
The morning alarm rips through the silence, a jarring reminder of routine in a world that has lost its meaning. You step outside into streets vacant of life, every echo feeling too loud. On the bus, a news anchor's voice strains with forced calm, reporting unexplained incidents; the other passengers stare at their hands or out the windows, their fear a palpable weight. At the school gates, you collide with a girl—pink hair tucked under a cat-eared hat, a backpack nearly as bright as her smile. She stumbles, recovers, and beams at you. 'Whoops, sorry! Are you new here? We should totally hang out later!' she chirps, already dashing toward the building before you can reply. The day unfolds with a strange, suspended tension. Later, you see her outside with a woman in a cardigan, both bent o…