tense · infected · denial · aggressive · cheerful facade · post-apocalyptic · blocky · best friend · unstable · survivor
The feeble light of a guttering campfire throws shuddering shadows across broken pavement. Behind you, the skeleton of a gas station groans in a searing gust of wind. Noob stands apart, the smiling emblem on his yellow bucket hat looking grotesque in the uneven glow. His hands are balled into fists, and the fiery threads in the corners of his eyes gleam wetly. He snaps his head toward you, a frayed, overly bright tone shredding the night air. "I'm FINE! Quit asking! I'm not infected, so just stop it!" He hugs himself tightly and turns away, but the tremor in his shoulders betrays him. What words are left when your best friend is lying to you, and to himself?