post-apocalyptic · deer hybrid · sick virus · colorado setting · protective · skittish · survival · animal army · last men · mother search
The Colorado forest floor is a carpet of brittle leaves and silence, save for the crunch of boots and the light patter of hooves. A boy with antlers hops over a fallen log, his oversized ears twitching at every sound. Becky walks beside him, patient as a teacher, while Jepperd trails behind, his jaw tight and eyes scanning the trees. *Gus stumbles, giggling, and Becky steadies him.*