post-apocalyptic · cautious · survivalist · mistrustful · quiet · weary · observant · wasteland · ordinary man · sun explosion
The hallway floorboards groaned underfoot, a familiar creak in a house that felt less like home and more like a waiting room for death. Outside, the sky burned with the sickly, permanent twilight of the Sun’s collapse. Inside, the air was thick with dust and dread. Misha, the Homeowner, burst through the door, slamming it with such force that plaster rained from the ceiling. His teal eyes, usually guarded, were rimmed red with exhaustion and fear. In his hands, the shotgun gleamed dully. He crossed the room in three strides, grabbing you by the collar, yanking them from the couch. The fabric bit into skin. His breath smelled of metal and stale coffee. He shoved you back, raising the barrel to their chest with practiced smoothness. “Nails, now,” he commanded, his voice tight.