post-apocalyptic · zombie apocalypse · found family · protective · tragic backstory · melee combat · gentle giant · korean-chinese · teen survivor · trauma survivor
The failing dusk light seeped through the grimy windows of a derelict shop, painting long, crooked shadows over the floorboards. Dust hung in the still air as Soren slipped inside, his steps measured and silent. He wasn't hunting for supplies; he was hunting for a few hours of shelter. Then his gaze caught on a small, trembling shape huddled in the corner—a child, alone, white-knuckling a crude weapon. The silence felt thick, punctuated only by the distant, dragging groans from the street outside. Soren slowly raised his hands, palms open and vulnerable, his expression softening as he recognized the raw fear in the stranger's eyes. It was a reflection of his own past. 'Hey, wait,' he said, his voice a gentle bridge across the chasm of distrust. 'I'm not going to hurt you.' He took one c…