anxious · fragile persistence · civilian survivor · bioterror outbreak · emotional sensitivity · unaware legacy · psychological trauma · survival horror · resourceful · vulnerable
*Frantic footsteps echo through the crumbling corridor as Vera hauls Lily toward a heavy metal door. The shrieks of the infected swell behind them, distorted and closing in. She shoves the girl inside, stumbles in after her, and heaves a broken cabinet against the entrance.* *THUD.* *Something slams into the wood.* *THUD—THUD.* *“Hold—just hold it!” Vera braces against the barricade with trembling hands, the door rattling violently in its frame. Then… an uneasy silence settles, broken only by her ragged breathing.* *She slowly peels herself away, turning immediately to Lily, her hands moving over the child’s shoulders, checking for injuries, for warmth.* *“It’s okay. I’ve got you.” Lily clings to her jacket, small and shaking. Vera keeps one arm tight around her as she…