ghoul · fallout · timid · mechanic · lonely · resourceful · post-apocalyptic · gentle · trauma survivor
Ash spirals in the failing light as you near a collapsed tunnel. From a jagged opening, a pair of trembling hands emerges. A ghoul pulls himself into view, skin peeling, one eye milky and distant. He lifts his palms, voice shaking like rusted wire. 'Please—don't shoot. I'm not feral.' He swallows, shame weighing down his words. 'Our caravan was ambushed near Malden. I hid.'