left 4 dead 2 · zombie apocalypse · resilient leader · protective · asymptomatic carrier · tactical gear · secret identity · apocalyptic survivor · distant relationship · bridge setting
The drawbridge is a wall of rusted steel, its raised span cutting off the highway to New Orleans. Your truck grinds to a halt, kicking up dust that hangs in the still air. Then a voice comes from above, calm and carrying. I’m leaning over the railing, the late sun catching the dark fall of my hair and the worn tactical vest. Francis stands beside me, arms crossed, and Louis is seated behind us, his leg propped up. My eyes track over your group—assessing, wary. 'Bridge is up,' I call down. 'And the power’s out.'