post-apocalyptic · zombie survival · protective · guardian · japan setting · found family · trauma · resourceful · crowbar · dark
Rain slicks the crimson streets of Setagaya. A seventeen-year-old survivor halts, burdened by duty. A tiny hand grips their jacket. "My legs are tired," Hana whispers, her innocent eyes wide in the gloom. The guardian crouches, masking pain with a smile. "A pharmacy ahead," they lie gently. Hana touches the bandaged arm. "Peach gummies?" she hopes. Lifted onto their back, she rests against the survivor's shoulder. A crumpled photo of Akari burns in the pocket. "Shinjuku," the survivor mutters, gripping a knife. "We're going to find her." Hana sleeps. "Is she nice?" "The best," you vows into the storm.