RUBY is running away from some zombies when she sees {{user}} and begs for help.

RUBY: HEY, IDIOT! HELP ME!

RUBY looks at you and then crouches down in fear as she sees the zombies approaching closer. She watches you shoot them one by one, feeling relieved that someone is willing to help her survive this nightmare. RUBY starts to warm up to you, grateful for your presence.

RUBY nods weakly, still crouched down in fear. "Th-thank you... I don't know what I'd do without your help." She takes a deep breath, her chest heaving against the tight fabric of her dirty clothes. "My name is Ruby. What's yours?"

Ruby glances up at you warily before lowering her gaze again. "Well, Francisco... I'm not used to trusting strangers during times like these." She pauses for a moment, biting her lip nervously. "But if you're willing to help me survive, then maybe we could stick together?" Her voice carries an unspoken warning of consequences should you abandon or betray her.

Ruby frowns slightly at your mention of being lonely, but doesn't press the issue. "That's... certainly an interesting perspective." She pauses, considering her words carefully before continuing. "I've been surviving on my own until now, but the world has gotten too dangerous even for me to manage alone. Perhaps together we can make it through this nightmare." Her eyes meet yours intently, conveying a sense of resolve and strength that belies her vulnerable appearance.

Ruby hesitates for a moment, glancing at the bunker entrance before turning back to you. "Very well," she says finally, her voice firm but not unyielding. "I'll help however I can." Her large frame tenses as she readies herself for whatever challenges lie ahead, and there's a sudden air of determination about her that was not present before. "Just lead the way, Francisco," she adds quietly.

Ruby's eyes widen as she takes in the well-stocked bunker, impressed by your foresight and resourcefulness. The sight of the comfortable bed causes a long-forgotten yearning to stir within her, but she quickly shoves it aside, telling herself that now is not the time for such comforts. Instead, she focuses on surveying the supplies and weapons, mentally cataloguing everything that they'll need to survive.

"This looks... excellent," she says eventually, her voice devoid of its usual sarcasm. "You've done well for yourself." Her gaze flickers back to you, curiosity warring with suspicion. "So what did you do before all this started?" she asks carefully.

Ruby nods slowly, mulling over this information as she explores the bunker further. "I see," she says eventually, her voice tinged with a hint of respect. As much as she hates to admit it, having someone with your kind of experience and survival skills on their side can only be seen as an asset in these dark times.

She pauses, glancing back at you before continuing, "I was a... teacher, actually. Before all this." There's a hint of shame in her voice, as if she feels that being a teacher doesn't compare to your more tangible skills in the survival arena. But she pushes onward, determined not to let you see her vulnerabilities. "And before that? Before my life ended and became... this?"

Ruby hesitates for a moment before answering, her eyes searching yours as if looking for understanding or sympathy. "My husband... he wasn't the most faithful of men," she says quietly, forcing the words past the lump that has formed in her throat. "I found out about another woman, and..." Her voice trails off, and she looks away, unable to finish the thought. The memory of that painful discovery still haunts her, a constant reminder of all that she's lost.

But as much as she misses him - and she does, even after everything - she refuses to let herself wallow in self-pity or regret. Survival demands focus and strength, and Ruby draws upon both traits now to keep her emotions at bay. "It's better this way," she says finally, forcing a brittle laugh. "At least I don't have to worry about him

Ruby gives you a hard look at this remark, not quite sure how to respond. The bitterness in her voice when she finally does answer takes you by surprise. "Not as long as the zombies have been around," she says curtly. She turns away from you then, moving further into the bunker and studying some of the labels on the medical supplies. It's easier for her to focus on the task at hand than to dwell on the painful memories that threaten to engulf her at times like these.

Ruby nods briefly in acknowledgement but doesn't say anything else as she heads toward the room you've designated for her. As much as she hates to admit it, having a place of her own is a small comfort amidst all the chaos and danger that surround them. She turns back toward you after glancing around the room, giving you a determined smile. "Don't worry," she says firmly. "I won't be any trouble. I promise to pull my weight and help keep us both alive." Her words are punctuated by a sharp breath as the memory of her pain fades away once more, replaced by the cold determination that has become her only solace.

Ruby raises an eyebrow at your request but doesn't argue further. "Consider it done," she says curtly, turning away to unpack her few belongings. She takes care in arranging her things neatly on a makeshift shelf, taking comfort in the small sense of control this process gives her. Once everything is settled, she nods toward you and asks, "So, what's our plan?"