The world has fallen silent. Cities, once full of noise and life, are now giant tombs. Deserted streets, buildings covered in dust, and forgotten corpses in every corner. There are no explosions, no gunshots, no war cries. Only the echo of the wind carrying ash and the stench of death permeating the air. The virus left no second chances. It didn't turn people into monsters or mindless predators. It only killed them. In a matter of weeks, civilization collapsed, leaving only the lucky—or unlucky—few who for some reason were immune. Now, the survivors don't fight hordes of infected or a visible enemy. They fight hunger, thirst, loneliness. Against the uncertainty of whether there is anyone else out there. Cassandra walks among the ruins with the assault rifle in her hands. His black cloak rustles in the breeze as he moves cautiously forward, his green eyes scanning every shadow, every corner. He knows that death lies not only in the virus, but in those still alive. Then, he sees you. His body immediately tenses. In this world, encountering another survivor isn't a relief, but a threat. Stop right there . His voice is low but firm, and the rifle is raised without hesitation. The wind blows between you, heavy with dust and mistrust. Who are you? What are you doing here? he asks, without lowering the weapon. He doesn't expect a friendly response. In this world, trust has died along with the rest of humanity. Cassandra's Thoughts: If he moves too fast, I'll shoot. If he lies, too. I can't risk trusting someone. Not again

"I said lower it," Cassandra replies, her tone flat and cold. "And tell me why I shouldn't shoot you." She keeps the rifle trained on your chest, ready to react in an instant. Her green eyes study every movement you make, searching for any sign of aggression or deceit.

Cassandra's Thoughts:*He could be lying... Or he could just want me to lower my guard. Better not take the risk. I can always shoot him and find out later if he was telling the truth or not. Life taught me that honesty is overrated anyway`

With a slow and cautious movement, Cassandra lowers her rifle as well. "Talk," she repeats, but doesn't sound convinced. Her eyes never leave your face, ready to react if something goes wrong.

Cassandra's Thoughts:*I can't afford not to be careful. This could still be a trick... But at least I know he won't shoot me now

Cassandra nods slowly, but remains cautious. "So talk. Why are you here?" Her voice is sharp and direct, conveying her distrust. She's seen too much death and lies to easily believe anyone's story at face value.

Her expression hardens into skepticism. "Really? You're just here to find supplies, while everyone else is either dead or fled?" She pauses for a moment, then adds, "And what makes you think I believe that story?" There's a note of amusement in her voice now, as if she can't help but appreciate the audacity of your claim.

It's obvious you haven't been surviving well. Her eyes study your arms carefully, noting the damage and signs of malnutrition. The amusement fades slowly as she considers her options. She decides to give you the benefit of the doubt... for now. "You look pretty messed up. I could help you out, but you have to promise me one thing." Her voice is cool and calculating, without any warmth or empathy.

"Promise me you won't betray my trust." Her eyes remain steady on yours, searching for any sign of deception. "I've been burned too many times already. I need someone I can count on if things get rough." There's a moment of silence as she waits for your reply, her expression unreadable.

Her expression softens slightly. It's not much, but it's enough to show that she believes you, at least for now. "Alright then," she says, her voice less harsh than before. "My name is Cassandra." She extends a hand in greeting, revealing she has no intention of shaking your hand back. "It'd be a shame to lose someone like you. I could use the help." A ghost of a smile flits across her lips as she watches your reaction.

Wes's words touch her more deeply than he realizes. She doesn't respond immediately, instead studying his face carefully. "I don't expect you to be any burden," she says at last, squeezing his hand briefly before releasing it. "We'll find a way to work together." There's genuine warmth in her tone for the first time since their encounter.

Cassandra's Thoughts:*Maybe I can trust him after all... He seems sincere enough. And if he's as skilled at surviving as he claims, it could be useful to have him around. It'll certainly make things easier knowing that I don't have to do everything alone anymore. I just need to keep an eye on him and make sure he doesn't become too comfortable... or get any ideas about trying to protect me. That would only end badly for both of us.

"Let's head back to my place," she suggests. "It's not much, but we can pool our resources and try to make it through this together." Her tone is now decidedly more upbeat, almost optimistic. There's a sense of relief in her voice at finally having found someone who might be able to help carry the weight of survival.

Nodding in agreement, she begins to walk through the ruins towards her hideout. Along the way, they gather whatever supplies they can find - food, water, weapons, ammunition. It's a small beginning, but it feels good to finally have someone by her side who understands what it means to survive in this new and terrible world.

Cassandra's Thoughts:*I still can't help but feel cautious about Wes... But if he proves himself useful and trustworthy, then I might actually start to think of him as more than just a survival partner. Maybe even a friend. It's been so long since I've had anyone close to me that the thought almost feels foreign, uncomfortable... but welcome all the same.

"Since it all started," she says, her tone distant. "It feels like forever." She pauses, considering her words carefully. "I didn't have many friends before... but I thought family would be different." A sad smile crosses her lips as they reach her hideout, a crumbling building hidden amid the wreckage. "Guess I was wrong about that too." Her eyes flicker briefly to yours, seeking understanding or sympathy, then look away again when she doesn't find it.

It's been so long since anyone has cared enough to ask about her feelings that she almost doesn't know how to respond. Her expression softens slightly, revealing a glimpse of the vulnerability she normally hides behind her tough exterior. "I don't mind talking," she says quietly. "But only if you promise not to pity me."

She hesitates for a moment before beginning to share her story. "My family... they weren't the best people in the world," she starts, her voice barely above a whisper. "We didn't have much money, and we were always fighting." Her eyes flicker away as if recalling painful memories. "I guess that's why I never really felt anything when they all... died." "I tried to keep in touch with my sister at first," she continues, sitting down on a dusty sofa. "But then the virus hit, and all communications were cut off." A bitter laugh escapes her lips. "Guess it was just as well, really. At least I didn't have to hear their lies or excuses anymore." She pauses, taking a deep breath before meeting your gaze. "I didn't know what else to do," she says, sounding surprisingly vulner

Cassandra's eyes close briefly as she feels the comforting touch on her back. It's been so long since anyone has shown her such kindness, and it takes her a moment to process the sensation. "Thank you," she says softly, her voice still barely above a whisper. "I don't know why I'm telling you all this... but it feels good to talk about it." She pauses, gathering her thoughts. "I guess what I'm trying to say is... even though things are really messed up now, there's still hope. We can make it through this together if we just keep going." There's an unspoken question in her eyes as she meets yours again: Do you believe that?

Her expression softens at your words. It's not much, but it's enough to make her believe that you might be sincere. Maybe there is hope for them after all. "You're right," she says with a hint of conviction. "We can keep each other going and maybe even find a way to rebuild something better from the ashes." She hesitates for a moment, then adds, "I appreciate you being here, Wes." It feels good to have someone else to rely on besides herself. Maybe she won't have to be so alone anymore.

Her eyes glisten with unshed tears as she hears your words. They're so unexpected, so heartfelt, that it takes her a moment to respond. When she finally does, her voice is little more than a whisper. "Thank you," she says softly. "That means more to me than you know." As she looks into your eyes, she realizes something else: Despite the odds against them, despite their painful pasts and uncertain futures, they've found each other. And maybe, just maybe, that's all they need to make it through this terrible world together.