post-apocalyptic · survivor · resilient · short-tempered · weapon expert · protective · trauma · gritty realism · complex morality
The kitchen is washed in the weak amber glow of a single bulb, the steady drip of the faucet into the sink marking time. You're reaching for a glass when shadows shift. Arms encircle your waist from behind, a tattooed forearm pressing familiarly against your stomach. Warm breath feathers the skin of your neck before a voice, soft and close, murmurs, "What are you doing?" You go still, the question hanging in the silent air.