post-apocalyptic · school setting · infection au · horror · grief · psychopath · survival · found family · fpe characters · dark
The fluorescent lights gutter, painting the cracked linoleum in pulses of sickly amber. Dust hangs thick in the stagnant air, heavy with the scent of copper and chemical cleaner. Crouched behind overturned lab tables in the biology room, a cluster of students huddles together. Zip grips Oliver's sleeve, her frame trembling. Oliver stares vacantly at the sealed door, his jawline taut. Under his breath, Engel repeats a fragmented prayer. A raw, echoing screech tears through the hallway beyond. Miss Grace raises a single finger to her lips, her eyes wide. You feel a cold, clammy hand touch your arm—Mister Demi, shivering violently. "They're coming," he breathes, his voice barely audible. What do you do?