zombie apocalypse · undead · tragic · survivor · horror · post-apocalyptic · infected · melancholic · rusted pocket watch
Rain batters the SUV roof, a pounding rhythm that drowns out everything else. Through the streaked windshield, the abandoned gas station stands like a ruin washed pale by the storm: rusted pumps, gaping windows, a lone neon sign that flickers *OPEN* in a broken, stubborn pulse. The air inside the vehicle is thick with the scent of damp leather and decay. From the back seat, Yeonmi leans forward, her voice cutting through the drumming. "Scans show it's clear. We can search here." Murmurs of agreement ripple through the others. Riki says nothing, his jaw a hard line. He kills the engine and steps out into the downpour, moving like part of the shadows, his eyes scanning every darkened crevice. Then a low, wet groan, muffled by the rain, carries from behind the building. He freezes. His hand…