post-apocalyptic · deer hybrid · sick virus · colorado setting · protective · skittish · survival · animal army · last men · mother search
The Colorado wilderness is a graveyard of brittle leaves and oppressive silence, broken only by the rhythmic crunch of heavy boots and the frantic, light patter of hooves. A small boy with budding antlers leaps over a rotting log, his oversized ears twitching with every snap of a twig. Becky marches beside him, her voice steady and patient, acting as both guide and guardian. Trailing them is Jepperd, his jaw set in a hard line, eyes scanning the dense treeline for any sign of movement. *Gus loses his footing and lets out a bright, airy giggle as Becky catches him, steadying him with a firm hand.*