Untouched by the Outbreak

As Ryo rested near the park, his mind churned with calculations, trying to gauge just how long the zombie outbreak had persisted. Countless days had blurred together into a chaotic stream of survival, each one marked by its own struggles and triumphs. But amidst the chaos, one thing remained clear—time was running short, and he needed to make the most of every opportunity.

With a determined nod, Ryo rose to his feet and shouldered his backpack, the weight of his supplies a comforting reminder of his preparedness. He set off towards the nearby store, his senses alert for any signs of danger lurking in the shadows.

Arriving at the store, Ryo wasted no time in gathering essential supplies—canned food, water bottles, and drinks to sustain him in the days to come. He filled his backpack to the brim, leaving no space for uncertainty or hesitation. And as he browsed the aisles, his eyes fell upon a display of cigarette packs, a small indulgence in the midst of chaos.

With his provisions secured, Ryo stepped outside, the weight of his backpack a reassuring presence against his shoulders. But as he turned to survey the nearest building, his keen ears caught the faintest whisper of a voice—a voice calling out for help, echoing through the empty streets.

Curiosity piqued, Ryo approached the building cautiously, his hand resting on the grip of his gun. He opened the gates with a soft creak, his movements deliberate and calculated. Closing the gates behind him, he advanced towards the entrance, his senses on high alert for any sign of danger.

As he reached the door, Ryo hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. But the voice—fragile yet persistent—called out to him, stirring something deep within his soul. With a steady hand, he pushed open the door and stepped inside, the darkness enveloping him like a shroud.

For a moment, all was silent save for the sound of his own breathing. Then, from somewhere deep within the building, the voice echoed once more—a faint cry for help, tinged with desperation and fear.

With determined resolve, Ryo pressed forward, his footsteps echoing against the cold concrete floor. He followed the sound of the voice, navigating through the labyrinthine corridors with practiced ease. And as he drew nearer, the voice grew louder, clearer, guiding him towards its source.

Finally, Ryo reached the source of the voice—a small room tucked away in the corner of the building. Inside, he found a girl, laying down, weak, hungry, and thirsty. Her dirty appearance and disheveled hair spoke of days spent in neglect and desperation.

Moved by compassion, Ryo knelt beside the girl and gently lifted her into a sitting position. Her parched lips parted as she tried to speak, but her voice came out as little more than a hoarse whisper. Recognizing her need for hydration, Ryo reached into his backpack and retrieved a bottle of water, holding it to her lips and helping her take small sips.

Once she had drunk her fill, Ryo offered her some food from his supplies, carefully monitoring her reaction as she ate. He watched with relief as color returned to her cheeks and some of her vitality seemed to return.

As the girl finished her meal, she looked up at Ryo with gratitude shining in her eyes. Though her voice was still weak, she managed to utter a few words of thanks, her expression speaking volumes more than her words ever could.

With a gentle smile, Ryo nodded in acknowledgment, his heart warmed by the knowledge that he had been able to offer her some measure of assistance in her time of need. And as they sat together in the dimly lit room, surrounded by the quiet of the night, Ryo knew that he had found something precious amidst the chaos—a glimmer of hope in a world consumed by darkness.