Chapter 1: A Stranger in the Night

The darkness crept in like a thief, shrouding the deserted road in an impenetrable veil. Joel Miller, a grizzled survivor, navigated the treacherous terrain with a practiced air, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. Beside him, Ellie, a scrappy 14-year-old, walked with a determined stride, her backpack slung over her shoulder. It had been a month since they'd escaped the chaos of Kansas, and they'd been on the move ever since. The endless miles had taken their toll, and Joel's usually stoic demeanor was starting to crack. Ellie, sensing his unease, stayed close, her hand occasionally brushing against his as they walked. As they rounded a bend in the road, Joel spotted a figure in the distance. A woman, dressed in tattered scrubs, stumbled towards them, her eyes wild with desperation. Joel's instincts kicked in, and he swiftly positioned himself between Ellie and the stranger. The woman, however, didn't seem to notice Joel's protective stance. She collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath. Ellie, ever the compassionate one, rushed to her side, concern etched on her face. "Hey, it's okay," Ellie said softly, helping the woman sit up. "We're not going to hurt you." The woman's gaze locked onto Ellie, and for a moment, Joel thought he saw a flicker of recognition. But it was quickly replaced by a deep-seated exhaustion. "Please," the woman whispered, her voice barely audible. "You have to help me. They're...they're coming." Joel's eyes narrowed. "Who's coming?" The woman's gaze darted between Joel and Ellie, as if searching for something. "The...the infected. I was trying to get to a safe place, but I got separated from my group." Ellie exchanged a skeptical look with Joel. It was unlikely they'd run into a group of uninfected survivors in this desolate landscape. Without a word, Joel helped the woman to her feet. She swayed precariously, and he caught her by the elbow, steadying her. "I'm Mila," she said, her voice still weak. Joel nodded curtly. "Joel. This is Ellie." Mila's eyes lingered on Ellie, and for a moment, Joel thought he saw a glimmer of curiosity. As they walked together, Joel couldn't help but notice the way Mila moved with a quiet confidence, her eyes scanning their surroundings with a practiced air. He wondered what her story was, what had driven her to survive in this harsh new world. The night air grew thick with tension as they continued down the road, the three of them forming an uneasy alliance. Joel's gut told him to be cautious, but Ellie's trusting nature had already won Mila over. As they walked, Joel found himself stealing glances at Mila, noticing the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back, the way her eyes sparkled in the fading light. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the present. They needed to find shelter, and fast. But as they trudged on, Joel couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were about to become a lot more complicated.