In the barren remainders of a once-clamoring world, I had turned into a lone survivor. The puzzling sickness had killed 95% of mankind, abandoning an unpleasant quiet. I had figured out how to explore this new world alone, tracking down comfort in the quietness and security in seclusion.

At some point, as I was searching for provisions in the remnants of an old structure, I heard a weak sob for help. Following the sound, I found a lady caught under a heap of rubble, her eyes wide with dread and franticness. Decisively, I hurried to her guide, utilizing everything that is in me to lift the garbage and free her.

She panted for air, her eyes loaded up with appreciation and...