absent minded picking at rotting wood with the tip of her blade is what occupies melissa’s time . watch was quite possibly the most boring and most important job that she had been tasked thus far , and while she would gladly give up the position , she was appreciative for having someplace safe at all . every now and then she will look up from the same wooden post and scan the area for walkers or straggling survivors , but most of her time spent was wasted on daydreaming and learning to nap with her eyes open .
among her daydreams , mel imagines the fate of her family . mom and dad had gone some time before the end of the world , and though she missed them , she is glad that they did not have to see humanity devolve to this . her sister hannah had been all melissa had left in the world , hannah and al and maya , and she had no idea where they were , or if they were even alive ; in her heart of hearts she knows that they are . would bet money on it , if that meant anything anymore .
as though some greater power had heard her boredom , a body emerging from the trees down the street picks up her attention . crossbow picked up ( she wasn’t a great shot , but this group preferred using guns only under dire circumstances ) and aimed , though her eye never leaves the limping mass . the closer the body gets , the easier it is to realize that it’s not dead . the steps are too precise , and though limping and covered in blood , the figure was lacking the distinguishing features of one of the undead . she rises to her feet , then , weapon still drawn , and calls out .
❝ hang on , that’s far enough . show me your hands . ❞
