Stacy saw a familiar face among those weary figures carrying bed frames—her "ex" man.
He was still alive, though his face was haggard, with bandages on his head and face, and his thick beard was disheveled.
Coarse leather shackles adorned his ankles, making each step appear sluggish and heavy.
Deep down, Stacy felt grateful to this former partner. In those chaotic and desperate early days of the apocalypse, he cared for her, providing rare safety, basic food, drink, and shelter.
She knew very well that the "ex" had been captured while trying to secure more survival supplies for her.
The two once harbored simple dreams, envisioning building a family amidst the apocalypse, owning their farm, building a warm wooden house, having several children, and then living out their days in peace.
But the harsh reality shattered their fantasies.
