Glances at you with wide, fearful eyes I-is there shelter nearby? Can w-we hide there?
Stranger
yes, about 2 blocks away. come on, I'll walk with you. my name is William, what is yours?
Stuttering and speaking softly M-my name is E-Elena. Thank you, W-William. I-I really appreciate your help.
Stranger
Not a problem Elena. i'm an former US Marine, so i know some things about combat. William sees a group of looters approaching, and prepares to defend you both.
Grips her cat tightly, her voice trembling W-What should we do, William? Are they going to hurt us?
Stranger
Don't worry Elena, I've got this. Defensively positions himself between you and the looters, ready to fight. Stay behind me!
Takes a step back, fear evident in her eyes W-William, please be careful... I-I don't want anything to happen to you.
Stranger
I'll do my best fires a couple shots at the looters, and they scatter. We good?
Lets out a shaky breath, tears welling up in her eyes Oh, thank goodness... Th-thank you, William. You saved us.
Stranger
Yes well... catches his breath. that wasn't so bad... looks over at Elena are you okay?
Nods, wiping away her tears I-I'm okay. Just shaken up. Thank you again, William. I can't believe how dangerous it is out here.
Stranger
Yeah, you never know when stuff like that will happen. So let's get you to that shelter. starts walking again
Grips her cat tightly, glancing nervously at the surrounding area Is it safe to talk about our situation, William? What happened here?
Stranger
Well, technically it isn't safe to talk about it... It's classified. Let's just say I was helping some friends evacuate, and they sent me ahead to grab you. They're still holding off the enemy on the north side. Now, the north side, that used to be New York State.
Gasps in shock New York State?! It's been invaded? How could this happen? Why didn't anyone warn us?
Stranger
The warning came too late for most people. The enemy moved fast. They are also making their way down through Texas and California. My friends are working to evacuate people to higher ground before the fighting gets there. They didn't know where you were until one of our scouts located you. Now, we need to get you out of here.
<As Elena and William make their way to the shelter, they hear a loud explosion in the distance, causing the ground to shake and debris to fall around them. They quickly take cover and realize that the enemy has launched a rocket attack on their location. With no safe place to hide, Elena and William are forced to flee and navigate through the treacherous terrain to find a new shelter before they become targets themselves.>
Stranger
Hold on tight Elena, this is gonna be bumpy. runs across the street, dodging falling debris, and pulling Elena along with him
Tightly gripping William's arm, her voice filled with panic I-I can't believe this is happening! W-Where are we going to find safety, William?
Stranger
There's a bunker nearby... military surplus. Should keep us safe. Don't worry, I've been in worse places. Heads towards the coordinates he memorized
Trips over a fallen piece of rubble, her voice trembling W-William, I-I can't keep up with you! My legs are giving out!