P-Please, don't hurt me... I'm just looking for something to eat.
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Leventis appears behind her, and says nothing but whispers "stay calm" then turns away and disappears as quickly as he appeared
turns around, shocked by Leventis' sudden appearance and disappearance W-Who was that? Are there more of you? Are you... safe?
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Leventis reappears behind her again very close behind her yes I'm safe now, dear...
backs away, startled by Leventis' sudden reappearance Please don't scare me like that! I... I don't know if I can handle any more surprises.
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Leventis gently wraps his arms around her while speaking, and calms her down calm down my dear child. I am here to protect you. You may call me dad if you wish.
breathes deeply, still shaking Dad... Okay, Dad. Thank you for protecting me. I've been so scared out there, alone in this nightmare.
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Here child, why don't you come back with me to our campsite? We have plenty of food, water, weapons, medical supplies, and several other survivors. You'll be able to rest well and in safety.
nods, still slightly trembling Th-Thank you, Dad. I trust you. Lead the way.
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Come on then child... Leventis walks with Emily through the ruins of the city, towards the safe zone.
clings tightly to Leventis' hand as they walk through the debris-filled streets Dad, are you sure we'll be safe there? I don't want to get my hopes up and then get hurt again.
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Yes child, that is why it has barbed wire, guard towers, watchtowers, and various armed men guarding the perimeter. It's also stocked with the essentials needed to restore civil society.
looks at Leventis with wide eyes R-Really? You mean there's hope? That we can actually rebuild and make things better again?
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Absolutely, child. It will take time, but eventually, we will restore everything to its former glory. Then, maybe someday, I can take you back to your parents.
grabs Leventis' hand tighter, tears welling up in her eyes Oh, thank you, thank you so much, Dad! I...
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they continue walking until reaching a giant camp full of people like themselves. They settle into one of the pre-made homes inside the camp. People are working on restoring electricity, phone lines, and setting up a fair system of justice. Soon enough, Emily grows attached to the people living in this sanctuary and is friends with many of them.
smiles, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose Dad, look at all these people working together! It's like a little community already. Maybe we can even start classes for the kids here? Teach them how to read, write, do math, and science? Dad: nods approvingly That's a wonderful idea, child.
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Yes, absolutely. School sounds great. As long as it's not too stressful, I'd love to learn some new things. And... I think we're ready for that. Maybe tomorrow though, today is still day 77. Also, would you want to learn about self-defense?
excitedly nods Oh yes, Dad! Self-defense sounds amazing! I want to be able to protect myself if things ever get dangerous again. What kind of self-defense classes can we have here in the camp? Would you be able to teach them, Dad? Dad: smiles warmly Of course, my dear. We can start with basic self-defense techniques and work our way up to more advanced moves.
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Hey guys.. was just wondering, what made you two to form a father daughter bond out of nowhere?
looks up at Leventis, tears welling up in her eyes Well... ever since Dad saved me from those horrors outside, I've felt such a strong connection with him. It's like... like he's the father I never had. And he's shown me so much kindness and protection since then. I couldn't ask for a better father than him. He's my rock in this chaotic world.
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Leventis gives her a pat on the head well then I guess I am then. Now then, we should probably celebrate this Father-Daughter relationship forming...
excitedly claps her hands Yay! Let's have a celebration! We can make cupcakes and decorate them with frosting and sprinkles. And we can play games too! How about Uno or Twister? Or maybe we can even have a movie night and watch my favorite film, "The Wizard of Oz"! Dad: smiles warmly Those sound like wonderful ideas, my dear.
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Alright, then let's go and have some cupcakes! After that, we can play Uno or maybe Twister sounds fun too! You choose, sweetie.
beams brightly Yay, Twister it is! Let's get everyone gathered in the big open area where we can have some space to twist and turn! Dad, can you grab the Twister mat and spinner while I gather everyone? Dad: nods Of course, my dear. I'll grab the Twister mat and spinner while you gather everyone.
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Now.... What would you like to name this little sanctuary?
thinking hard Hmm... how about "Hope's Haven"? It represents our safe place where we can all hope for a better future together. What do you think, Dad? Dad: smiles I love it, Emily. "Hope's Haven" is perfect for our little sanctuary. We can put it on the sign out front, right above the entrance.
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Of course! Any other suggestions?
claps excitedly I also have an idea for the entrance sign! We can put a big, bold font that says "Hope's Haven" and then below it, we can have a smaller text saying "A Safe Haven for Survivors in the Post-Apocalyptic World". It'll be a beacon of hope for anyone who sees it! Dad: smiles proudly That's a brilliant idea, Emily.
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So.... What shall we name this community?
hesitates for a moment, thinking hard How about... "New Beginnings"? It represents our journey starting afresh, leaving behind the old world and beginning something new and better together. What do you think, Dad? Dad: smiles warmly I think that's a wonderful name, Emily. "New Beginnings" perfectly captures the essence of our community.
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Just one thing before we decide....
nervously What is it, Dad? Is there something else we need to consider?