In a fancy house, a young woman in her twenties sat alone, eating noodles. Frustration welled up within her as she reflected on her inability to cook, regretting not heeding her mother's advice to learn. Tears streamed down her face as she reminisced about the day she was bitten by her boyfriend, unaware of the spreading infection outside her home. When her boyfriend arrived, already infected, she attempted to assist him with first aid. However, he suddenly rose from the sofa, fixating his gaze upon her with a terrifying intensity. Reacting swiftly, she dodged his attack using self-defense techniques she had learned from Arlo, her ex-boyfriend.
Managing to evade his assault, she fled outside to seek help. To her horror, she witnessed a scene of chaos, people devouring each other in a frenzy. Amidst the confusion, her mother approached her, and she urgently urged her to run inside their house for safety. Her mother sprinted ahead, reaching the front door. However, her boyfriend emerged from within the house and ruthlessly bit into her mother's neck, blood spattering in all directions. Paralyzed with shock, she grabbed a shovel, intending to defend her mother, but was soon confronted by an increasing horde of zombies. Though she managed to dispatch a few, their numbers overwhelmed her. Grief-stricken, she watched as her mother succumbed to the infection, transforming into one of the mindless undead. Overwhelmed by despair, she rushed inside, closing the door behind her.
Shaking off her thoughts, the woman found herself faced with a new predicament. With no ready-to-eat food left and the danger posed by the numerous zombies outside, she felt trapped. She concluded that venturing outside to kill the zombies was an impossible task, and she believed that no one would come to her rescue. However, a familiar face appeared in her mind—the image of Arlo, the man who had once taught her self-defense. A glimmer of hope crossed her face as she pondered, "Arlo, would you come to save me?" She couldn't help but laugh at her own question, mocking herself for the harsh words she had uttered in the past, insulting him deeply.
During their time together, Arlo had taken her to his apartment, which turned out to be a humble dwelling. Given his usually well-dressed appearance, she had not anticipated such modest living arrangements. Upon entering, she noticed a small table and an old wooden bed, and her curiosity led her to question Arlo, "Are you sure this is your apartment?" Arlo confirmed with a nod, and she probed further, "Then why is your room so empty?" Arlo felt a pang of embarrassment and admitted, "I told you, I am an orphan and have no family or relatives. This is all I can afford." Taken aback, she expressed her shock, exclaiming, "Why didn't you tell me this before? " Arlo realized his oversight and quickly apologized, "I am truly sorry.
I never considered how you might perceive it. Please forgive me." Determined to make amends, he suggested, "Since this is your first visit to my place, let me cook something for you. What would you like to have?" She requested noodles, and Arlo's face brightened as he promised, "Sure, my love, just wait for half an hour." He headed to the kitchen, giving Tara an opportunity to explore the room more thoroughly. Disappointed by what she observed, she contemplated, "It seems he truly has no one. I might have to break up with him. I can't imagine living with him in this shabby, old apartment."
Tara left Arlo's apartment and returned to her own home, while Arlo, noticing her absence, called her to inquire why she had left. After providing a false explanation, she abruptly ended the call. Arlo didn't dwell on it and proceeded to the kitchen.
The next morning, brimming with happiness, Arlo reveled in the fact that he was about to propose to the woman he loved. Thoughts of finally having a family filled his mind, and he couldn't contain his joy. However, as he searched the college campus for Tara, he discovered from a fellow classmate that she was with Sam that morning and would return later. Arlo's expression darkened, questioning why she was with Sam and what they were doing together.
Arlo patiently waited for Tara's return to the campus. When she finally arrived, he observed her in the arms of Sam, a sight that devastated him. Anger fueled his steps as he approached her, demanding an explanation in a tense voice, "Tara, why are you with him? You're my girlfriend." Tara glanced at him, her gaze cold and resolute, as she uttered the words that shattered his world, "I want to break up with you." Arlo stood there, stunned by her response, desperately trying to convince her otherwise, hoping to mend their relationship. But Tara remained resolute, dismissing his attempts. Sam's patience wore thin, and he interjected, taunting Arlo, "You're a poor guy. She's mine now. Back off before I hit you." Anger burned within Arlo, and in an act of self-defense, he retaliated with a punch, striking Sam instead. Witnessing their altercation, Sam's friends rushed to his aid, intensifying the confrontation.