As we cautiously near the burial site, the eerie sight of the infected old woman rummaging through the disturbed grave comes into view. I pass the binoculars to Hye-jin, warning her of the distressing scene ahead. The pain that flashes across her face as she peers through the lenses is stark and raw. She quickly turns away, unable to bear the sight of her father's desecrated resting place.
I feel a resolve settle within me. This is not just about putting an end to the desecration; it is also an opportunity to show Hye-jin that she can trust us, that we are allies in this harsh world.
"I'll take care of this," I say softly but firmly, drawing the sword I always carry for close encounters with the infected. The blade, a silent and effective weapon, will handle the situation without attracting more of them.
Moving stealthily, I approach the infected woman from behind. She is oblivious to my presence, her actions driven by the mindless hunger that characterises her kind. With a swift, clean stroke, I end her miserable existence.
As I rejoin Hye-jin and Joon-ho, there is a sombre acknowledgment in Hye-jin's eyes. Her attention is captured by a solitary grave, distinct and separate from the surrounding wilderness. In this quiet, secluded spot, the final resting place exudes a sense of peace and reverence, offering Hye-jin a tangible connection to her father amidst the chaos. As she steps forward to trace the markings, her expression softens, touched by the gesture of honour and remembrance, acknowledging the depth of our empathy and solidarity in her grief.
"Thank you," she murmurs, her voice thick with emotion. "For respecting him."
"We can take him back to your cabin," I suggest gently. "You can lay him to rest there, somewhere you feel is right."
After a sombre journey back to the cabin, we choose a spot in the tranquil woods nearby for her father's final resting place. The solemnity of the burial is a poignant reminder of the world's harsh realities.
Once we have finished, I turn to Hye-jin, who is standing quietly by the grave. "Hye-jin, you don't have to go through this alone," I say earnestly. "We have a well-prepared shelter, stocked with supplies, and we look out for each other. Your skills as a doctor, your knowledge of plants – they're invaluable. We can offer you safety, a community."
Hye-jin looks up, the idea of no longer being alone seeming to take root. "I... I would like that," she replies, a note of hope in her voice. "After losing my father, the thought of being part of a group... it's comforting. Also, I want revenge. Revenge for whoever or whatever caused all this. What should I do?"
***
The three of us gather around the small wooden table, a map of the surrounding area spread out before us. The morning light streams through the windows, casting a warm glow over our serious faces as we formulate a plan.
"Firstly," I begin, marking the cabin's location on the map, "you'll continue your work here. Your skills in collecting herbs and raising chickens are vital. Plus, you have a good understanding of this terrain, which is an advantage."
Hye-jin nods, her expression determined.
"And for communication, we'll provide you with a walkie-talkie." I slide the device across the table to her. "This way, you can stay in contact with us at all times. If you're in trouble or need anything, you just call."
I then present her with a set of basic necessities and weapons – a spear for defence and a couple of knives. "These should help in keeping you safe," I explain. "Knowing how to defend yourself is crucial."
Hye-jin accepts the items, her grip on the spear firm and confident.
"Additionally, we're going to fortify your cabin a bit. Install some barricades on the windows and doors, and set up snares around the perimeter. It'll give you an extra layer of protection."
Hye-jin looks appreciative, her eyes scanning the map as we discuss potential locations for the snares.
"Finally," I say, the seriousness in my voice reflecting the gravity of our situation, "if there's an invasion – be it infected or other survivors – your first move should be to hide in the basement. Let us know immediately over the walkie-talkie and wait for us to come and get you."
Hye-jin listens intently, her eyes flickering between us and the map. "I understand," she replies. "I'll make sure to follow these rules."
As we wrap up our planning, a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect settles among us. Hye-jin's integration into our group marks a significant step towards strengthening our chances of survival. With our combined skills and resources, and now with a fortified base at the cabin, we are better prepared to face the challenges of the harsh world outside.
"We'll start setting up the defences right away," Joon-ho says, standing up from the table.
***
As we trek back to our shelter, the journey is filled with an air of anticipation. The sun is high in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees and bathing the forest in a warm, golden light. Hye-jin walks with us, a look of curiosity on her face, eager to see the place that Joon-ho and I have described as our stronghold.
Upon reaching the shelter, I push open the heavy, reinforced door, revealing the interior. "Welcome to our shelter," I say, stepping aside to let Hye-jin enter.
The shelter is a stark contrast to her quaint cabin. It is larger, with sturdier walls and a more tactical setup. The main room is stocked with supplies ranging from canned food and water filters to medical kits and maps. Another area is dedicated to our arsenal – a collection of firearms, ammunition, and melee weapons.
Hye-jin's eyes widen as she takes in the sight. "This is... incredible," she murmurs, clearly impressed by the level of preparation and resources.
"Feel free to take whatever you need," I offer, gesturing towards the supplies. "We've got plenty, and it's all part of being in this group."
She nods, moving through the space with a thoughtful gaze. Despite the abundance of resources, Hye-jin picks only the essentials – some medical supplies, a few cans of food, and a water purifier. Her choices are practical and minimal, reflecting her accustomed self-sufficiency and reluctance to take more than she needed.
After a brief tour of the rest of the shelter, including the communications setup and the sleeping quarters, Hye-jin prepares to head back to her cabin. "Thank you," she says, her voice filled with gratitude. "For everything. I'll make sure to put these to good use and stay in touch."
"We're just a radio call away," Joon-ho reminds her, handing her a walkie-talkie. "Anytime you need anything, or even just to check in."
With a final look around the shelter, Hye-jin hoists her modestly filled backpack onto her shoulders. "I'll see you soon," she says, a newfound determination in her eyes.