"The Last Survivors" Chapter 1 "Broken Peace"

Here's the first chapter of the new story i'm working on, this time i decided to tried something diferent, insted of doing the comic format i insted decided to focus more on the written story, i think that in this case it worked out pretty good. But i really wanted to do some images to help out the text, this doesn't mean that i will stop doing comics, insted i think that i'll do the comic format when i have to tell a shorter story, at least for the moment, creating such complicated scenes takes a lot of time and i find it more easy to just described in text haha. This also helps me create new stories more quick, for example, if you guys are ok with this, i could try mixing this two "styles" for the next Chapter of detective on duty. 

I added a picture of the other character in this chapter Ivy just as reference so that you guys can see how she looks like during this chapter, i'm working on her POV side of the story, hopefully it will be ready on friday.

Well that's a lot of text for just the intro. Anyway please let me know what you think about this chapter and this new approach that i'm taking when it comes to telling stories. Also, i might do more images for this story. If you have any suggestions about this new format, please let me know. Also, if you find any typos, please let me know so that i can fix them right away :D
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Evelyn was deeply engrossed in a light novel at the local library she worked at, her fingers effortlessly turning the pages, her grey eyes flickering with anticipation. She found solace in these stories, where worlds different from hers existed. Though the wheelchair beneath her provided mobility, books offered her the freedom of countless adventures.

The usual afternoon stillness of the library was disrupted by the loud noises of ambulances and police sirens echoing in the distance. At first, Evelyn didn't think much of it. Emergencies were not uncommon in the city. But as the cacophony grew, even the most engrossed readers began to look up from their books with concerned expressions.

"Oh, what's happening now?" Evelyn murmured to herself, her fingers pressing the bookmark in place.

The library's main entrance was a large pane of clear glass, allowing a broad view of the street outside. Curiosity piqued, Evelyn wheeled herself over to get a clearer look. To her horror, she saw a scene of chaos unfolding. Pedestrians scrambled in every direction. Vehicles, in their hurry, collided with one another, some crashing into storefronts.

"Oh God... Ivy," she whispered, the weight of the situation pressing down on her. She quickly picked up her cellphone and tried to call Ivy, but it didn't work. The connection was dead. Not a single bar of signal. Her attempts to access the internet or send a message were futile.

"This can't be happening," Evelyn muttered, her eyes darting around the library, seeking answers. "Stay calm, think."

Around her, others had begun to notice the pandemonium outside. Some were on their phones as well, their expressions growing increasingly distressed as they, too, discovered the lack of communication. Murmurs of confusion and fear started to ripple through the library.

"Focus". She thought, trying to drown out the mounting panic in the room. "You've faced challenges before. This is just another one."

Evelyn needed to get back home. She knew something wasn't right. People started to leave the library as quickly as possible. Evelyn lived near the library. She had two options: go to her car or roll all the way to her home in her wheelchair.

Her car was parked in a nearby lot, a mere two blocks away. "If I can just reach the car, I'd be home in a few minutes," she whispered to herself, her eyes scanning the panicked crowd outside. But the streets were filled with chaos, and there was no telling what she'd encounter on the way.

Then, her thoughts shifted to her wheelchair. It provided an advantage on the sidewalks, and she knew she could maneuver through smaller alleyways if needed. "You've navigated this city in that chair for years, Evelyn. You know its nooks and crannies." She thought, trying to build her own confidence.

With a deep breath, Evelyn made her decision. "I'll go by wheelchair. Slow and steady. Avoid the crowd." She muttered under her breath. It might be slower, but she felt it gave her a better chance of staying safe, especially with her familiarity on shortcuts and back routes.

She grabbed her bag, which always contained essential items like her wallet, keys, and a small utility knife. "Okay, Evelyn. Remember the shortcuts, avoid the main roads, and stay calm," she whispered to herself as she headed towards the rear exit, which would lead her to a quieter street.

As she emerged from the library, the gravity of the situation hit her. People were running in all directions, their faces marked by terror. 

A distant scream tore through the cacophony of panic, sending a chill down Evelyn's spine. The familiar streets she once knew were now shrouded in confusion and fear. "This isn't just another city mishap," she thought. "This is something far more sinister."

As Evelyn wheeled herself forward, her eyes constantly scanned the surroundings, trying to piece together what had caused the chaos. She spotted a newspaper kiosk upturned, papers strewn across the street. On a hunch, she wheeled herself over and grabbed one, hoping for some insight.

The headline read, "Break throught discovery in the usage of stem cells to treat disabilities." Maybe something had gone wrong with the test. "Stem cells... Was this what caused all of this? Could a medical breakthrough really have led to... this?" The implications were staggering. Her heart skipped a beat. She remembered that this center was one of the first in the city to work with experimental treatments involving stem cells. The recent headline now took on a chilling significance. It was plausible that the panic could be related to an unforeseen consequence of the new procedure.

Her arms ached as she pushed herself harder, the rubber of her wheels squeaking slightly with the effort, her legs moving slighty from side to side due to the franctic movement. "Come on, Evelyn, just a few more blocks," she murmured aloud, trying to encourage herself. She needed to get back home.

As the grocery store came into view, she slowed down, watching the frantic scene of people grabbing and hoarding whatever they could. The thought of supplies made her mind race. "I have some canned food and water at home, but what if this situation lasts for days, or even weeks?" she pondered. But she was also aware of the risks. Going into a crowded store amidst the panic could be dangerous. People, when fearful and desperate, could become unpredictable. With her limited mobility, she wouldn't be able to flee or defend herself as easily as others might.

With determination set in her eyes, Evelyn decided to make a quick stop. She'd be strategic about it, though. Rather than entering the main entrance where most were scrambling, she'd use the side entrance, which was usually reserved for staff and deliveries. It might give her a brief moment of respite from the masses.

Reaching the side entrance, Evelyn found that there were two steps to go in the store. This wouldn't be a challenge for others, but for her was different. 

The two steps, mere inches high for most, loomed before Evelyn like a mountain. She had faced steps before, and while it wasn't impossible for her to manage, it took a good deal of effort and strength.

As Evelyn approached the steps, she muttered to herself, "Why did it have to be stairs?" She then shook her head and whispered, "Alright, just a minor obstacle. You've faced tougher challenges." She could feel her heart rate pick up, the combination of fear and determination intertwining. She positioned her wheelchair parallel to the first step, placing her arms firmly on the wheels. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself. With a powerful push, she tilted her wheelchair back to balance on its rear wheels. A momentary jolt of panic surged through her as she felt the chair wobble, but she quickly stabilized it. "Whoa there," Evelyn muttered under her breath, her heart pounding in her chest. The quick flash of falling, of being helpless amidst the chaos outside, sent adrenaline pumping through her veins.

Slowly and deliberately, she moved herself forward. Feeling the back wheels touch the first step, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. Her inner thoughts raced, "Almost there. Just hold on, stay focused." She could feel sweat beading on her forehead, the weight of the situation amplifying the physical challenge.

One step conquered. One more to go.

The process repeated: tilt, balance, push, and lift. Another jolt of panic, another moment of stability.

Finally, she was in. Evelyn exhaled deeply, sweat forming on her brow from the effort. She knew the way out would be another challenge, but she'd face that when the time came. For now, she was inside, and there were supplies to gather

Wheeling herself in, she found herself in a storeroom filled with boxes and crates. Many shelves were filled with canned goods, bottled water, and other non-perishables.

Quickly and efficiently, she grabbed a backpack from a shelf – probably left behind by an employee – and began filling it."Okay, water first. Hydration is key," she thought, grabbing a few bottles and placing them carefully in the backpack. As she reached for the canned soups, she murmured, "These will last a while. Canned soups, beans, packs of dried fruits, and some first aid supplies went in. Knowing the importance of staying informed, she also took a small battery-operated radio. 

The storeroom was silent except for the muffled sounds of panic outside and the soft hum of the overhead lights. As Evelyn continued gathering supplies, her fingers brushed against a small flashlight. Grabbing it and a set of batteries, she stowed it away in her backpack, knowing the importance of having a light source during emergencies .As she zipped up the backpack, she took a moment to gather her thoughts. "Alright. Now, the next challenge — getting out of here and back home." She took a deep breath, mentally bracing herself for the journey ahead.

With the heavy backpack on her lap, she had to face the two steps. With the weight of the backpack pressing down on her lap, Evelyn approached the steps with caution. Her heart rate picked up slightly, not from fear of the chaos outside but from the impending challenge before her.  "Descending steps... it's shouldn't be a problem. "

Descending steps was always a tricky maneuver in a wheelchair, even more so with added weight. With a deep breath, she repositioned the backpack to ensure it wouldn't topple over during her descent. 

The added weight of the backpack made the balancing act even more precarious, causing her heart to race. The front wheels swung gently, pendulum-like, casting a sporadic shadow on the ground. Evelyn's breathing was deliberate and paced, her eyes laser-focused on the task ahead. "Just two steps... C'mon."

"Oh no, no, NO!" she exclaimed, an edge of panic in her voice. Not like this... not now.

There was no time to stop it. The world seemed to slow as the backpack's weight caused an unforeseen tilt in her wheelchair. Evelyn's heart raced as she felt herself and her chair falling sideways towards the hard pavement. There was no time to stop it. 

She crashed onto her side, the impact sending a sharp pain up her muscular arm and shoulder. Her legs lay lifeless in the pavement. The backpack had spilled partially, with some of the canned goods rolling a short distance away. The initial shock of the fall left Evelyn momentarily stunned, but she knew she had to act fast. "Come on, pull it together. You've been through worse. "

Breathing heavily, Evelyn assessed her situation. The quiet alley was momentarily safe, but she was keenly aware that safety was fleeting amidst this citywide crisis. "Stay calm, don't rush. One step at a time."

Using her arms, she propped herself up into a sitting position, pain radiating through her shoulder. "Damn it,". She looked over at her legs, a mix of frustration and determination evident in her eyes. "Alright, legs, you might not feel anything, but I need you right now," she said softly, almost pleadingly. She pulled herself closer to her fallen wheelchair the weight of her unresponsive legs dragging behind her, and started the laborious process of righting it. "Come on... come on..." she grunted, focusing all her energy on the task at hand. "This isn't where our story ends."

After a moment of positioning, she planted one hand on the ground and the other on the frame on the chair. With an explosive push, she hoisted her hip onto the chair, the muscles in her arms and back tensing visibly with the effort. Out loud, she panted, "Almost there. You're not beating me today."

Once she had her upper body positioned, Evelyn reached down, gripping one of her lifeless legs just above the knee, she hoisted it onto the footplate of the wheelchair, "Alright, leg one," she murmured its foot dangling lifelessly for a moment before she adjusted it into position. The second leg followed in a similar manner. "And two," she whispered, relief evident in her voice. She took a brief moment to ensure both were properly situated.

Adjusting her seat, Evelyn rolled closer to the backpack and started to pick up everything that had fallen out of it.

"Can't leave anything behind," she muttered, her fingers working quickly but methodically. One by one, she began to gather the items. Each item was carefully stowed back into the backpack, with Evelyn ensuring that it was properly closed this time.

Evelyn slung the backpack over her shoulders, positioning it to ensure it wouldn’t affect her balance again. As she did so, she mentally mapped out her route home, taking into account the city's layout and the potential obstacles she might face.

Now, with her supplies secure and a plan in mind, she propelled her wheelchair forward with renewed determination, leaving the alleyway behind and heading towards the familiar streets that led to her home.  After what felt like hours but was probably only 20 minutes, Evelyn’s apartment building came into view. "Finally," she breathed out audibly, her relief manifesting as a slight tremor in her voice. She quickly wheeled herself inside, ensuring the entrance was securely locked behind her.

Inside the dimly lit hallway of her apartment building, the silence was deafening. The usual hum of neighbors chatting or TVs playing was absent. Each door she passed was tightly shut. The gravity of the situation was evident in the oppressive quiet.

Navigating the corridors, Evelyn reached the elevator. She lived on the second floor, she knew it was unwise to use the elevator in this type of situations, but if she opted for the stairwell it would take her alot of time to reach her floor. "The stairs... they're just not an option right now," she thought, picturing the tedious process of dragging her wheelchair up each step, having to adjust her limp legs with each laborious movement. With the added weight of her backpack, it was an impossible task at the moment.

She weighed her options, her heart racing. The threat outside was significant, and while the stairwell might have been the safer option in terms of avoiding possible mechanical failures or entrapments, it was physically impractical for her. Taking a deep breath, she said, "Please, let this work," as she pressed the elevator button. 

The moments waiting for the elevator felt stretched out, each second heavy with tension. "Come on, come on. Don't let me down now," Evelyn mentally urged, her fingers tapping rhythmically against the pushrim of her wheelchair. The soft chime announcing the elevator's arrival was like a lifeline. The doors slid open to reveal an empty car. "Thank you," she whispered, a weight lifting off her shoulders. With a sigh of relief, Evelyn quickly wheeled herself inside, pressing the button for the second floor. As the doors began to close, she fervently hoped that the short journey would go without a hitch."Please, just this one smooth ride."

The elevator hummed to life, and Evelyn felt the slight jerk as it began its ascent. Those few seconds inside felt like a mix of sanctuary and peril. She stared intently at the digital panel, willing it to move faster. It blinked once, indicating the first floor. "Almost there," she thought. And then once more for the second floor. The doors opened smoothly, revealing the hallway leading to her apartment.

Evelyn wasted no time. She wheeled out rapidly, making her way to her front door. With a quick twist of her wrist, she unlocked the door and wheeled herself inside, immediately locking it behind her. Taking a deep breath, she leaned back against her chair. "Made it," she said softly, a mixture of exhaustion and relief in her voice.

Inside her apartment, she felt a semblance of normalcy. The outside world, with its chaos and horror, seemed distant, at least for now. She knew she had made the right decision. There would be many more challenges to face in the coming days, but with her supplies and her unyielding spirit, Evelyn was prepared to face them head-on.

Leaving the backpack on the kitchen floor, she started to move furniture to the door in order to barricade herself. The living room furniture was her first target. A sturdy oak coffee table, which usually played host to her many light novels and a cup of tea, was now an essential part of her barricade positioning her wheelchair beside it, she mumbled to herself, "Who knew you'd be my first line of defense?" as she used her strong arms to tilt and drag it towards the entrance, placing it vertically against the door. Evelyn didn’t stop there. Her dining chairs, usually neatly tucked under the table, were now lined up against the barricade, adding an extra layer. Every item had a purpose. Every move was methodical. Her past in the military had trained her to act quickly and efficiently, even in the most dire of circumstances. Panting slightly from the effort, she took a moment to survey her work. The entrance was now a fortified wall of her belongings. It would hopefully buy her enough time if something from outside ever made their way to her building.

She made her way to the living room and turned on the tv. The screen flickered to life, showcasing a flurry of emergency broadcasts. Each major news station painted a bleak picture of the situation outside. Aerial shots showed masses of those slow-moving infected shuffling through the streets, taking over highways, parks, and squares. Panic had clearly ensued, and roads were choked with abandoned vehicles. 

"Is this really happening?" Evelyn thought, the surreal images on the screen clashing with the cozy interior of her living room.

The broadcaster's face looked weary, and his voice was filled with a mix of fear and determination as he relayed the current status of the city. "The downtown area has been heavily affected, with reports suggesting that the outbreak started at Mercy hospital and spread outwards. Authorities are urging citizens to stay indoors, barricade themselves, and avoid any unnecessary noise."

A scrolling banner at the bottom of the screen listed safe zones set up around the city, her heart sank as she said out loud, "All the way across town? There's no way..." Evelyn's thoughts trailed off as she mentally calculated the distance and the obstacles she'd face. Touching her legs, she knew that making her way to a safe zone would be impossible with everything becoming worse as minutes passed she knew it would be safer to stay in her apartment. The banner also mentioned that rescue operations were underway and that the military was being deployed to help contain the situation. 

Suddenly, a loud bang interrupted the broadcast the camera feed jolted violently, causing a blur of motion before cutting to black. Evelyn's thoughts raced. While her apartment provided a temporary shelter, she was acutely aware of its vulnerabilities. The sounds outside had increased: the distant cries of those in distress, sirens wailing, and the unmistakable shuffling of the infected.

She took a deep breath, murmuring, "First things first. Supplies." Taking stock of her resources was crucial. She wheeled her way to the kitchen, her gaze sweeping over the pantry that she had luckily stocked the day before. She counted cans of beans, boxes of pasta, tins of tuna and sardines, packages of rice, and a few jars of peanut butter. In addition to these, there were bottled sauces, spices, tea bags, coffee, and an unopened bag of flour. She even found a few luxuries like chocolate bars and packets of chips. In her fridge, there were fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, and a few packs of meat.

Satisfied with her stockpile, Evelyn began organizing everything methodically. She separated perishable items, making a mental note to consume them first. The non-perishables were organized by type and expiration date.

Turning the tap on, Evelyn felt a momentary surge of relief as the water flowed out clear and cool. "Thank God," she muttered to herself. She began to systematically fill every available container. Bottles, pots, bowls. If the water supply got cut off, she would have a reserve."Better safe than sorry,"

As the refrigerator hummed in the background, she acknowledged its continued operation with a nod. "Alright, time to prep some meals," she said, pulling out various ingredients. The process of cooking felt therapeutic to her, offering a small respite from the surrounding chaos.

While waiting for a pot of stew to simmer, she wheeled herself to the bathroom, her eyes scanning the shelves. "Plenty of toiletries... medications for a month or so..." she murmured. Her gaze landed on the empty bathtub. She muttered to herself, "Might as well." Turning the faucet on, she began to fill the tub. "Every extra gallon could make a difference," she thought.

Feeling a little more at ease, Evelyn wheeled herself to the living room, adjusting the curtains to allow a sliver of light while still maintaining privacy. She pulled out a notebook and pen, jotting down her inventory and a plan for rationing her supplies. The tv was still, but it only showed static. The broadcast signal had ended, and it looked like it was not coming back. 

After a few minutes she heard a loud knocking at the door. "Evelyn! are you there it's me, Ivy!" Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. It was Ivy. She lived on the apartment building next to her. She had forgotten about her during all the chaos, taking a deep breath to calm her racing heart, Evelyn called out, "Just a moment, Ivy! I'm clearing the way!"She started to dismantle her barricade in order to open the door. 

As the furniture shifted and cleared away from the door, Evelyn caught a glimpse of Ivy. There she was, her determined brown eyes scanning the hallway, clutching onto her crutches. The black thigh-highs she loved to wear were a stark contrast to her pale skin. Ivy's right leg hung limp, the result of her battle with polio. While her left had a little more muscle, it still was affect, but she used it to hold most of her weight. She seemed tense but composed. She was carrying a backpack.

Quickly, Evelyn swung the door open to allow Ivy entry. The younger woman moved her crutches and her left leg, pushing herself forward with a practiced ease. With Ivy safely inside, Evelyn swiftly shut the door behind her, the metallic click of the lock echoing in the silent hallway. Ivy positioned herself, her crutches resting beside her.

Ivy took a deep breath, adjusting the backpack on her shoulders. "Thank you," she whispered, "I was on my way to work when things went south, I tried calling you, but my phone didn't had any signal. I packed some essentials, thinking it's better to stick together during this." Ivy movement while consistant was much slower than Evelyn's. Evelyn sighed with relief, "I'm glad you're here, Ivy. I bet it wasn't easy going through the street with all this chaos. "

"The more challenging part was climbing those stairs to make it to your apartent, i didn't want to risk an elevator ride with all the things that are happening" Ivy gave a wry smile, her brown eyes revealing a hint of fatigue. "It was... challenging, to say the least. But, you know me, always finding a way to adapt." She motioned to her crutches and moved her limp right leg back and forth. Evelyn leaned over and gave Ivy a hug. The embrace was heartfelt, warm, and comforting amidst the uncertainty surrounding them. Ivy, despite her usual resolute demeanor, sank into the hug, allowing herself a rare moment of vulnerability. Evelyn could feel Ivy's shoulders relax slightly, the weight of her journey and the events of the day pressing down on her.

After a moment, they separated, both women looking at each other with an understanding that only years of friendship could bring.

Evelyn brushed a stray hair from Ivy's face. "We've got this, Ivy. Together."

Gathering all the supplies that Ivy had brought, evelyn went to her nightstand in order to retrieve her gun and collect all the ammo she had.

Ivy's eyes widened slightly when she saw Evelyn emerging with the firearm. "I didn't know you had that," she remarked, an edge of surprise in her voice.

Evelyn looked down at the gun in her lap. "I have it since my first day in the army, just for safety. Never thought I'd actually need it again." Ivy nodded, understanding the sentiment. The current circumstances had forced them into a position where they had to consider the worst-case scenarios. "We need to be careful," Ivy finally said, shifting her weight to her stronger leg. "We might have enough supplies for now, but we don't know how long this will last. Having a weapon gives us an advantage, but it's also a responsibility."

Evelyn nodded in agreement, carefully stowing the gun and the ammunition in a secure drawer, easily accessible but out of plain sight. "We'll use it as a last resort. Until then, our focus is on staying safe and rationing our supplies."

Ivy glanced at the barricaded door, then back to Evelyn. "Do you have any idea about what's happening out there? I heard some rumors on my way here, but nothing concrete."

"I was watching the news earlier. It seems the outbreak began at Mercy Hospital downtown and spread out from there. I read that they were developing some stem cell treatment in order to treat people with disabilities There were mentions of safe zones set up around the city, but...," she trailed off, looking forlorn, "most of them are too far from here. And given our... mobility challenges, it would be a treacherous journey." Said Evelyn. 

Ivy's eyes widened in realization. "That's... that's where I was supposed to have my next appointment. My doctor had mentioned something about new treatments coming up, but I never imagined anything like this could happen."

Evelyn's grip tightened on her wheelchair's push rim. "I've read a few articles about stem cell treatments. They hold so much potential to reverse various conditions, including ours. But like any new medical advancement, there are risks. It seems something went terribly wrong." 

Ivy's face paled even further. "I can't believe I almost became a part of that treatment."

Ivy shifted her weight, looking thoughtful. "Have you seen them?" asked Ivy. "See what?" said evelyn.

"The patients," Ivy said slowly, her voice taking on a haunted tone. "When i was making my way back to my home, i saw a crash ambulance. There were... people, or at least they used to be. Their eyes, they were... blank. No humanity left in them, just raw aggression and hunger. I think the treatments had some severe side effects. Some people didn't notice and tried to help them but i don't know what happened to them, I didn't stick around for long, with this legs... it would be very difficult to escape if something wen't wrong"

Evelyn's eyes widened in horror. "That's terrifying," she whispered. The dim light from the window cast a soft glow on the two women, amplifying the eerie atmosphere in the room.

Ivy sighed, her grip on the crutches tightening. "It was. I've never been more scared in my life. And to think this might be happening all over the city... maybe even beyond. All because of a medical procedure meant to help people like us."

Evelyn's mind raced. "I've heard about aggressive behavior as a side effect of certain medical treatments, but nothing to this extent. We need to be careful. If these patients are out there, then they might be attracted to any kind of noise or movement. We need to keep the lights low, the noise down, and stay out of sight. We can't afford any kind of attention right now."

The two women shared a heavy, knowing look. They had already faced personal challenges in their lives, having navigated the world with disabilities. Now, they faced a new, unpredictable challenge that threatened not just their way of life but their very survival.

Evelyn wheeled herself closer to the window, peering through a small crack in the curtains. The streets below were eerily silent, the usual hum of city life replaced by an unsettling stillness, punctuated occasionally by distant screams. "We need to think long-term," she murmured. "If rescue or a solution doesn't come soon, we need an exit plan."

Ivy's gaze drifted to the barricaded door. "Do we even stand a chance out there? With... our conditions, how far could we really get?"

Evelyn paused for a moment, allowing the weight of the question to settle. "It's true," she began softly, her hands gripping the pushrims of her wheelchair, "our legs might be as useful as the others. But we have something that many might lack out there – resilience and adaptability."

Ivy raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Are you suggesting that our daily battles with stairs, curbs, and public transportation have prepared us for a zombie apocalypse?"

Evelyn chuckled, the sound a brief respite from the grim atmosphere. "In a way, yes. Every day, we've had to strategize, to think three steps ahead. We've navigated a world not always built for us, and we've done so with creativity and determination. Now, in these times, those very qualities could be what saves us."

Ivy grasped her crutches, "You're right it might be difficult for us, but what hasn't been?"

Evelyn nodded in agreement, her grey eyes shimmering with a hint of mischief. "Exactly. From broken elevators to inaccessible buildings, we've been navigating challenges for ages. A little apocalypse won't stop us now."

Ivy laughed, her eyes brightening. "You remember that time the elevator broke down at the mall, and we had to take that ridiculously long ramp? Felt like we were on a marathon!"

Evelyn chuckled at the memory, "Oh, I do! And that guy who offered to carry us up the stairs? As if that was a practical solution!"

Both women shared a hearty laugh. It was these shared experiences, these unique challenges they faced, that had forged their deep bond.

"We've got grit," Ivy declared confidently, tapping her crutch on the floor for emphasis. "This world might be turning upside down, but we've faced adversity before and come out stronger. We'll do it again."

Are you hungry? asked Evelyn.

Ivy's stomach chose that exact moment to let out a rumble, eliciting a small, embarrassed laugh from her. "Guess that answers your question," she replied, cheeks tinted with a hint of red.

Evelyn smiled warmly as she began wheeling towards the kitchen, "I've prepared a few meals already. With everything going on, I thought it would be best to have something on hand. How does pasta sound?"

"That sounds heavenly," Ivy admitted with a sigh while using her left leg as pivot to turn herself around. "Given the circumstances, I haven't had a proper meal all day."

"Well, let's change that. And while we're at it, maybe we can plan our next steps. We're in this together, after all."

As Evelyn started heating up the pasta, the clattering of pots and the familiar aroma of tomato sauce filled the room. Ivy settled into one of the chairs, resting her crutches against the table. "This... all of this," she gestured vaguely around, encompassing the chaos outside, "it's like something out of a movie. I still can't believe it's real."

Evelyn glanced over, a spoon in hand. "Neither can I. But we adapt, right? It's what we do."

Ivy smirked, "It's our superpower." After a thoughtful pause, she continued, "So, what's the plan? Lay low and hope things settle down? Or do we need an escape route?"

Evelyn put the lid on a pot, her eyes contemplative. "We need both. We'll stay put for now, keep our ears to the ground, or, well, the radio. But we should definitely think about where to go if it becomes too dangerous here."

Ivy leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and her chin in her hand, her gaze intense. "Somewhere high ground, perhaps? Or out in the countryside, away from all the chaos?

Evelyn considered the idea, stirring the pot slowly. "I had something like a bunker with some old friends from the army,we decided to do it as a little joke, tho it was made before my accident back when i could use my legs, so it's not accessible. It was packed with with enough supplys to survive for a long time, also it was in a safe place, they told me that they had re-stock everything in there before they leaved the city a few months ago, so if things don't get better in a few weeks, we should go there."

Ivy's eyes widened in surprise. "A bunker? That sounds perfect. Safe, secluded... Why didn't you start with that?" she teased, trying to lighten the mood.

Evelyn chuckled softly, "It never really came up in casual conversation. 'Hey, by the way, I have an apocalypse-ready bunker with some old army buddies.' Not exactly dinner party chatter." She smirked, her eyes reflecting the playfulness of the moment.

Ivy laughed, her anxiety momentarily forgotten. "I guess not. But given our current situation, it's the best news I've heard all day. How far is it?"

"It's in the outskirts of the city, near the lake, from here it should be a 4 hour drive." Evelyn responded, her tone more serious now. "It's remote, which is why it's so safe. But the journey there, especially with the state the world's in, won't be easy."

Ivy's fingers drummed on the table thoughtfully. "And there's the matter of transportation. I doubt public transit is operating, and we'd be vulnerable out in the open."

"Sadly we can't use any vehicle, you know, given the great shape of our legs, my car its in the parking lot near the library, it has hand controls so there shouldn't be a problem driven it and I have some fuel stocked up. But this is only as a last resort, if things don't get better we should make a plan and go there, in the meantime the best thing we can do is stay here". Said Evelyn.

Ivy let out a sigh of relief, her eyes showing a glimmer of hope. "You never cease to amaze me. It's good to know we have an option when things get dire." She paused, casting a thoughtful glance towards the window. "You're right, though. For now, staying put is the best decision."

Evelyn nodded, looking at the various supplies scattered around the room. "We've got food, water, and shelter. And with the two of us together, we can take turns keeping watch. It’s a grim situation, but we've got a lot going for us."

Ivy chuckled lightly, "I never imagined that all those late-night movie marathons of zombie apocalypses would come in handy. At least in terms of the mindset."

Evelyn joined in her laughter, "Right? I always used to think they were so unrealistic. I mean, who hoards cans of soup in the middle of a disaster?"

"Apparently, we do," Ivy quipped, her mood lifting a little.

Their laughter faded as they both became lost in their thoughts, the weight of their reality sinking in.

After a few moments of silence, Ivy spoke up, "Thank you, Evelyn. Despite all this... chaos, I'm glad we're together. We'll get through this."

Evelyn reached over, placing a reassuring hand on Ivy's. "Yes, we will."

Yet, even as their bond solidified, distant gunfire punctuated the evening, a stark reminder of the world unraveling around them.