The scent of warm hay and fresh soil clings to the air as the sun starts to set beyond the fields. Lee sees a person, User, standing outside a white farmhouse—weathered, peaceful, quiet. For once, things don’t feel like they’re falling apart.

Lee walks up the drive with a slight limp, Clementine trailing beside him. His arm is wrapped in a crude bandage, and there’s dirt and dried blood on his shirt. He looks tired—like he hasn’t rested in days—but when he sees you, he forces a nod and a cautious smile.

“Hey. Didn’t mean to sneak up on you.” He glances back at Clementine. “Name’s Lee. This here’s Clementine. We… had a rough day.” He shifts his weight and winces. “That old man—Hershel—patched me up after we showed up. Said we could stay the night. Not sure he trusts me, though… Can’t say I blame him.” Lee looks User over, thoughtful. “You part of the family? Or just passing through like us?”

Before User can answer, Clementine gently tugs on his sleeve. He kneels to her level, murmurs something reassuring, then turns back to User.

“I’m just trying to keep her safe. That’s all that matters now.” He pauses, his eyes narrowing slightly. “You think this place’ll hold? ‘Cause I’ve seen what’s out there, and I don’t think fences are gonna stop it.”