Emma walks from her RV, her sharp eyes sweeping the area for any signs of danger. With her sword at the ready, she carefully scanned the surroundings, making sure there were no lurking threats waiting to surprise her. Satisfied that the coast was clear, she hoisted herself over the gate blocking her path, her movements fluid and calculated.
Once on the other side, Emma examined the houses dotting the landscape, each one standing at a fair distance from its neighbors. With her senses on high alert, she turned around and drove her RV to the first house.
Knocking politely and receiving no response, encouraging Emma to take more assertive action. With a swift kick, she sent the door crashing inward. She made a mental note to avoid purchasing such flimsy doors in the future, not remembering that she was much stronger than any average person.
Stepping into the abandoned house, Emma was greeted by a thin layer of dust that coated every surface, evidence of its long neglect. Unaffected, she began her search, carefully combing through each room in search of valuable resources.
Her sharp eyes gleamed with excitement as she noticed several packs of dog food scattered on the floor, a delightful discovery for her puppies waiting for her return. With efficiency, she gathered up the supplies and stored them away in her storage room.
As she continued her exploration of the house, Emma proceeded with caution, mindful of any potential dangers that might lurk nearby with each step she took. She left behind the dog toys and other non-essential items, her puppies only use new things.
With the house thoroughly searched, Emma turned her attention to the still-edible food, clothing, and other supplies that could prove useful in the days to come. She carefully collected each item, adding them to her growing inner storage room.
Pausing to gaze upon a family portrait hung up on the living room wall, everyone looks so happy in the picture. They will likely never have the chance to return from their vacation though.
As Emma made her way towards the neighboring house, the RV’’s engine echoing against the silent backdrop of the deserted neighborhood, she couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation tinged with caution. With each step closer to the staircase leading up to the second house, her senses remained on high alert, ready to react at the slightest sign of danger.
Before she could reach the door, it swung open suddenly, startling Emma as she instinctively raised her sword in defense. Her eyes narrowed as she saw the unexpected sight of a family of three standing before her, their expressions a mix of surprise and fear. The father's hands shot up in a gesture of surrender, but Emma remained alert, her eyes carefully examining the situation with focused attention.
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"Sorry for bothering you guys, I meant no harm. Bye," Emma stated shortly, her tone firm yet devoid of emotion. With a determined nod, she backed away from the staircase, her mind already shifting gears as she retraced her steps back to her RV. Though her original intent had been to expand her territory, the presence of the family gave her pause. She had the power to claim this neighborhood as her own, but doing so would come with a heavy responsibility—the job to protect its residents or kill the people who lived here already.
However, these people had done nothing to earn such extreme measures, and Emma found herself unwilling to impose her help upon strangers she barely knew. With a resigned sigh, she thinks about finding other places for expansion.
As Emma backed up, her senses still focused on the scene unfolding before her, she noticed the father's cautious steps toward her. His voice broke the silence, sounding desperate. "Wait, can we trade with you for food?"
Emma's eyebrow arched in curiosity at the unexpected proposal. "With what?" she asked.
The father's response was quick, almost rushed, his words betraying the urgency of their situation. "Anything that is in our house, we just want some food," he explained, his voice tinged with a mixture of hope.
Emma's gaze flickered over the family once more, noting the hidden signs of weariness shown on their faces despite their well-maintained appearance. Their clothes, though neat, showed signs of being worn many times. Their faces looked a bit thin, suggesting they had been through tough times.
Her attention was drawn to the little girl standing timidly behind her parents, her eyes wide with uneasiness. Despite the family's efforts to shield her, Emma could see a flicker of uncertainty in the child's gaze. It was clear that she was the focal point of their concern. She was the youngest but she looks the healthiest too.
Emma observed the silent exchange between the family members. She could sense the depth of their love and the weight of their unspoken fears. But she doubts they will have anything she needs. And in a world where resources are scarce, she wasn’t going to make any exception. She continues walking to her RV.
But as the father's voice rang out once more, his words carrying a surprising request, Emma's brow furrowed in confusion. "WAIT!" he called out, his urgency showing through.
Emma turned to face them once more, her curiosity sparked by the father's unexpected plea. As he pushed the little girl forward, Emma's gaze softened as she regarded the child.
"Can you take our daughter with you if you don't want to trade?" the father asked earnestly, his voice filled with both desperation and giving up.
Emma's eyes widened a bit in shock at the unpredicted request. She leaned against her RV, her expression unreadable as she waited for the father's next move.
Bending down to the little girl's eye level, the father spoke in hushed tones, his words meant for her ears alone. Though his voice was barely above a whisper, Emma's sharpened senses picked up every word with perfect clarity. “Lily, show her.”