Chapter 46: Stories by the fire

As the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange and pink hue across the desolate landscape, the group found themselves settling into the comfort of the abandoned house. The decision had been made to stay put for the night, allowing them to rest and recover before they continued their journey in the morning.

Gathered around a modest fire, their faces illuminated by its flickering light, the party shared an air of companionship that had only grown stronger through their trials. Colin was the first to break the silence, his deep voice rumbling in the night air. "You know, even in the midst of all this chaos, it's moments like these that remind me of what it means to be alive."

Jackie, who was perched on a makeshift seat, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're right. Back in the old world, it was easy to take these simple things for granted."

Jayce, sitting nearby, added with a reflective smile, "And now we're learning to appreciate them all over again."