The world’s End: Way of depression

Noah walked on, every step feeling like a tribute to the fallen. Yuri's memory haunted him, but it also fueled his determination. The world around him was a silent witness to his journey—snow-covered ruins, skeletal trees, and the occasional animal tracks. Each day was a struggle against the cold and his own grief, but he pressed on, driven by the hope of finding the safe zone Yuri had believed in.

Weeks passed. Noah's body grew leaner, his senses sharper. He encountered more challenges—wild animals, treacherous terrain, and the relentless cold. But each obstacle only strengthened his resolve. He could almost hear Yuri's voice urging him forward.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Noah spotted a faint glow in the distance. His heart raced. He quickened his pace, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. As he drew closer, the glow turned into the lights of a small, fortified settlement nestled in a valley.

At the gates, he was met by a group of wary but curious survivors. They asked him questions, checking for signs of sickness or aggression. After ensuring he was no threat, they led him inside. The settlement was a marvel—a self-sustaining community with greenhouses, solar panels, and small, cozy homes. It was a stark contrast to the desolation he had known for so long.

Noah was taken to the community leader, a woman named Sarah, who listened to his story with a mix of sympathy and admiration. She offered him food and a place to rest, and for the first time in months, Noah slept in a bed, feeling a warmth that was not just from the blankets but from the sense of safety and belonging.

Over the next few days, Noah integrated into the community. He shared his knowledge of hunting and survival, and in return, he learned about their way of life. The settlement was built on cooperation and trust, values that had kept them alive and thriving in this harsh world.

Noah often found himself at the edge of the settlement, looking out at the vast wilderness, thinking of Yuri and the others he had lost. One evening, as he stood there, Sarah approached him.