Everything about these once familiar streets has changed. There are no lights anywhere, electricity only works in the inhabited areas and it seems that the city she once called home has been deserted for a few years.

Shop windows are broken and trash blows through the streets under Calliope’s feet. The city became a wasteland in the first few days of the outbreak. She can still remember the panic and fear that ran through the streets.

“Stay on your guard.” She tells the group of soldiers behind her. “The city may look deserted but anyone could have set up camp in one of these buildings. Keep your eyes sharp.”

“Yes general.” They chorus behind her.

Slowly, and with caution, she leads her team through the streets. She tries to keep her footsteps light and quiet as she leads her team down the road. Broken glass crunches beneath her boots.

The wind whistles through the broken windows of the shops. She strains her ears to hear any low moans of the undead that may be lurking nearby over the thudding of her own heart. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

She should have never sent her men out here in the first place.

She should have gone with them.

She should have known the risk was too great.

She should have been smarter.

Should haves aren’t going to help her now. They aren’t going to help her men either. So she keeps walking, she keeps alert. They just have to make it through the city.

Hopefully she’ll find her missing team. Hopefully they’ll still be alive when she does.