Chapter 7

Ethan continued his journey through the desert, carrying a sleeping Delilah on his back. He was completely dehydrated, and his stomach churned from hunger.

He raised his head to stare into the vast distance and noticed a house not far ahead. His eyes widened as he saw it, and he began moving as fast as he could toward the small shed. Due to his rough movements, Delilah awoke from her slumber and asked, “What’s going on?”

“There’s a house up ahead!” Ethan said. As he got closer, his jaw dropped as he saw an entire town standing behind the house. “What the—!” Ethan exclaimed, hurrying past the house with Delilah still on his back.

He walked into the small town and immediately noticed it was completely empty. Some buildings had been reduced to piles of wood and sand, and the stench of burnt wood hung in the air.

“Did a fire kill everyone here?” Ethan asked as he continued walking through the town.

“It kinda smells like burnt steak…” Delilah said, holding h