Story 1203: Shadows in the Alley

EXT. DOWNTOWN RUINED CITY – NIGHT

The rain had stopped, but the streets still wept. Puddles reflected flickering street lamps and dying embers from earlier riots. Jason, Lena, and Dr. Rho moved cautiously through the maze of overturned vehicles and smashed storefronts. Every sound echoed like a threat.

JASON (quietly):

“This way. The alleys are off the main patrol routes.”

Lena hesitated at the alley mouth. It was narrow and cloaked in shadow, a funnel of silence between two crumbling buildings. Her eyes searched the dark.

LENA:

“It’s a trap. I feel it.”

DR. RHO:

“You’d prefer the main road? The patrols are under orders to shoot anything moving after curfew. Including us.”

Jason placed a hand on her shoulder.

JASON:

“Stick close. We move quiet, we stay low.”

INT. THE ALLEYWAY – CONTINUOUS

The group advanced single file, boots splashing in shallow runoff. Trash bins, old mattresses, and twisted metal choked the path. The scent of rot lingered thick.