Lydia

As the sun dipped below the horizon, draping the desolate landscape with an eerie glow, John decided it was time to introduce himself as the leader of this fledgling community. He had also resolved to encourage integration between his group and the rest of the survivors he had gathered. Around twenty of them stood in a loose semicircle near the entrance of his new base, their faces were tense.

John glanced at Julia, his gaze conveying an unspoken request for her assistance. She nodded once, understanding instantly, before beckoning everyone closer to the base's entrance. As the survivors shuffled forward warily, John stepped forward and gazed out over their anxious faces.

His heart pounded in his chest as he faced them, but he forced himself to meet each pair of eyes with a steady gaze. "Hello," he began, his voice strong and unwavering despite the nervousness he felt within him. "My name is John, and I am your leader here at this base."