Aftermath

Hunter meets Jennifer and her young brother Satchel on a highway. As they are stopped, they witness several nuclear detonations in the distance, which result in mushroom clouds that destroy nearby targets.

The electromagnetic pulse from the detonations disables Jennifer's car, stranding the group. They begin searching for a vehicle that can still run and gather essential supplies.

Hunter's group encounters Elizabeth, who informs them about the destruction of major cities across the country. This revelation intensifies their urgency to find safety.

While trying to find shelter in a nearby home, Hunter is shot by a frightened child. The group quickly leaves the scene, unable to assist the injured child.

The group discovers another farmhouse that they initially think is unoccupied. However, they are confronted by Brad and Jonathan, who hold them at gunpoint until Hunter disarms Brad.

Once inside the farmhouse, Hunter organizes the survivors and directs them to move all supplies into the cellar. They barricade the cellar door to prepare for incoming fallout.

For several days, Jonathan works on retrieving and fixing a short-wave radio that could link them to other survivors. They start to hear news about global destruction from nuclear bombs.

Jonathan's friend Rob arrives, but is accidentally shot while trying to enter the basement. He brings radiation burns with him and struggles with the consequences of being outside.

As radiation exposure takes its toll, Jonathan's uncle Wendell dies due to his diabetes worsening. The group buries him as they fend off an attack from desperate outside survivors.

Angie suffers from radiation poisoning which leads to a miscarriage and ultimately her death. Brad, devastated by the loss of his wife and unborn child, threatens the group in despair.

Satchel develops pneumonia as the group continues to weaken from radiation exposure. The group is powerless to prevent his death, adding to the growing sense of hopelessness.

With communication lost with other survivors and the attack looming, the group recognizes the futility of their situation. Hunter and the others start to succumb to the effects of radiation.

An attack occurs, and in the chaos, Elizabeth is stabbed and dies in Hunter's arms. Overcome with rage, Hunter retaliates against their assailants but suffers further losses.

Brad sacrifices himself to save Hunter during the melee, illustrating the dire stakes of their situation. The remaining survivors realize that they are now alone with no refuge.

Weeks later, Hunter and Jennifer are left as the only survivors. They are gravely ill from radiation exposure, drinking contaminated water, surrounded by the remnants of their fallen companions.