Let me clarify for you.

My teacher did not say this was supposed to be post-apocalyptic themed. I am making it like that myself, for she is letting us write whatever we want.
And in this narrative, I am planning on having no zombies, no aliens. Think Fallout, but without ALL the weird mutants and corrupted animals.

Right after the apocalypse. Like, specifically 10 months after, where everyone is still getting used to everything though still know basic things about survival.
Ruined city with some rural areas, more specifically in northern Colorado. I can't decide whether it should be IN the mountains or in a town near the mountains. Ex.: Fort Collins, Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Salida... MUCH more.

And now that I think about the whole cliche character thing, I suppose you can just ignore that piece there. I typed this in class so do whatever the hell you want.