The Apocalypse

4

Soon enough, the five of them found themselves back on the road, with Maurits shouldering the only backpack Maeve needed. All her belongings fit snugly within the compact pack. Her bow was secured around her body, and her quiver of arrows rested comfortably on her hips. As they continued their journey, Maeve's wide eyes darted about, taking in the unfamiliar sights. The others couldn't help but notice her apparent awe, as if she were encountering these things for the first time.
"Darling?" Maurits questioned out loud. Maeve turned her head slightly towards him.
"Look at me." He ordered her making her completely turn.
"When was the last time you gotten out of a house?" He asked her.
"When I was twelve." she replied as if it was the normalist case that she never came outside.
Dylan's surprise was palpable. "Seven years ago was the last time you ventured beyond the confines of a house?" he exclaimed, struggling to comprehend the extent of Maeve's seclusion.
Maeve simply nodded again, her eyes cast downward. It seemed to her that her sheltered existence was the most ordinary thing in the world, while to the others, it was a revelation. Maurits exchanged a concerned glance with Dylan, realizing that Maeve's lack of exposure to the outside world might pose challenges on their journey.
Touched by Maeve's vulnerability, Sophie stepped forward, gently placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Maeve," she assured her, her voice filled with warmth. "Everything will be fine." She said trying to reassure the girl.
"I know." She replied turning back around. Sophie her eyebrows frowned in confusion.
"Were is the herd. I can't seem to locate them." She confessed.
"The herd is always here."
"So? Be happy they are not here!" Derek said with raised brows.
Maeve looked around her trying to find them. They never left something was of.
"We should get moving I want to be home before dark!" Maurits said placing his hand on Maeve her lower back pushing her forward.
-
Everyone stared at her with curious eyes as she walked into the survivors town, wearing her favorite jeans and top. However, to her dismay, she couldn't help but despise the outfit at that very moment. Feeling self-conscious, she quickly sought refuge behind Maurits, who relished in the sensation of having her close to him. He felt proud that she stepped closer to him trying to hide from their staring eyes. Sophie, noticing her discomfort, instinctively positioned herself behind Maeve, fostering a sisterly bond that had developed within just a few short hours.
Maeve's childlike appearance and gentle nature made it effortless for Sophie to feel a deep connection with her. Although the others in the room regarded Maeve with skepticism, trying their best to avoid her like the plague, they knew all too well that one should steer clear of attracting Maurits' attention, as it often led to undesirable consequences.
The survivors' town was nestled closely to the mountains, once a thriving community adorned with houses and apartments. Recognizing the need for security, they constructed a formidable wall encircling the town, creating a haven in the midst of chaos. Alongside the town, they cultivated vast stretches of land, teeming with crops of vegetables and fruits, ensuring a sustainable food source.
Within this structured community, everyone had their designated roles and responsibilities, diligently contributing to the collective effort of survival. The town operated under a system where individuals could earn money, which could be exchanged for various necessities in the town's marketplace. Such a system instilled a sense of purpose and motivation among the survivors, as they strived to earn their keep and improve their living conditions.
Johnny, was a stern and disciplined leader, In such dire circumstances, the people yearned for a leader who could enforce order and enforce strict adherence to the rules. The survival of the community for five years in the unforgiving apocalypse came at a heavy price, with each individual having experienced the depths of desperation and having been compelled to commit unspeakable acts to ensure their own survival.
In this context, the importance of rules became paramount. The community recognized that rules served as a moral compass, preventing them from descending further into chaos and allowing them to maintain a semblance of civilization. Adhering to these rules provided a sense of structure and stability, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the surrounding darkness. It was through their collective commitment to these rules that the survivors found solace and reassurance, navigating the treacherous landscape of their new reality with resilience and determination.
"Maeve?" Catherine suddenly called from the corner, her voice echoing through the air. Maeve turned towards the sound and saw a girl running towards her. She launched herself into Maeve's arms, causing her to stumble backward. If Maurits hadn't placed his hand on Maeve's back, she would have fallen.
Maeve's body tensed up, and her face contorted into a grimace at the unfamiliar touch. Maurits heard her name for the first time. Maeve a name for a little fairy like she was. Catherine released her grip, revealing a face that was seven years older than Maeve's. They had once lived together in the orphanage for a year, and Catherine had always felt a strong sense of protectiveness towards Maeve. However, circumstances had forced her to leave, leaving Maeve behind in the care of Misses Chumson—a decision that Catherine never forgave herself for.
"It's me, Catherine," she said, her voice filled with longing and hope, realizing that the girl before her couldn't remember their time together. "We were best friends," she added, biting the inside of her cheek in anticipation of Maeve's response.
Maeve remained silent, her eyes distant and unresponsive. Catherine's heart sank, but she refused to give up.
"Determined to trigger Maeve's memory, she hurriedly ran back and returned with a teddy bear in her hands. "Look, this was ours," Catherine said, gently handing the teddy bear to Maeve.
Maeve stared at the teddy bear, her expression unchanging. Rosy—that was the name she had given it. She had thought it was lost forever. As she gazed at the worn and familiar toy, a sharp pain throbbed in her head, intensifying with every passing moment. She desperately tried to recall their shared memories, but all that came was a dull ache.
"I found it in the trash the day I left, so I took it," Catherine explained, her voice filled with both sadness and regret. Maeve's face scrunched up as the headache intensified, overwhelming her ability to process Catherine's words. She couldn't remember a thing about what Catherine spoke of.
Observing Maeve's distress, Maurits, who had been silently watching the scene unfold, quickly realized the change in her demeanor. "Come on, darling, let's go inside," he said gently, placing a comforting hand on Maeve's waist. Her eyes remained fixed on the teddy bear as Maurits guided her towards his home, away from Catherine as it was upsetting her.
Catherine tried to stop her. Maurits gave her one icy glare but Catherine didn't give up.
"What did misses Chumson do to you?" She asked when Maurits closed the door.
Tears began to stream down Maeve her face making Maurits assures her that she will remember in time.
It became clear why she liked Maurits he makes decisions for her and understand her without a word.