Blackstone Island

Part 4 - Bonds

Everyone had set up outside the woods. The sun still hung up high in the air, casting a comforting and much welcome source of light above them. Suzie was sat between Cole and Ashley, trying to hide herself from the world. Mona sighed softly, taking a seat across them, as she looked up at Elliot. He was leaning against a tree, staring down at the ground, still reeling from what he had the displeasure of coming across. Suzie noticed that too, and quietly spoke up. "Elliot.. are you okay?" Elliot seemed to snap out of his trance, looking up at the group. He gave a forced smile, before nodding. "Ahem. Yes, yes, I'm fine. I appreciate your concern, I just never expected something so brutal, so harrowing to happen. Just a little shaken up, that's all." he replied, slowly approaching the group, taking a seat beside Mona. She put her hand on his arm. "We're all here for each other. We just cannot let our guard down." Everyone nodded wordlessly in agreement, before Cole spoke up. "Sorry to break our tender lil moment, but uh, does anyone have any food or water? We are stranded out here, after all." He scratched the back of his head, looking a bit worried that there would be difficulties surviving for very long without supplies. Everyone exchanged glances before shaking their heads, causing Cole to let out a sigh, "Darn. Well.. looks like we've got some scavenging to do, huh? We should be real careful, though." 

Mona reached into her bag and produced a flask with a star pattern engraved on it. She shook it to ensure it was empty, before holding it up. "It's not much, but we can use this to store water. There should be a stream somewhere on this island. I'd assume that's where the former residents got their water from." She stated matter-of-factly. Elliot stood from the log he was sat on, clearing his throat. "Then how about Cole and I accompany you to look for the stream? He and I can look for any food source, while Ashley and Suzie stay here and watch over our little camp." He suggested, looking between the group. After a brief silence, Cole slapped his knees and stood. "Sounds good. Our camp is far enough out from the woods that nobody could sneak up on them. We'll keep you safe, Mona." He gave a grin, before turning to look at Ashley and Suzie. Suzie was clinging onto Ashley, her beanie just above her eyes. Cole chuckled softly, before speaking. "Keep each other safe, alright? We'll be back real soon." He pat Suzie on the shoulder, before leading Elliot and Mona into the woods.

Mona walked in front of the two men, gazing around the still forest with curious yet tired eyes. "Do you believe that the former residents of the island grew coffee beans, by any chance? Perhaps if I pray to the stars, it'll manifest before me..." she mumbled the last bit to herself, sighing as she rested her hand on her chest. Cole chuckled softly, shaking his head. "I'm afraid you might be out of luck with the coffee, ma'am. You're gonna be stuck with the stream water for a while.. ah, provided we can find it, that is." He glanced around, before letting out a sigh, his shoulders drooping slightly. Elliot spoke up. "Perhaps we should focus on finding the stream, and then split up a bit to try and locate any source of food? Not too far from one another, of course." He suggested. "Believe me, I'd rather stick together, but it's all in interest of getting out of these woods as soon as possible." The other two looked at Elliot, before glancing at one another. Mona slowly nodded, before speaking. "I believe that may be for the best. I feel as if the trees have eyes..." She muttered, tensing up slightly. "Come, we should move faster. We need to find a stream, quickly now." The three all quickened their pace, desperate to leave the surrounding trees behind.

Meanwhile, Suzie was resting her head on Ashley's shoulder, trying her best to remain calm and collected. The two women were holding hands, Ashley remaining still yet relaxed. Suzie took a breath, before quietly speaking up. "Uhm... Ashley?" she squeaked. The mute woman turned her head to meet Suzie's gaze. Despite not saying anything, it was clear the woman was still reeling from the sight of Lucas' body. Her eyes looked clouded over and lost, as if she didn't know how to react anymore. "I'm sorry you had to see... that. It sounds absolutely horrible." Suzie spoke in a gentle tone. Ashley cast her gaze to the side, her expression showing a pained look. She nodded slowly, letting out a long sigh. She then returned her gaze to Suzie's face. Suzie offered a small sheepish smile, before squeezing Ashley's hand gently. "E-Everything's gonna be okay. We'll think of something soon. M-Maybe a helicopter will pass by overhead or something? Like in those movies..!" She chuckled softly at the thought. Ashley's lips curled into a small smile, shuffling a bit closer to Suzie. She winked, before nodding, as if to show she agreed with Suzie. As their gaze locked, Suzie's breath caught in her throat. She stammered for a moment, trying to collect herself after realizing how close they now were. She quickly squeaked out a few words. "I-I hope the others find something soon. I'm quite hun-" Her sentence was cut off by her stomach grumbling loudly. She covered her face in embarrassment, her face going red. "Goodness, I'm so sorry! That was so-" She was once again cut off by a rumbling stomach, but this time it was Ashley's. The mute woman grinned playfully, as if to show that Suzie didn't need to worry about coming across as weird. The trembling young woman slowly moved her hands away from her face, giggling softly. "T-Thank you, Ashley. I'm... I'm glad I have you here with me." She once again rested her head on Ashley's shoulder, letting her eyes flutter closed. Ashley smiled softly, before looking off over the horizon, holding Suzie close.