The Apocalypse

26

Dylan and Derek were asleep, while Sophie searched for wood. Maurits sat against a tree, and Maeve lay against his chest between his legs, engrossed in her book. Maurits's eyes scanned the forest, ensuring nothing came near them.
The crackling sound of leaves under Sophie's footsteps drew Maeve's attention momentarily. "You think we'll find enough wood for the night?" Maeve asked, her voice barely above a whisper. It had been raining the entire day the wood was soaked for most parts.
Maurits shifted his gaze to her, a small smile playing on his lips. "Sophie's will get enough."
As the night settled in, the soft glow of the fire illuminated their small camp. The subtle warmth, the occasional rustling of leaves, and the distant hooting of an owl created a tranquil ambiance. Maurits continued to keep a vigilant watch, his protective presence comforting Maeve as she lost herself in the world of her book. The peaceful night in the heart of the forest offered a brief respite from the challenges of their journey.
"It's starting to rain again," Maurits said, standing up with Maeve in his arms.
"Why are we standing up?" Maeve inquired.
Maurits chuckled at Maeve's obliviousness to the world when she was engrossed in reading. "It's starting to rain, my darling. I am getting you in the truck."
"Why can't we get in the tent like everyone else?" she asked, hugging him by his neck.
"I never sleep with them in a tent, and most definitely not with you here now."
Suddenly, a stick snapped to their left. "That was Sophie, right?" Maeve asked, but Maurits looked right and saw Sophie returning.
He swiftly pushed Maeve into the truck and locked it immediately. The sound of raindrops tapping on the roof created a soothing melody inside the truck.
Maurits?" she questioned, but he turned away without a word and woke the boys. Sophie ran back as she heard it too.
"Other humans," she whispered, extinguishing the fire with sand from a bucket beside it.
Maeve's heart quickened, and she couldn't breathe as she saw people moving around in the dark. The forest, once a sanctuary, now harbored an unforeseen threat. Maurits's actions spoke louder than words, and a tense atmosphere settled over the group as they prepared for the unexpected encounter with the unknown figures in the night.
The night air hung heavy as Maurits, Sophie, Derek, and Dylan found themselves surrounded by seven menacing figures emerging from the darkness. A silent confrontation ensued, tension palpable in the air. Maeve, panic-stricken, sought refuge in the safety of the car. Tears were in her eyes.
As the attackers closed in, chaos erupted. The first assailant lunged towards the car slamming the window. His intentions clear. He grabbed her ankle, Fear surged through her veins as the blow landed on her face, momentarily disorienting her. In the intense darkness, Maurits saw the encounter. Anger surged him and he swiftly intervened, his protective instincts taking over.
With lethal precision, Maurits neutralized the threat, incapacitating the attacker. Hitting the man on its head pulling him by the neck backwards. Anger flashed in his eyes, and an indignant fury consumed him. The assailant, now overpowered, found himself at the mercy of Maurits's wrath.
Maurits, fueled by a fierce determination to safeguard Maeve, began to pound relentlessly on the man who dared to harm her. Each blow echoed the rage and protectiveness coursing through him. The sounds of the scuffle merged with Maeve's panicked breaths inside the car, creating a symphony of chaos and desperation.
While Maurits couldn't stop hitting the man the others were fighting the threat. It were others scouting groups that thought to easily over come them.
Derek and Dylan, recognizing the severity of the situation, joined the fray, swiftly dealing with the remaining assailants. Shooting most of them Sophie had killed two by knife as they fought harshly. Sophie had a cut on her face. In the aftermath, the forest returned to an uneasy calm, the only sounds the heavy breaths of the group and the distant rustling of leaves.
Derek his leg was cut open by a knife of one of the now dead people. His breath was harsh as Dylan began to clean his wound quickly.
Maurits, his hands stained with a mixture of dirt and the consequences of his actions, turned to the car. Maeve, shaken but unharmed, met his gaze. The silent exchange spoke volumes – a shared understanding of the lengths Maurits would go to protect those he cared about.
He held his arms open and Maeve immediately ran into his arms.
"My perfect girl," he whispered in her hair, kissing her temple as he picked her up. His hands caressed her back, and he gently pulled her head back, tracing the side of her face that had already turned blue.
"Does it hurt?" he asked, placing her back in the car softly. Her jaw trembled, and she shook her head, trying to stay strong. She didn't want to cry.
"Don't ever lie, Maeve!" he warned her. She quickly shook her head, and with that, she became lightheaded. Her eyes rolled back, almost falling backward.
He grabbed her shoulders and pulled her back. "Stay with me, darling," he pleaded, his voice filled with urgency and concern. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Maurits as he desperately tried to keep Maeve conscious and present.
He looked at the rest of the group. They had to leave soon, and most were already prepared to go.
"Everyone okay?" he asked, and they nodded.
"Is she okay?" someone inquired, but Maurits had already turned back to Maeve, who was breathing heavily.
"Do you feel the need to throw up, baby?" he asked.
"I-I," she stuttered, grappling with the discomfort and pain. Maurits's focus remained solely on Maeve, his concern etched across his face. The urgency to depart lingered in the air, but Maurits's priority was ensuring Maeve's well-being before they could get to move.
He saw her get sick as she paled and he quickly grabbed a plastic bag putting it under her head. She threw out her entire stomach while tears streamed down.
"You have a concussion, my darling." He said holding her hair back. He quickly grabbed a bottle of water and helped her drink it. She spit out the first sip.
"We gotta go, Dylan can you drive?" Maurits asked Dylan he quickly nodded taking te driver seat. Maurits sat beside Maeve who couldn't keep her eyes open as. Tiredness dropped over her body.