Mankind

Chapter Fifteen

Connor set to work stitching up a shoulder wound from their battle in the garage, and Cassie carefully administered the medicine to Ryan, her hands steady despite the lingering tremor of adrenaline coursing through her veins. The pungent scent of sweat and rain hung heavy in the air, mingling with the metallic tang of blood, and Ryan's feverish state made the odors nearly overwhelming.

Cassie glanced at Connor as he worked, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tended to his injury.. The stitching needle moved with precision, he winced with each careful motion. Despite the grim surroundings and the looming threat that lurked just beyond their shelter, Connor remained unshaken by the chaos that surrounded them.

As Cassie turned her attention back to Ryan, she couldn't help but notice the pallor of his complexion and the sweat that beaded on his forehead. She stunk of putrid flesh and musty basement. It clung to her skin. It made Ryan's stomach churn, and Cassie offered him a sympathetic smile as she finished administering the medication.

As the medicine took effect and Ryan's fever began to break, a sense of relief washed over Cassie and Connor. They watched as Ryan's breathing eased, his shivering subsided, and finally, he slipped into a peaceful slumber, the lines of tension smoothing from his face.

With Ryan finally resting soundly, Cassie and Connor took a moment to catch their breath and relax, their weary bodies craving rest from the relentless trials of the day. Connor leaned back against the cool stone wall, his eyes closing briefly as he savored the rare moment of tranquility.

Meanwhile, Cassie ventured to a nearby stream, the gentle babble of water providing a soothing backdrop to her thoughts. She rummaged through her backpack and retrieved a small bar of handmade soap, its floral scent a welcome smell from the stench of sweat and blood that stuck to her skin.

As she lathered up her hands and washed away the grime of the day, Cassie couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the simple comforts that remained in the turmoil of their existence. The cool water washed away the dirt and sweat, leaving her feeling refreshed, if only momentarily.

With a sigh of contentment, Cassie rinsed off the soap and splashed her face with the clear water, the coolness soothing against her skin. She lingered by the stream for a few moments longer, allowing herself to bask in the moment before returning to the shelter where Connor awaited her.

"Your turn." She says, tossing the bar of soap to Connor. "The water isn't too bad."

Connor followed suit, stepping into the cool water with a cautious sigh of relief. His scarred body bore the marks of countless battles, each old wound a testament to the trials he had endured in the unforgiving world.

As he bathed, Connor's fingers traced the jagged lines of his scars. He moved with care, mindful of the fresh stitches that adorned his shoulder, determined not to undo the careful work that he had done to mend his injuries.

The water lapped gently against his skin, washing away the grime of their recent ordeal. Despite the aches and pains that plagued his body, Connor found solace in the simple act of cleansing himself, the rhythmic motion of the stream a soothing balm.

As he emerged from the water, his scars glistening in the sunlight, Connor felt like he could take on anything but right now, he didn't know where to go from here. They found him, now what? He'd never left the city. He grew up here. But the Federation were always right around the corner, waiting for him to peek his head out.

As Connor returned to their makeshift shelter, his senses immediately went on high alert. The scene before him froze him in his tracks—a Federation soldier held a gun to Ryan's head, while another had a knife pressed against Cassie's throat. And there, standing in the midst of it all, was the imposing figure of the Federation's Director.