The End Of My World

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

We walked for hours before settling down in a clearing. The forest was quiet and I still could feel the heat from the explosion from terminus on the back of my neck.

"Artemis, you okay?" Rick questioned, he was walking with Carol. "I'm fine" I said, my brain was conflicted again, from being on my own and thriving by myself, to then being with the group again. It was hard for my brain to make the switch so fast again. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I look up to find Carol's kind gaze.

"Are you sure" she said, "I just hope we got everyone out", it wasn't a lie. I really did hope we got everyone out but it wasn't all the truth either and I think Carol can tell. One look at her face and I could tell she didn't believe me. My legs are sore and my mind is still rattling around with the new information.

We stopped in the clearing, Rick and Carol moved to help the others set up camp, I took a deep breath. I need to take a second for myself. The forest might have been quiet, but my mind was loud. I need to clear my head and focus on something familiar. I grabbed my bow and a few arrows from my pack patting my sheaths to make sure my daggers were there and set out. Scanning the underbrush for any signs of game, the cool, crisp air was comforting, I missed being out in the woods with no one else around, just me and my prey. As I moved through the forest, my mind began to clear. I'd barely been gone an hour when I spotted a small squirrel  hoping around on the forest floor. I notched an arrow and drew back. The shot was quick and silent. The squirrel fell with barely a sound. I made my way slowly towards the animal and grabbed it by the tail. I tucked its tail into the hem of my pants and continue to move silently through the forest. I took a dagger out and chipped off a large chunk of bark. I continued to mark as I kept going.

Snap

blending into the shadows. My breathing slowed, controlled and deliberate, as I focused on the sounds of the forest.

The soft rustle of leaves and the occasional call of a distant bird were the only noises I could hear. I inched forward, my eyes locked on a small clearing just ahead where sunlight broke through the dense canopy above. I crouched low, moving with practiced stealth, careful not to disturb the undergrowth.

In the clearing, I spotted a plump rabbit nibbling on some clover. Its tiny nose twitched as it moved about, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby. The rabbit was close enough that I could see the delicate fur bristling in the light breeze. I nocked an arrow with a steady hand and drew it back, the tension in the bowstring a familiar comfort.

I waited, my breath steady and quiet, until the rabbit turned its head, giving me a clear shot. The world seemed to slow as I aligned the arrow with the small target. I held my breath and released. The arrow flew silently through the air, hitting the rabbit with a swift precision. It dropped immediately, the impact of the arrow ending its life with barely a flicker of movement.

I approached the fallen rabbit, examining the clean shot that had struck just behind the shoulder, a vital area for a quick kill. I bent down and retrieved the arrow, wiping it clean before carefully gathering the rabbit. Its body was warm. I felt bad, but only for a moment. It's the circle of life.

After gathering the rabbit up I stuffed the limp animal into the back pocket of my pants. I continued to walk.

—-~+~—-
The forest was dense and shadowed as I moved through the undergrowth, the canopy overhead blocking most of the moonlight. I had been tracking a deer for hours now, following the subtle signs left on the forest floor—crushed foliage, disturbed earth, and fresh droppings. The thick foliage made the going slow, but it also provided ample cover. My senses were keen, and I kept my movements deliberate and quiet. Every step was calculated to minimize noise. The air was cool, and the faint rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze was the only sound accompanying me.

I stopped abruptly, my gaze fixed on a movement ahead. The underbrush rustled slightly, and I could make out the shape of a large buck moving cautiously through the dense forest. It was a majestic animal with a robust frame and impressive antlers, moving deliberately as it foraged for food. I eased my way to a nearby bush, getting onto my hands and knees for support.

From this vantage point, I could see the buck more clearly through the gaps in the foliage. It was browsing on some low-hanging branches, its ears twitching occasionally to detect any potential threats. I slowly nocked an arrow and drew back the bowstring, keeping my movements slow and controlled. The dense vegetation made for a challenging shot, but the buck was close enough that I could make it work. I waited for the right moment, keeping my breath steady and my eyes focused on the vital area behind the buck's shoulder.

With a final deep breath, I released the arrow. It flew silently through the dense foliage, cutting through the underbrush with precision. The arrow struck the buck with a sharp impact. The animal staggered, letting out a soft grunt before collapsing among the tangled roots and fallen leaves. I approached the fallen deer cautiously, making sure it was truly down. The shot had been accurate, striking just behind the shoulder, a quick and humane kill. I retrieved the arrow, wiping it clean, and then began the process of field dressing the buck. The dense forest was quiet except for the occasional call of a bird and the distant rustling of other wildlife. The task of preparing the deer was methodical but necessary. I worked quickly, ensuring that the meat was properly handled and ready for transport. The thick canopy provided some cover from the encroaching darkness, but the light was fading rapidly.

Once the deer was prepared, I hefted it onto my shoulders, making a grunting noise, the weight a heavy but satisfying burden. Navigating through the forest with the deer was challenging, but with the scrapped bark I was able to walk fast enough so not to fall over with the deer on my shoulder.

When I returned to the clearing I sat the deer down on the ground by the makeshift fire. I dropped the squirrel along with the rabbit on the ground too. I sat down on the grass and unsheathed my dagger and started to skin the animal. I was approached by a tall, muscular man with a commanding presence, a woman with a fierce gaze and practical attire was by his side.

"The names Abraham and this is Sasha" he introduced himself. I looked up at the man and nodded. I am not in the mood to talk right now.
"Thanks for saving us" He continued not getting the hint. I nodded and went back to the rabbit in my lap. They turned around and walked away. Thank god.

"She was kinda rude" Sasha said.

I rolled my eyes and ignored her. I quickly finished the rabbit without any other interruptions. I glanced up at Rick and Carl the two where talking to another set of new faces. Two others—a woman with a determined look and a man whose eyes were hidden behind thick glasses. THe man looked like a massive man baby. How did he last this long.

"Smash or Pass the man over there by Rick" Maggie walked up next to me and sat down. "Sorry for how I treated you at the prison" she commented again. "It's alright Maggie I get it" I smiled at her.

"I'd say...Pass"