What if?

Chapter 11

The morning sun rose over the desert horizon, casting a warm glow over the makeshift camp where Newt and Teresa had found refuge. They woke early, the chill of the night still lingering in the air as they emerged from the tent provided by their hosts.

The camp was already stirring with activity. People moved about purposefully, gathering supplies, checking weapons, and preparing for another day of travel through the harsh desert landscape. Newt and Teresa joined a small group around a fire where breakfast was being prepared—a simple meal of oatmeal and dried fruits.

"Morning," greeted a grizzled man with a nod as they approached. "Sleep alright?"

Newt nodded, accepting a bowl of oatmeal. "Yeah, thanks. We appreciate you letting us stay."

The man shrugged. "Survivors gotta stick together out here. It's not easy, but we manage."

Teresa glanced around, noticing the efficiency with which the group operated despite their rugged surroundings. "How far are we from Safe Haven?"

The man's expression turned serious. "Safe Haven is a ways off. We're headed in that direction, but it's dangerous territory. We'll have to navigate carefully."

Newt and Teresa exchanged a look, their determination renewed. They knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but they were willing to face whatever obstacles came their way to find their friends.

After breakfast, they helped pack up the camp, grateful for the supplies they had been provided. Water bottles were refilled from a nearby source—a precious commodity in the desert—and everyone checked their gear for the day's journey.

As the group set out, Newt and Teresa found themselves walking alongside the grizzled man who seemed to be a leader of sorts among the survivors. His name was Caleb, and he had a weathered map that he consulted occasionally as they walked.

"We'll follow this route," Caleb explained, pointing to a series of marks on the map. "It's the safest path we know, but there are always risks."

They walked in silence for a while, the desert stretching out around them in all directions. The sun climbed higher in the sky, warming their backs as they made steady progress across the sandy terrain. Occasionally, they would pass remnants of old buildings or abandoned vehicles, silent witnesses to a world that had been left behind.

As they walked, Caleb shared stories of their journey—a tale of survival against all odds, of close calls and hard-won victories. Newt and Teresa listened intently, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges they faced outside the city walls.

"Watch your step here," Caleb cautioned as they approached a rocky outcrop. "The ground can be treacherous."

They navigated carefully through the uneven terrain, picking their way over rocks and around scrubby bushes that dotted the landscape. The desert seemed endless, its vastness both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Hours passed in this way, the group moving steadily forward with determination. They took short breaks to rest and hydrate, using the time to catch their breath and scan the horizon for any signs of danger. The desert was unforgiving, but they pressed on, fueled by hope and the promise of safety at Safe Haven.

By midday, they stopped for a longer break in the shade of a rocky overhang. Caleb gathered everyone around, his voice low but steady.

"We'll rest here for a bit," he announced. "Eat, drink, and keep an eye out. We'll continue on towards Safe Haven once we're ready."

As Newt, Teresa, and the group of survivors rested under the shade of the rocky overhang, the conversation turned to their journey and the challenges ahead. Caleb, the leader of the group, took a seat beside Newt and Teresa, his weathered face lined with determination and experience.