Discoveries | TMR | Three

4:6

Maggie stays.

Regardless of the outcome, and despite his every protest, Oscar lost the battle, and it had been decided that she would be isolated from the rest of them for the evening, confined to a spare boat with just enough serum to stave off the Flare until dawn. The travelers needed to regroup with the rest of the Right Arm, meticulously recount every detail of their journey, and devise a strategy for the girl who had been bitten - whether she would remain with Jeff or be left to fend for herself.

Adeline had chosen to accompany her, much to Nick's chagrin. He selfishly wished she hadn't so readily volunteered, but it was either her or Matt. As harsh as it was to admit, Nick understood that in this situation, the tall blonde boy would be of no help at all.

Aside from a few murmurs of dissent regarding Maggie's expulsion and some quiet exchanges before the two girls were secured away, Matt had fallen silent, and Nick felt a growing concern. This was not like him; usually, he was one of the most rational members of their group, guided by logic rather than emotion. Even after losing his best friend and with the man who raised him being the cause of that loss, he had never allowed his feelings to overwhelm him.

But right now? Matt says nothing. Feels nothing. Is nothing but a hollow shell of the young man he once was. Everyone has a breaking point; everyone has a vulnerability, and Nick suspected that the loss of both Betty and possibly Maggie in a single night had pushed him to that brink.

Their footsteps echoed softly as they made their way toward the massive cruise ship anchored at the farthest point of the Harbour; where everyone has congregated. Herman had spotted Vince and Lily perched high on the deck, waving enthusiastically and flashing their torches in a desperate attempt to grab their attention. It was then that they learned of the Crank attack that had occurred on their first night away; a careless mistake had left the gate unlatched, allowing a relentless stream of the infected to slip in unnoticed while everyone was busy tidying up for the evening.

Nobody had even seen them come in.

There was no defense in place. No night watch or security measures beyond that one simple latch, as it was still too early for anyone to believe that the Cranks lurking outside could actually breach the confines of the deserted shops lining the promenade.

But they were capable, and they did strike.

The restaurant was the first target of the horde, which meant it would also be the last stronghold to be cleared - a task that remained unfinished. Why hadn't it happened yet? That question spiraled through Nick's mind like a whirlwind. Why hadn't they prioritized the restaurant? If they had, perhaps they could have reached Betty sooner. They could have administered the serum to her first, continuing the treatment until they found a cure, giving her a fighting chance to survive long enough for Maggie to fulfill her promise of bringing Travis and Brenda back.

They could've saved Betty.

Could they?

Her face became the focal point of the Cranks' assault, signaling that the disease was swift to take root. That's the common belief, right? The closer it is to the brain, the faster the Flare grips its victim? Nick remains uncertain. He can't tell if that's a fact or just a comforting tale his mind has fabricated to soften the blow. To ease his own anguish. To transform the haunting image of Betty huddled in that restaurant for days as the disease ravaged her essence into something slightly less terrifying in his thoughts.

As the door to the cruise liner groans and shudders open, the rickety wooden walkway, splintered and thin, trembles underfoot as Nick steps forward. The harsh reality of the night snaps back into focus, and he feels the weight of exhaustion settle in, a fatigue he hadn't even realised was creeping up on him. He watches Herman and Lenny grappling with the end of the walkway, trying to secure it to a small metal beam jutting out from the concrete, yet he remains still, offering no assistance.