Echoes of a Fallen World

13

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the buildings, Soren felt a renewed sense of purpose. The peaceful night had rejuvenated him, but the reality of their situation loomed in the back of his mind. They needed food, and the thought of venturing outside with one of the boys filled him with both excitement and trepidation.

“Alright, who’s coming with me?” Soren asked, glancing around at the group of eight boys who had become his makeshift family in this chaotic world. Max stepped forward “I’ll go with you. We can cover more ground together.”

As he stood up, Finn pulled him aside, a playful grin on his face. “Before we head out, I need to remind you to stay safe.” Finn positioned himself behind Soren, his hands slipping under Soren’s torn shirt to grasp his waist gently. The warmth of Finn’s touch sent a shiver down Soren’s spine, but it was comforting, a reminder that he wasn’t alone in this. Jace stepped in front of Soren, his hand resting softly on Soren’s cheek. “We’ll be right here, Soren. Just keep your wits about you, alright?” His gaze was steady, filled with a mix of affection and seriousness that made Soren feel cherished.

Soren chuckled, feeling a rush of warmth at their concern. “I promise I’ll be careful.” With that, Soren stepped out into the sunlight, the forest alive with the sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves. The air was fresh, filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and blooming wildflowers. Soren took a deep breath, feeling invigorated by the beauty surrounding him.

Max led the way, his eyes scanning the ground for any signs of edible plants or small game. “We should stick to the paths we know,” he suggested, glancing back at Soren. “There are some berry bushes not too far from here.” As they walked, Soren couldn’t help but admire Max’s confidence. The way he moved through the underbrush, effortlessly dodging branches and stepping over roots, made Soren feel a sense of safety. “You’ve done this before, haven’t you?” Soren asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

“Yeah, a few times,” Max replied, a hint of pride in his voice. “You learn quickly when you have to survive.” They continued deeper into the woods, the sunlight filtering through the leaves above, creating a dappled pattern on the forest floor. Soren felt a sense of camaraderie with Max, their shared mission bringing them closer together.

After a short while, they reached the berry bushes Max had mentioned. The vibrant red and blue berries glistened in the sunlight, and Soren’s mouth watered at the sight. “Wow, these look amazing!” he exclaimed, kneeling down to inspect them. “Just make sure you know which ones are safe,” Max cautioned, crouching beside him. “Some berries can be tricky.” Soren nodded, carefully picking a few of the berries and inspecting them closely. “These should be fine,” he said, popping one into his mouth. The sweet burst of flavor was a welcome treat, and he couldn’t help but smile.

“Delicious!” Max laughed, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “See?” They spent some time gathering berries, filling their pockets until they were bulging. Soren felt a sense of accomplishment as they worked together, their laughter echoing through the trees. But as they prepared to head back, a rustling sound caught Soren’s attention. “Did you hear that?” he whispered, his heart racing. Max nodded, his expression shifting to one of alertness. “Stay close to me,” he said, moving protectively in front of Soren.

They both listened intently, the rustling growing louder. Suddenly, a small deer emerged from the underbrush, its big eyes wide with curiosity. Soren let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding, relief washing over him. “Just a deer,” Max said, chuckling softly. “But it’s a good reminder to stay vigilant.”

As they made their way back, Soren felt a sense of gratitude for Max’s presence.

However, as they neared the edge of the forest, the atmosphere shifted. The distant sound of voices reached their ears, and Soren’s heart sank.

“Humans,” he whispered, panic creeping into his voice. Max’s eyes widened, and he quickly pulled Soren behind a thick tree trunk. They crouched low, peering out cautiously. A group of three men was walking along a nearby path, their voices carrying through the trees. “We need to stay quiet,” Max urged, his breath barely above a whisper.

Soren nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. They watched as the men approached, their laughter echoing ominously in the stillness of the forest. Soren felt a surge of fear; if they were discovered, it could mean trouble for them all.

“Let’s wait until they pass,” Max suggested, his voice steady despite the tension. They held their breath, the sounds of the men growing louder until they were almost upon them. Soren could see their faces now, rough and unkempt, and he felt a chill run down his spine.

Just as the men were about to pass their hiding spot, one of them stopped abruptly, looking around as if sensing something amiss. Soren’s heart raced as he and Finn exchanged wide-eyed glances. “Stay still,” Max whispered urgently.

The man squinted into the trees, and for a moment, Soren thought they were done for. But then, with a shrug, the man turned back to his friends, and they continued on their way, their laughter fading into the distance. Soren let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding, relief washing over him.

“That was too close,” he murmured, still shaken. Max nodded, his expression serious. “We need to be more careful. Let’s stick to the shadows from now on.”

With renewed caution, they made their way back to camp, the thrill of their adventure now tinged with the reality of their world. When they finally returned, the other boys greeted them with eager expressions. “Did you find anything?” Jace asked, his eyes lighting up as he spotted the berries.

“More than enough!” Soren replied, holding out his hand to reveal the colorful berries.

As they shared the berries, Soren couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability that lingered from their close call.