The Last Hope

pt 5 The Gathering Storm

Chapter 5 16/06/2027

weeks passed, and the sun rose higher in the sky, illuminating a world that felt both familiar and dangerous. It had been a week since Tobias had discovered the unsettling truth about Sophia's immunity. They had spent those days on the move, avoiding the scavengers and seeking out a new hideaway-a place where they could truly feel safe.

dawned crisp and clear, with a slight breeze rustling the leaves overhead. Tobias and Sophia trekked through the dense forest, scanning the area for a suitable spot to lay low. They had left their previous camp behind, the echoes of danger still fresh in their minds.

As they walked, Tobias's thoughts drifted back to the documents he had found-the ones that detailed Sophia's past. The memories of her being tracked like a specimen haunted him, and he had vowed to uncover more about her experiences before he had come into her life.

"Do you think we'll find a good place today?" Sophia asked, her voice brightening the otherwise tense atmosphere.

"I hope so, kiddo. We will keep looking until we do," Tobias replied, determination lacing his tone. "I want us to feel at home again, away from all of this chaos."

They paused at a clearing, sunlight filtering through the branches and casting a warm glow around them. Tobias took a moment to survey the area, noticing the remnants of an old cabin hidden behind a thicket. "Let's check that out," he said, gesturing toward the structure.

As they approached the dilapidated cabin, Tobias felt a rush of memories flood back-the thrill of discovery, the hope of finding something valuable. They creaked the door open cautiously, revealing a dusty interior filled with remnants of a lifelong abandoned.

"Look at this place!" Sophia exclaimed, stepping inside, and gazing at the old furniture covered in a thick layer of dust. "It's like a time capsule!"

Tobias chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Let's see if there's anything worthwhile." They began to rummage through the cabin, uncovering old tools, broken furniture, and various oddities.

As Tobias searched through a pile of papers strewn across a table, his heart sank when he recognized the familiar handwriting. They were more documents-day logs, tracking Sophia's every move, her behavior, her interactions. His breath caught in his throat as he read the entries:

Day 1: Subject arrived at the camp. Displays signs of resilience. Sought to comfort other children.

Day 3: Subject exhibits unusual healing abilities after sustaining a minor injury. Observed interactions with caregivers, showing empathy.

Day 5: Subject has formed attachments with other children. Notable increase in protective behavior.

Each entry felt like a dagger to his heart. The logs detailed not only her time at the camp but also the meticulous tracking of her personality and interactions. They noted how she spoke, how she comforted others, and even how she seemed to instinctively care for those around her.

"Dad?" Sophia's voice broke through his thoughts, and he looked up to see her watching him with concern. "What did you find?"

Tobias's throat tightened as he held up the papers. "These are logs about you, Sophia. They tracked everything-how you behaved, how you interacted with others. They were watching you closely."

Her eyes widened, reflecting a mixture of fear and disbelief. "Why would they do that?"

"I think it's because of your immunity," he said softly. "They wanted to know everything about you-their interest in you was more than just concern; it was about control. They saw you as something valuable."