riding into the wild - a love fueled adventure

chapter 6- trouble in the bando

The following weekend, Sam had planned another exploration—this time to a new abandoned spot deep in the forest. It was an old factory that had been shut down for decades, surrounded by crumbling buildings and overgrown machinery. The perfect place for a day of adventure.

Cleo, Sam, Colby, and Evelyn headed out early, riding their dirt bikes down winding forest paths until the factory's looming structures came into view. The place was eerie, its broken windows and rusted walls standing as a reminder of a forgotten past. Vines crept up the sides of the buildings, and old equipment lay scattered around like relics of a bygone era.

"This is sick," Cleo said, pulling off her helmet as they approached. "I bet there's some wild stuff inside."

"I hear there's an old generator room that's still intact," Sam added, clearly excited. "We should check it out."

The group split up, with Cleo and Sam heading toward the main building while Colby and Evelyn explored a smaller, more intact section off to the side. The thrill of the unknown buzzed in the air as they carefully navigated through the debris, their flashlights casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Evelyn's curiosity got the better of her as they moved deeper into the building. She spotted a narrow staircase leading to an upper floor and motioned to Colby. "Let's see what's up there."

Colby hesitated. "You sure? It looks pretty unstable."

Evelyn grinned, already halfway up the stairs. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"

Colby sighed but followed her up, his footsteps cautious. As they reached the top, the floor creaked ominously beneath their feet. But the view was worth it. The entire factory yard sprawled out below them, bathed in the golden light of the afternoon sun.

"Wow," Evelyn whispered, leaning against the rusted railing. "This is amazing."

But before Colby could respond, the floor beneath Evelyn gave a sudden, violent lurch.

"Evelyn, watch out!" Colby shouted, lunging forward as the old wooden planks buckled beneath her weight.

Evelyn gasped as her foot slipped through a hole in the floor, her body tumbling forward. She managed to grab onto the railing just in time, but the jagged metal scraped her leg as she fell, sending a sharp pain shooting up her side.

"Colby!" she cried out, her voice shaking.

Colby was at her side in an instant, pulling her up with strong, steady hands. He held her tight, his face pale with worry. "Are you okay? Evelyn, talk to me."

"I—I think so," she managed, though her leg throbbed with pain. She glanced down and saw blood seeping through a tear in her jeans.

"Let me see," Colby said, his voice urgent but calm. He helped her sit down, carefully inspecting the gash on her leg. "It's not too deep, but we need to clean this up. Can you stand?"

Evelyn nodded, though her legs felt shaky. Colby helped her to her feet, keeping a firm grip on her as they carefully made their way back down the stairs.

By the time they reached the bottom, Sam and Cleo had returned, concern etched on their faces when they saw Evelyn limping, supported by Colby.

"What happened?" Cleo asked, rushing over to her side.

"She slipped on the upper floor. Cut her leg pretty bad," Colby explained. "We need to get her back to the house and clean this up."

Sam gave a quick nod. "I've got a first-aid kit in my bag. Let's get her back."

With Colby's arm still around her for support, Evelyn limped toward their bikes. The pain was sharp, but the relief of knowing that Colby and her friends were there for her made it easier to bear.

As they rode back to the Trap House, Evelyn leaned into Colby, feeling the warmth of his body against her back. Despite the pain, she knew she was safe with him.

Back at the Trap House, Colby and Sam helped Evelyn inside and gently laid her down on the couch. Cleo grabbed the first-aid kit while Colby carefully cleaned the wound on her leg. His hands were gentle, but his eyes were filled with worry.

"You scared the hell out of me," Colby said softly as he wrapped the bandage around her leg.

Evelyn winced but managed a small smile. "Sorry. I didn't mean to."

He met her gaze, his expression serious but tender. "I don't want anything happening to you, Evelyn. You mean too much to me."

Her heart skipped a beat, the weight of his words sinking in. "I'm okay, Colby. Thanks to you."

Cleo and Sam exchanged knowing looks before quietly leaving the room, giving Colby and Evelyn some space.

Once they were alone, Colby sat beside her, his hand still resting on her leg, his thumb brushing over the bandage. "You need to rest," he said, his voice low. "No more adventures for a while."

Evelyn smiled softly, leaning her head against his shoulder. "As long as you're here with me, I'm fine with that."

Colby wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "I'm not going anywhere."

And as the night deepened around them, Evelyn felt a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that whatever adventures lay ahead, she and Colby would face them together—stronger, closer.