Wasteland Ferns

Come Back to Haunt Me

**Fern's POV**

I stood in front of my dresser, packing what little I had into the satchel Charon gave me. It wasn't much. A few rations of food, just enough to get me to Megaton, along with the holotapes of my dad, a couple of my mom, my switchblade, and an empty cram jar full of caps. After another month, I felt I had finally recuperated from my ordeal with Ahzrukhal. All bruises were healed, and I wasn't as jumpy as I used to be. So it only felt right that I get back out there, that I go again to look for my dad.

Carol tried talking me out of leaving for the past couple days. It was a little frustrating, despite knowing she just wanted to keep me safe. But she didn't understand. No one really did.

I felt her presence behind me, leaning against the door frame, arms crossed in a concerned manner, like a mother about to give her child a talking to. I didn't bother turning to her.

"I know you're staring," I said. 

Her expression softened, and she walked over, sitting on the edge of the bed.

"Fern, you don't have to go-"

"Yes, I do."

She flinched, which caught my eye. I took a deep breath, stopping myself from packing any more, and turning to her.

"Sorry. I get it, alright? You just want to help."

"You know I do. I'm just worried, Fern."

"I know. But I'm a tough girl. I can handle myself."

Her face softened. I stood up, leaving my bag behind, and hugged her. Feeling her leathery arms wrap around me brought a comfort I hadn't felt in a long time. "I know this is important to you, Fern. Just..... be careful."

"I know."

Carol then pulled away and reached into a drawer, pulling out a small key. "This is to the storage. A couple bottles of water and some mac and cheese isn't gonna keep you well fed from here to wherever you're going."

I smiled as she handed it to me, taking the key and hugging her again. "Thanks," I said. "I'll tell Gob you said hi."

I could tell those words made her happy. After a few seconds, I pulled away and left the room.

Taking the few steps from of Carol's place to the local storage, I opened the door and walked inside. The shelves were lined with supplies that Quinn got from his trades. 

I walked out with a few portions of food, I noticed a familiar silhouette behind me. The voice that rang out confirmed my fears.

"So you're leaving, hmm?"

Ahzrukhal.

My eyes widened in horror as I saw him. He was looking at me with a deadpan expression, a hand behind his back. I took a step backward, almost dropping the rations. 

"What the hell do you want, Ahzrukhal?"

"What do you think? You really thought I'd just let you leave?"

"I don't need you to let me."

Then he smiled. That hideous fucking shark grin. His hand emerged from his back, and pulled out a gun. A .38, by the looks of it. I wasted no breath, dropping the supplies and running. I had to find someone, anyone.

I was defenseless. It didn't take me long to register that he was going to kill me.

Just as the familiar door to Carol's place came into view, he stepped before me, smiling like a complete psychopath as he raised the gun at me.