A New Beginning

Chapter VIII

Xavier said, "Are you sure this is safe"? Thomas said, "Me and Sarah were able to do it, we'll be fine". Thomas was the first one to slowly shuffle along the iced-over river. He said, "As long as we stay spread out, we should be fine". As he shuffled, everyone grew anxious. Finally, he was far enough onto the river that Sarah could begin. As she shuffled along the ice, Thomas had made it to the other side. She took a deep breath as when she walked, she could hear the ice begin to crack. Ronny was next to brave the ice as he held Albee close. He, too, heard the cracking ice beneath his feet, however, he pushed onward. Nick was next to walk as he took his first few steps onto the river. By now Sarah made it across. Nick could feel his feet sink as the ice cracked beneath him. When Nick was about halfway across the frozen river, Xavier began to walk as Ronny made it to the other side. Xavier stared at the ice to avoid spots where the cracks were frequent. "Xavier", Nick said. Xavier looked up to Nick to see that Nick was surrounded by cracking ice. Nick didn't move. "What should I do", Nick asked. Despite the fact that Nick was still, the ice still cracked beneath him. "Ok, Nick," Xavier said, "Slowly and carefully try to lay flat on the ice". Nick did as instructed as he slowly crouched. However, as he lowered himself, the ice cracked even more. "This isn't working", Nick yelled. "Ok, don't move", Xavier said, "I'm coming to you". Xavier then began to slowly walk towards Nick.

From the other side of the river, the rest of the group watched. Snow began to fall from the sky as Sarah said, "I don't think what he's doing is a smart idea". Thomas said, "Neither do I but I don't see any other option". Sarah said, "Whatever happens, he can't fall in. We won't make it to the town in time". "Well should we go out there and help them", Thomas asked. "Don't be stupid", Ronny said, "More people out there means it would be more likely for someone to die. Besides, Xavier's got this". 

As Xavier slowly grew closer to Nick, the cracking sounds grew louder as the ice could be visibly seen cracking. Nick grew nervous as the ice still cracked below him. However, as Xavier walked closer, the cracks were bigger and louder. "Stop", he yelled, "This isn't working. I'm gonna fall in if you get closer". By now Xavier was far enough away that Nick felt comfortable but close enough that Xavier could reach for Nick's hand. As he attempted to reach Nick, Nick cautiously began to reach for Xavier's hand without shifting his weight. Their hands grew closer as Nick began to think he would reach him. However, as Nick grabbed Xavier's hand, a large cracking sound was heard as the ice below Nick broke apart. Nick held on to Xavier which caused both of them to fall into the cold river. Xavier, however, grabbed onto the edge of the surrounding ice. 

Once the rest of the group saw the two fall, Thomas and Sarah immediately ran to help them. Xavier tried to pull himself out of the water, however, the ice was slippery. He held on as best as he could as he looked behind him to the water to find Nick. After a few seconds, he felt something grab hold of his leg and pull on it. Nick bobbed his head to the surface just as Thomas and Sarah approached the two. They were cautious not to step on a weak spot as Thomas helped Xavier out of the water. Sarah, meanwhile, attempted to pull Nick out of the water. Once the two were out of the water, the group has noticed that Ronny had run to their aid. "We need to get them inside, now", Sarah yelled. Ronny said, "Sarah, hold Albee for me while I carry Nick. Thomas help Xavier. Let's go". Since Xavier was only waist deep in, he was able to walk fairly well. However, Nick was completely submerged. Ronny could feel him shivering as he carried him to the village. Ronny tried to run, however, since he'd been malnourished since the end of the world, he was struggling to carry Nick on his own, let alone run. Sarah was with Ronny as she held Albee. Thomas was lagging behind with Xavier as the two slowly walked.

Since the day had started, the snow progressively fell more as the winds picked up. The cold winds hit Nick and Xavier hard as Nick screamed in pain. Xavier had to stop walking as to absorb as much of the pain as possible. "Come on", Thomas said, "We're almost there". Xavier pushed through the pain as he tried to walk. 

Finally, Sarah made it to the closest home, however as she tried to open the door, it didn't budge. She ran to the next closest home but again it was locked. "Damnit", she said as she tried to open the next door. However, it was no use as it too was locked. Finally, Ronny made it to the village as he saw Sarah struggling. The snow fell more and the winds howled. Ronny said, "Let's try a government building. As they searched, they found a municipal building not too far. Sarah broke one of the windows with a rock as they climbed in. Once inside, they saw a small office to the right and stairs leading down in front of them. "We should hide down there. It'll be easier to block the cold", Ronny said as he quickly descended down the stairs. Once downstairs, he found himself in a small courtroom filled with chairs and the judge's podium. Ronny set Nick down as he began to break the chairs. Sarah did the same as they started to prepare a fire. A short time later Xavier and Thomas found their way to the group. Thomas slammed the door behind him as Xavier collapsed.

Thomas helped break the chairs as he, Ronny, and Sarah threw the pieces into a pile. Once they felt they had enough, Ronny lit the stack as a fire was created. Everyone could instantly feel a difference. Thomas said, "I'll go look for blankets" as he left the courtroom. Ronny and Sarah helped move Xavier and Nick closer to the fire. Nick hadn't stopped shaking. His face was pale as he looked at the fire. Sarah hugged Xavier as she was extremely happy that he was alive. Ronny held Albee as he collapsed by a corner of the room and sighed.