Bury the Hatchet (Bellamy Blake)

7

By sunset, I'm in the middle of the woods by myself. A couple of other people are scattered by themselves, but we were all sent in different directions to scan the trees for grounder traps. Apparently, we're becoming a part of a war or something like that. Can't say I'm surprised. I mean, look at our ancestors. They weren't peaceful as they released nuclear weapons on each other, sentencing everyone to a miserable death for the sake of pride. I scoff.

I have no idea what I'm looking for. Bellamy didn't, either. He should be out here with us, since he wants to control everything. But no, he had to stay home and look after his sister. I have a flashlight, but I won't use it until it's dark. Still, I don't see anything in the trees except branches and leaves.

With not much to keep me entertained, my mind begins exploring possibilities. I'm not quite sure where I am, so there's a lot of things that could go wrong. Especially since it's dark. I keep walking, trying to ignore my mind freaking itself out. I have a job to do. A pointless and boring one, but a job nonetheless.

After several minutes, everything around me is dark. I start tripping myself out considering something behind me. I don't feel alone. I try to ignore the feeling, but it's soon all I can focus on. My breathing starts to get heavy and my eyes tear up. No. not here.

As I begin shaking, I drop my flashlight. I pick it up and turn it on, illuminating the forest. It doesn't help. I slide down against a tree, allowing myself a break so I can calm down. Tears roll from my eyes while my body trembles, but I can't hide my face or close my eyes. Every second I'm not watching is a second that invites attack. So, I keep my eyes on the empty trees for what feels like hours until I'm calm again.

As the restricted feeling in my chest leaves, my eyes start to flutter. Exhaustion waves over me. For several minutes, I try to fight it and gather the energy to get up. But then I give in. I wake easily, so I will arise if something tries coming at me. Besides, even with my flashlight, I can't see very well in the pitch black woods. I allow myself to sleep.

When I wake later on, there are still stars and a bright moon in the dark sky. I'm not sure how long it's been, but the air is colder and there are crickets chirping. Small creatures are running along, on the ground and on the trunks of trees. After studying my surroundings, I pull myself to my feet. After my nap, my whole body feels more alert. Then I remember that I have a flashlight, and feel around for it. I don't remember turning it off, but it's off. I try to flip the switch, but it doesn't work. I flick it back, and light flashes for two seconds before dying out again. It's dead. Great.

I keep strolling, using the light from the full moon to see parts of the trees and bushes. Bellamy instructed us to stay within a certain range, but I don't know how far I've traveled. Considering I took a nap, I'm sure I'm no more than five miles away. I've only spent about two hours walking. In the darkness, I stumble over rocks and fallen parts of plants. a bush slices my hand, but not bad. I keep going.

After a short time, the sky begins taking on a dark purple shade. Soon, there will be a sunrise that marks another day beginning. I slept longer than I thought. With this new knowledge, I quicken my pace. I can't report to Bellamy that I've only traveled a few miles. Not to please him, of course, but because I need to do my part in protecting my people. Still, I'm growing fatigued again.

I walk fast as the sky fades first to a vibrant orange dashed with a soft rose pink, then to a light blue. My eyes drink in the images around me, but I notice no people or traps. Since a new day has started, I know that my people will need meat. It's a good thing I've brought my knives. Besides searching for traps, I watch for animals to turn into meals back at camp.

When I shoot a fat rabbit, I hang it from my belt loop. I have my bag with me, but I want to kill extra today since everyone's been working harder. I come across a small pond and get a drink from it, noticing some small animals that resemble fish. I spear a few of their bodies with my smaller knife and toss them into my bag, adding the rabbit for no particular reason. One of the fish could feed maybe two of us, but I still only get five. I'm not even sure if they'll taste good, and we can always come get more.